Cucumber-Dill Vinaigrette Salad
A refreshing salad where crisp cucumbers and dill are balanced by equal parts oil and vinegar dressing. This mediterranean-inspired salads ready in about 15 minutes pairs cucumber, red onion, olive oil into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 110 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cucumber
- 1/2 cup red onion
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp white wine vinegar
- 2 tbsp fresh dill
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Slice 2 cups cucumber into 1/4-inch half-moons and 1/2 cup red onion into thin rings. Place in a mixing bowl.
- Step 2: Whisk 3 tbsp olive oil, 3 tbsp white wine vinegar, 2 tbsp fresh dill, 1/4 tsp sea salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper until emulsified.
- Step 3: Pour dressing over cucumber and onion mixture, tossing gently until evenly coated. Chill for 15 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Cucumber-Dill Vinaigrette Salad take to make?
Total time is about 15 minutes (15 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Cucumber-Dill Vinaigrette Salad?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep cucumber from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Cucumber-Dill Vinaigrette Salad?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Cucumber-Dill Vinaigrette Salad for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Cucumber-Dill Vinaigrette Salad?
Mediterranean salads like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Doubled the garlic (as one does) and it was amazing.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 0-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
- ★★★★☆
Nice recipe! Presentation was beautiful. Flavor was good, not great.