Light BBQ Side Dishes: Fresh Cucumber Salad with Lemon & Dill

When the weather warms up and the grill gets fired, a light and refreshing side dish is always a welcome addition to any meal.

This fresh cucumber salad with lemon and dill is exactly that – a vibrant, easy-to-make option that perfectly complements the rich flavors of BBQ. It’s a simple recipe that brings a burst of fresh flavor to your table without any fuss.

This salad is not only delicious but also incredibly quick to prepare, making it ideal for those busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings. Its bright, tangy, and herbaceous notes cut through the richness of grilled meats, offering a delightful balance that everyone will appreciate.

Fresh Cucumber Salad with Lemon and Dill

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• Total Time: 25-45 minutes
• Yield: 4-6 servings 1x

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Description

This vibrant and easy-to-make fresh cucumber salad with lemon and dill is a light and refreshing side dish, perfect for complementing grilled meats and BBQ. It’s quick to prepare, taking under 15 minutes, and offers a bright, tangy, and herbaceous flavor profile that is both refreshing and satisfying. Ideal for family dinners, potlucks, picnics, and backyard BBQs, this salad is a crowd-pleaser that appeals to a wide range of palates.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

3–4 medium cucumbers (about 1.5 lbs), such as English or Persian

1/4 cup fresh dill, finely chopped

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (from about 1 medium lemon)

1 tablespoon olive oil

1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste

1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste

optional: 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion

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Instructions

1. 1. Prepare the Cucumbers: Wash cucumbers thoroughly. If using English or Persian cucumbers, peeling is optional. For standard slicing cucumbers, peel and scoop out large seeds if desired. Slice cucumbers into thin rounds or half-moons, about 1/4-inch thick. Place in a large mixing bowl.

2. 2. Chop the Fresh Dill: Wash and pat dry fresh dill. Finely chop to yield about 1/4 cup. Add chopped dill to the bowl with the cucumbers.

3. 3. Prepare the Red Onion (Optional): If using, thinly slice the red onion. Add to the bowl with the cucumbers and dill.

4. 4. Create the Dressing: In a small separate bowl, whisk together fresh lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and black pepper until well combined and salt is dissolved. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

5. 5. Combine and Toss: Pour the prepared dressing over the cucumbers, dill, and red onion in the large mixing bowl. Gently toss all ingredients together until cucumbers are evenly coated with the dressing.

6. 6. Chill and Serve: For best flavor and texture, cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 15-30 minutes before serving. Toss gently again just before serving.

• Prep Time: 10-15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: side dish
• Method: no cook
• Cuisine: american

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/2 cup

Keywords: cucumber salad, lemon dill, refreshing, side dish, bbq, easy, healthy, vegetarian, quick, summer

What You’ll Love About This Quick And Easy Recipe

This recipe is a true gem for anyone looking for a no-stress side dish that delivers on flavor. You’ll love how incredibly fast it comes together, often in under 15 minutes, making it perfect for last-minute meal additions. It’s a fantastic option for home cooks of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned chefs, because the steps are straightforward and the ingredients are common. This fresh cucumber salad is particularly well-suited for family dinners, potlucks, picnics, and especially those casual backyard BBQs where you want something light and crisp to balance out heavier main courses. It’s a crowd-pleaser that appeals to a wide range of palates, including those who prefer lighter, healthier options. The combination of cool cucumber, zesty lemon, and aromatic dill creates a harmonious flavor profile that is both refreshing and satisfying without being heavy.

Everything You Need To Make This Recipe Without Stress

Gathering your ingredients for this refreshing salad is incredibly simple. You likely have many of these staples in your pantry or refrigerator already. The beauty of this recipe lies in its minimal components, each playing a crucial role in creating a bright and flavorful dish.

INGREDIENTS:

• 3-4 medium cucumbers (about 1.5 lbs), such as English or Persian
• 1/4 cup fresh dill, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (from about 1 medium lemon)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
• Optional: 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion

For the cucumbers, English cucumbers are fantastic because they have thin skins and fewer seeds, meaning you often don’t need to peel them. Persian cucumbers are also excellent for their crisp texture and mild flavor. If you’re using standard slicing cucumbers, you might want to peel them and scoop out some of the larger seeds for a better texture. Fresh dill is key here; dried dill won’t give you the same vibrant flavor or aroma. When it comes to lemon juice, always opt for fresh – bottled juice simply doesn’t compare in terms of brightness and zest. A good quality extra virgin olive oil will add a pleasant richness without overpowering the other flavors. If you’re not a fan of red onion, or want a milder flavor, you can omit it or soak the sliced onion in cold water for 10 minutes to reduce its pungency before adding it to the salad.

Time Needed From Start To Finish

This recipe is a true testament to how much flavor you can achieve in a short amount of time. It’s designed for speed and convenience, making it perfect for busy schedules.

• Prep Time: 10-15 minutes
• Chill Time (Optional but Recommended): 15-30 minutes
• Total Time: 25-45 minutes

The majority of the time is spent on a bit of chopping and mixing. The optional chill time allows the flavors to meld beautifully and ensures the salad is perfectly cool and crisp, which is especially delightful on a warm day.

