Healthy Mediterranean Cucumber Salad with Dill is a perfect choice for summer lunches and get-togethers. It's easy to prepare, and the bright flavors and textures are irresistible. This versatile salad features crunchy English cucumber and radishes, red onion, and fresh dill, all dressed in a simple yet tasty Mediterranean vinaigrette.
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Jump To
- 💖Why we love Mediterranean cucumber salad?
- 🛒 Ingredients for Healthy Mediterranean Cucumber Salad with Dill:
- Equipment you need to make cucumber and radish salad recipe:
- 🍽️ How to make healthy cucumber salad:
- What to serve with cucumber and radish recipes?
- 🫙 Leftover and Storing vinegar cucumber salad:
- 📃 Substitutions & Variations
- ☑️ Lora's Tips for fresh cucumber salad recipes:
- How to cut cucumbers for salad?
- ❓ FAQ'S
- Some other summer recipes you'll love:
- 📖 Recipe
- Healthy Mediterranean Cucumber Salad with Dill
As soon as it's summertime, I can't get enough of different cucumber salads. Whipping up a Mediterranean Cucumber Salad is an absolute delight and epitomizes the essence of Mediterranean cuisine.
You really don't need much to put this salad together. The salad begins with the freshest cucumbers and radishes, thinly sliced and tossed in a large mixing bowl with crunchy red onions. An optional idea would be to add in some Kalamata olives and even some feta cheese.
The dressing is simple yet full of flavor-a tablespoon of quality extra virgin olive oil combined with a splash of red wine vinegar and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, whisked together to create a light but flavorful coating for the crisp vegetables.
I love the combination of cucumbers with fresh dill. If you don't have fresh dill on hand, you could even use fresh mint. giving the salad an aromatic lift that pairs beautifully with the robust Mediterranean flavors. As I mix everything together, the colors and scents blend, creating a dish that's as visually appealing as it is tasty. Ready in less than 10 minutes, yes, it's that quick to make!
If you like this recipe you might like my healthy Mediterranean chopped salad and my Italian cucumber and tomato salad recipe.
💖Why we love Mediterranean cucumber salad?
- Flavorful and Fresh: Each bite offers a burst of fresh Mediterranean flavors.
- Health Benefits: Packed with healthy ingredients like cucumber, radishes, and extra virgin olive oil, it's a heart-healthy choice.
- Easy to Prepare: This salad comes together quickly using simple ingredients, perfect for a last-minute meal.
- Versatile: Serve it as a refreshing side with grilled meats or as a light main course on its own.
- Diet-friendly: Naturally gluten-free and rich in nutrients, it fits well into a health-conscious diet.
- Aesthetic Appeal: The vibrant mix of ingredients makes it a visually appealing dish that's sure to impress.
🛒 Ingredients for Healthy Mediterranean Cucumber Salad with Dill:
Here's all you need to make this refreshing cucumber radish salad:
- For the Salad:
- Cucumber: I really like to use English (or Persian) cucumbers. I get it organic so there is no need to peel off the skin. It's sweeter than conventional cucumbers. Thinly sliced for texture with a mandoline, or slice thicker. Whatever you prefer.
- Radishes: Adds a peppery crunch and color. You could use French Breakfast or Daikon radishes. I used Red Round Radishes.
- Red onion, thinly sliced: Offers a sharp, pungent flavor; can substitute with white onion or shallots. You could even use green onions. Whatever you have on hand. You could also omit it.
- Fresh dill: I really love fresh dill, as it adds a fresh, aromatic flavor. Can substitute with 1 tablespoon dried dill if necessary. Or use fresh mint or fresh basil.
- For the Dressing:
- Extra-virgin olive oil: The base of the quick vinaigrette, adds richness and healthy fats. Use a more mild flavored oil, like avocado oil, if you have it on hand and prefer.
- Fresh lemon juice: Provides acidity and brightness.
- White wine vinegar or white balsamic: Adds tanginess and depth.
- Sea salt: Add just a touch to the dressing. You could always add more, to your taste.
- Freshly ground black pepper: Adds a mild heat and seasoning. Add more to your taste.
- Dried oregano: Brings a classic Mediterranean herb flavor. I happen to have some dried Sicilian oregano on hand. They sell it even in Italian markets. It really adds a great flavor!
Equipment you need to make cucumber and radish salad recipe:
- Cutting board: A bamboo board is great, but you could use any sort of cutting board.
- Sharp knife: A nice sharp knife helps is needed to cut the chicken into small pieces.
- Mandoline slicer: If you happen to have a mandoline slicer on hand, it's really great to use to get even slices.
