If you’re craving something refreshingly crisp and bursting with bright flavors, this Crisp Cucumber Salad with Red Onion, Dill, and Lemon Dressing Recipe is here to brighten your table! It combines the cool crunch of cucumbers with a zesty lemon dressing, a touch of sharp red onion, and fragrant dill — a perfect harmony for any time of the year.
Why You Should Make This Recipe
Super quick and easy: This salad comes together in about 10 minutes, making it perfect for busy days or last-minute guests.
Deliciously versatile: It pairs beautifully with grilled meats, sandwiches, or can even be enjoyed as a light snack.
Fresh and healthy: Packed with hydrating cucumbers and bright herbs, it’s a guilt-free way to satisfy crunchy cravings.
Perfect balance of flavors: The tangy lemon dressing brightens the mellow cucumbers, while the red onion adds just the right amount of bite.
Ingredients & Substitutions
This Crisp Cucumber Salad with Red Onion, Dill, and Lemon Dressing Recipe shines because of its simplicity — just fresh, wholesome ingredients that let one another truly sing. Each bite offers a balance of crunchy cucumbers, zingy lemon, herbal brightness from dill, and a hint of sweetness and heat from the onions.
- Cucumbers: Choose mini cucumbers for extra crunch or a large English cucumber for a milder flavor and fewer seeds.
- Red onion: Thinly sliced to provide a sharp contrast; soaking in ice water can mellow its bite.
- Olive oil: Adds a smooth richness that helps bind the dressing ingredients together.
- Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed for the brightest, most natural tang in the dressing.
- Dill: Fresh and roughly chopped to infuse the salad with a lovely herbal aroma.
- Green onion: Adds a subtle, fresh onion touch without overwhelming the salad.
- Kosher salt & black pepper: Essential seasonings to elevate and balance the flavors perfectly.
How to Make Crisp Cucumber Salad with Red Onion, Dill, and Lemon Dressing Recipe
Step 1: Slice Your Cucumbers and Onions Thinly
Grab your mini cucumbers or English cucumber and slice them very thinly. A mandoline slicer works wonders here, giving you uniform, paper-thin slices that soak up the dressing perfectly. Slice the red onion just as thinly — the goal is to create a perfect texture contrast with juicy, crisp cucumbers and a slight onion bite.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Lemon Dressing
In a small bowl, combine olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Whisk vigorously until everything is emulsified into a lovely, tangy dressing that will brighten every bite of your salad.
Step 3: Toss Everything to Combine
In a medium glass or ceramic bowl, gently toss together the sliced cucumbers, red onions, green onions, and chopped dill. Pour the lemon dressing over the top and mix until every piece is lightly coated. This step ensures every bite is bursting with flavor without overpowering the delicate crunch of the cucumbers.
Step 4: Taste and Adjust Seasoning
After mixing, give your salad a taste and sprinkle with a bit more salt or pepper if you think it needs a little boost. You can serve it immediately or chill it for 20 minutes if you prefer it extra cold and crisp.
How to Serve Crisp Cucumber Salad with Red Onion, Dill, and Lemon Dressing Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh dill sprigs or a sprinkle of chopped fresh mint make fantastic garnishes that elevate this salad’s aroma and presentation. You can also add a few thin lemon wedges or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for an unexpected twist.
Side Dishes
This Crisp Cucumber Salad with Red Onion, Dill, and Lemon Dressing Recipe pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, fish tacos, or even a hearty sandwich. It’s also a refreshing side at picnics and BBQs, bringing a light balance to heavier mains.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this salad in individual mason jars layered with herbs on top for a charming, portable option. For an elegant touch, try plating it on a long platter with edible flowers and lemon zest curls for a visually striking appetizer or side dish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The cucumbers will soften over time, so it’s best enjoyed fresh or within a day for maximum crunch.
Freezing
This salad doesn’t freeze well because cucumbers become watery and lose their crunch after thawing, so I recommend preparing it fresh to enjoy its best texture.
Reheating
Since this salad is intended to be served cold and fresh, reheating is not necessary nor recommended. Enjoy it chilled straight from the fridge for the crispiest experience.
FAQs
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Can I substitute red onion with a milder onion?
Absolutely! You can use sweet onions or shallots if you want a gentler onion flavor. Remember to slice them thinly and soak briefly in ice water to mellow their bite.
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Is it possible to make this salad vegan?
Yes! This recipe is naturally vegan as it contains only vegetables, olive oil, and lemon juice, so it fits perfectly into a plant-based diet.
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How can I make this salad more filling?
Try adding chopped avocado, toasted nuts, or even some crumbled feta cheese for extra texture and substance that will make this salad more satiating.
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Can I use dried dill instead of fresh?
Fresh dill really shines in this salad, but if you must substitute, use about half the amount of dried dill since it’s more concentrated. Keep in mind that fresh dill provides a brighter, fresher taste.
Final Thoughts
I hope you fall in love with this Crisp Cucumber Salad with Red Onion, Dill, and Lemon Dressing Recipe as much as I do. It’s one of those fresh, vibrant dishes that instantly lifts your spirits and makes any meal feel like a celebration. Give it a try and watch it become a fast favorite in your weekly rotation!
Print
Crisp Cucumber Salad with Red Onion, Dill, and Lemon Dressing Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and crisp cucumber salad featuring thinly sliced cucumbers, red onions, and green onions tossed in a tangy lemon and olive oil dressing, enhanced with fresh dill for a light and flavorful side dish perfect for warm days or as a palate cleanser.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 6 mini cucumbers or 1 large English cucumber, thinly sliced
- ¼ large red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
For the Dressing
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Herbs
- 1 teaspoon fresh dill, roughly chopped
Instructions
- Slice the vegetables: Thinly slice the cucumbers and red onions using a sharp knife or mandoline for uniform slices. This ensures even texture and an appealing presentation.
- Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper until well combined and emulsified.
- Toss the salad: In a medium glass bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers, red onions, green onions, and chopped fresh dill. Pour the prepared dressing over the vegetables and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
- Serve and adjust seasoning: Transfer the salad to a serving bowl. Taste and add additional salt and pepper if desired. Optionally, chill the salad before serving to enhance its crispness and refreshment.
Notes
- Chill the salad before serving to make it extra crisp and refreshing.
- Use fresh, perfectly ripe cucumbers for the best flavor and texture.
- If red onions are too pungent, soak them in ice water for 10 minutes to mellow their sharpness before slicing.
