Cucumber-Pickle Salad with Basil Olive Oil Dressing

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A crisp, refreshing salad featuring thinly sliced cucumbers and dill pickles in a fragrant basil olive oil dressing, ideal as a side or light meal. This american-inspired whole30 ready in about 15 minutes blends medium cucumbers, dill pickles, fresh basil into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 120 calories and feeds 2, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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.

Prep: 15 min Serves 2 American cuisine 120 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Peel cucumbers and slice into 1/8-inch thick rounds. Place in a bowl and sprinkle with 1/4 tsp salt. Let sit 10 minutes to draw out excess water, then pat dry with paper towels.
  2. Step 2: Thinly slice dill pickles. Add to cucumber bowl.
  3. Step 3: Chop basil leaves and combine with 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper in a small bowl.
  4. Step 4: Pour dressing over cucumber-pickle mixture and toss gently until evenly coated.
  5. Step 5: Chill for 15 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Cucumber-Pickle Salad with Basil Olive Oil Dressing take to make?

Total time is about 15 minutes (15 min prep + 0 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Cucumber-Pickle Salad with Basil Olive Oil Dressing?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cucumber-Pickle Salad with Basil Olive Oil Dressing?

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-Pickle Salad with Basil Olive Oil Dressing for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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-Pickle Salad with Basil Olive Oil Dressing?

American whole30 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.

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