- Large bowl: Use whatever serving bowl you have to put the salad together.
🍽️ How to make healthy cucumber salad:
Here is how to make this easy salad (the full recipe is below!):
Gather up all the ingredients.
- Step 1: Clean and slice cucumbers and radishes. Slice onion. Add to a mixing bowl.
- Step 2: Make the dressing.
- Step 3: Combine the dressing with the salad ingredients and stir to combine.
- Step 4: Serve and enjoy!
📃 NOTE: Recipe card with detailed instructions are below! Print it out for later!
What to serve with cucumber and radish recipes?
This salad recipe could be served as a side dish. It would go nicely with different dishes like these:
- Tuscan White Bean Soup>>>A delicious and hearty soup. This goes great along with this healthy salad.
- Spaghetti Aglio e Olio >>> Really full of flavors and so quick to make!
- Filone >>> A simple and very crusty yeast bread that is just what you need on the side!
- Pork Tenderloin >>> Just delicious and so easy to make. Goes so well with the salad!
- Chicken Spiedini >>> Tender and really fast to make. These skewers are so flavorful!
🫙 Leftover and Storing vinegar cucumber salad:
- To refrigerate: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
📃 Substitutions & Variations
To add variety to your Mediterranean Cucumber Salad, consider these creative variations and substitutions:
- Vegetable Variations:
- Swap radishes with thin slices of bell peppers for a sweeter crunch or add cherry tomatoes for a burst of color and juiciness.
- Add in some avocado slices for a creamy texture that goes really nicely with the crispness of the cucumbers.
- Herb Substitutions:
- Replace dill with fresh basil or mint for a different herbal note. Both of these fresh herbs go very well with the Mediterranean flavor profile.
- Dressing Alternatives:
- For a creamier dressing, blend Greek yogurt with the olive oil and lemon juice, cutting back the vinegar slightly.
- Add a teaspoon of mustard or a clove of minced garlic to the dressing for extra zing.
- Protein Add-ons:
- Include crumbled feta or goat cheese for added richness and a Mediterranean touch.
- For a protein boost, toss in some grilled chicken strips or chickpeas.
- Nutty Crunch:
- A sprinkle of slivered almonds or even toasted pine nuts adds texture to the salad and gives it a nutty flavor.
☑️ Lora's Tips for fresh cucumber salad recipes:
- Thinly Slice Vegetables: It's best to use a mandoline slicer to get uniformly thin slices of cucumbers and you could even slice the radishes with it.
- Salting Cucumbers: To prevent your salad from becoming too watery, you could lightly salt the cucumber slices and letting them sit for 10-15 minutes before adding them to the salad. Rinse and pat dry before mixing with other ingredients.
- Chill Before Serving: To enhance the flavors and make it even crunchier, refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Fresh vs. Dried Herbs: While the dressing recipe calls for dried oregano, adding a bit of fresh oregano can brighten the flavor. Always remember that dried herbs are more concentrated than fresh, so use them sparingly.
- Dressing the Salad: It's best to mix the dressing separately and thoroughly before adding it to the vegetables. This makes sure the dressing is emulsified, which helps distribute evenly.
- Adjust Seasonings: After mixing the salad, taste it and adjust the salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed. Sometimes a little extra squeeze of lemon can make all the flavors pop.
- Add Variations Last: If you decide to add on any optional ingredients like feta, or nuts, add them after the salad has been mixed with the dressing to maintain their texture.
- Make Ahead: Depending on thin you slice the cucumbers and radishes, they could soften from absorbing moisture from the dressing. To keep the salad crispy, add the dressings 10-15 minutes before serving.
How to cut cucumbers for salad?
There are various ways to cut cucumbers for a salad, depending on what texture and how you want them to look. Here are some ways:
- Slices: This is the method I prefer and most often, I use my mandoline. Cut the cucumber into thin, even rounds. This is great for a classic look.
- Wash and optionally peel the cucumber.
- Slice off the ends.
- Cut into thin, uniform slices.
- Halved Slices: For a slightly different look, cut the cucumber in half lengthwise and then slice.
- Wash and optionally peel the cucumber. No need to peel if you use an English cucumber.
- Slice off the ends.
- Cut the cucumber in half lengthwise.
- Slice each half into thin, even half-moons.
- Quarters: Cut the cucumber into quarters lengthwise, then slice for chunkier pieces.
- Wash and optionally peel the cucumber.
- Slice off the ends.
- Cut the cucumber in half lengthwise, then into quarters lengthwise.
- Slice across each quarter into desired thickness.
- Diced: For small, even pieces that mix well into the salad.
- Wash and optionally peel the cucumber.