How To Make It Step By Step With Visual Cues

Creating this fresh cucumber salad is a breeze. Follow these simple steps to achieve a perfectly balanced and refreshing side dish every time.

1. Prepare the Cucumbers: Start by washing your cucumbers thoroughly. If using English or Persian cucumbers, you typically don’t need to peel them. For standard slicing cucumbers, you might want to peel them and, if the seeds are large, slice them in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds with a spoon. Once prepared, slice the cucumbers into thin rounds or half-moons, about 1/4-inch thick. Place the sliced cucumbers into a large mixing bowl.
2. Chop the Fresh Dill: Wash your fresh dill and pat it dry. Finely chop the dill, ensuring you have about 1/4 cup. The finer the chop, the more evenly the flavor will distribute throughout the salad. Add the chopped dill to the bowl with the cucumbers.
3. Prepare the Red Onion (Optional): If using, thinly slice the red onion. You can use a mandoline for very thin, uniform slices, or a sharp knife. Add the sliced red onion to the bowl with the cucumbers and dill.
4. Create the Dressing: In a small separate bowl, whisk together the fresh lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until the ingredients are well combined and the salt has dissolved. Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning if needed; you might want a little more salt or pepper depending on your preference.
5. Combine and Toss: Pour the prepared dressing over the cucumbers, dill, and red onion in the large mixing bowl. Using a pair of tongs or a large spoon, gently toss all the ingredients together until the cucumbers are evenly coated with the dressing.
6. Chill and Serve: For the best flavor and texture, cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 15-30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the cucumbers to become perfectly chilled and crisp. Give it another gentle toss just before serving.

Easy Variations And Serving Ideas That Fit Real Life

This fresh cucumber salad is wonderfully versatile and can be adapted to suit different tastes and occasions. It’s fantastic as a simple side, but with a few tweaks, it can become even more special.

For a creamier texture, you can add a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream to the dressing. Start with 2 tablespoons and mix it in, tasting as you go. This creates a more traditional creamy cucumber salad while still keeping it light. If you enjoy a touch of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes can be added to the dressing. For an extra pop of flavor and color, consider adding a handful of cherry tomatoes, halved, or some thinly sliced radishes for an added peppery crunch. A sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese or goat cheese would also be a delicious addition, adding a salty, tangy element that pairs beautifully with the fresh vegetables.

This salad is a superstar at any BBQ, pairing perfectly with grilled chicken, burgers, hot dogs, or even grilled fish. It’s also an excellent side for a light lunch, alongside a sandwich or wrap. For a potluck or buffet, it holds up well and provides a refreshing contrast to richer dishes. You can serve it in a large decorative bowl or even in individual small cups for a more elegant presentation. For a kid-friendly version, simply omit the red onion and ensure the cucumber slices are small enough for little hands to manage. The bright flavors of lemon and dill are generally well-liked by children, making this a great way to get them to eat their veggies.

Common Slip-Ups And How To Avoid Them

Even simple recipes can have common pitfalls. Knowing what to watch out for can help ensure your cucumber salad turns out perfectly every time.

One common mistake is over-salting the cucumbers too early. Cucumbers have a high water content, and salt will draw out that moisture. If you salt them too far in advance without draining, your salad can become watery and dilute the dressing. To avoid this, only add the salt when you’re ready to dress and serve, or if making ahead, consider lightly salting the cucumbers, letting them sit for 10-15 minutes, then gently squeezing out excess water before adding the dressing.

Another slip-up is using dried dill instead of fresh. While dried herbs have their place, dill is one herb where fresh truly makes a significant difference in flavor and aroma. Dried dill will give you a much milder, less vibrant taste. Always opt for fresh dill for this recipe.

Not chilling the salad is another missed opportunity. While edible immediately, the flavors of this salad really benefit from a short chill in the refrigerator. This allows the lemon and dill to meld with the cucumber, and the coolness enhances the refreshing quality of the dish. Don’t skip this step if you have the time.

Finally, over-dressing the salad can make it soggy. While you want all the cucumbers coated, too much dressing can overwhelm the delicate flavors of the vegetables. Start with the recommended amounts and adjust to your taste, but be mindful not to drown the cucumbers. A light coating is all you need for maximum flavor.

How To Store It And Make It Ahead Without Ruining Texture

Proper storage is key to enjoying your fresh cucumber salad for as long as possible while maintaining its crisp texture.

To store any leftovers, transfer the salad to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for 1-2 days. Beyond that, the cucumbers may start to soften and release more water, making the salad less appealing. While it’s still safe to eat, the texture won’t be as

FAQs

• Can I make these ahead? Yes—prep ahead, refrigerate, then serve when ready.
• How long do leftovers last? Store covered in the fridge for 3–4 days for best texture.
• Can I adjust sweetness? Yes—add more or less sweetener to taste.
• Can I change the fruit? Yes—swap strawberries for blueberries, raspberries, or sliced banana.