- Slice off the ends.
- Cut the cucumber in half lengthwise, then into quarters lengthwise.
- Slice across each quarter into desired thickness.
- Turn the slices and cut again to create small, even cubes.
- Strips: You may also know this cutting method as julienne and it gives the cucumbers a unique texture.
- Wash and optionally peel the cucumber. Again, if you use English, no need to peel.
- Slice off the ends.
- Cut the cucumber into 2-3 inch sections.
- Slice each section lengthwise into thin strips.
❓ FAQ'S
Can you eat cucumbers on the Mediterranean diet?
Yes, cucumbers are a great choice for the Mediterranean diet. Although low in calories, they contain a lot of water and nutrients, making them a hydrating and a nutrient-rich addition to any meal. Cucumbers go really great if you're following the Mediterranean diet, which has an emphasis on plant-based foods, fresh vegetables and salads.
What does a Mediterranean salad contain?
A Mediterranean salad typically includes a base of greens like romaine or spinach, topped with cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, and sometimes bell peppers. Black or green olives and feta cheese add briny and creamy flavors, while fresh herbs like parsley or mint enhance the freshness.
The salad is dressed with olive oil and lemon juice or vinegar, often with added garlic and herbs. Optional extras like artichokes, capers, avocado, or proteins such as grilled chicken or fish can make the salad more substantial.
Which cucumber is best for salad?
For salads, the best cucumbers are those that are crisp and have hardly any seeds. Look out for these varieties:
- English Cucumbers: What I used in this sald. Long, slim, and nearly seedless, with a mild taste and thin, edible skin.
- Persian Cucumbers: Small, thin, and similar to English cucumbers in taste and texture, also nearly seedless.
- Kirby Cucumbers: Crisp and stout, suitable for both pickling and salads, with edible bumpy skin.
- Japanese Cucumbers: Long and slender like English cucumbers, but slightly sweeter.
What can I use in place of dill?
If you can't get a hold of any fresh dill, you could substitute with dill weed. For each tablespoon of fresh dill use 1 teaspoon of dill weed. Start with less and see how you like it and add more.
In case you don't like dill, you could use basil, fresh mint, or Italian parsley.
How do you keep cucumber salad from getting watery?
To prevent cucumber salad from getting watery, try these methods:
- Salt and Drain: Sprinkle salt on sliced cucumbers and let them sit in a colander for 20-30 minutes to draw out moisture. Rinse and pat dry.
- Remove Seeds: Scoop out and discard cucumber seeds before slicing, as they contain a lot of water.
- Choose Seedless Varieties: Opt for English or Persian cucumbers, which are naturally less watery.
- Chill Before Serving: Keep cucumbers cold to maintain crispness and reduce moisture release.
- Add Dressing Last: Dress the salad just before serving to avoid sogginess.
Do I have to skin the cucumbers?
I used organic English cucumbers, and the skin is very tender. So if you use that variety, not need to peel them. Other varieties may need to be peeled, as the skin is tough.
Some other summer recipes you'll love:
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📖 Recipe
Healthy Mediterranean Cucumber Salad with Dill
Equipment
- 1 Knife
Ingredients
- For the Salad:
- 3 cups thinly sliced cucumber
- 2 English cucumbers or 4 mini cucumbers thinly sliced using a mandoline or knife (should yield 3 cups)
- 4-6 radishes thinly sliced
- ¼ red onion thinly sliced, or use white onion or shallots
- 3 Tablespoons fresh dill chopped
- For the Dressing
- 3 Tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 Tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 Tablespoon white wine vinegar or white balsamic
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon Freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
Instructions
For the Salad:
- Place sliced cucumbers, radishes, onions, and fresh dill in a medium mixing bowl. You could use the bowl you'll actually serve it in.
For the dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, vinegar, salt, pepper and oregano. Or add them all to a mason jar, close the lid, and shake well to combine.
Combine and serve:
- Pour the dressing over the salad and stir to combine.
- Allow to marinade for 5-10 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Nutrition Disclaimer
Please keep in mind that the nutritional information presented below is an approximation and may vary depending on the exact ingredients used.
Notes
- Cucumber and radishes: If you can use a mandolin slicer to slice them, it would be best way to get them thinly sliced. It's also fine to slice with a sharp knife.
- Herbs: Fresh dill is what I prefer, but if you only have dried dill, you could use 1 tablespoon. You could also use fresh mint or basil.
- Leftovers: Best made and enjoyed the day it's served. Any leftovers could be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.
I made this salad and I used scallions and it turned out really good! I added a little bit more fresh lemon juice, because I like a lot of lemon!