Gin and Herb-Infused Cucumber Salad
A refreshing cucumber salad lightly infused with herbal notes of gin, finished with lemon and fresh dill. This mediterranean-inspired salads ready in about 10 minutes pairs medium, thinly sliced English cucumber, dry gin, fresh lemon juice 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 60 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 medium, thinly sliced English cucumber
- 2 tbsp dry gin
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 2 medium thinly sliced English cucumbers and 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp dry gin, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 1/2 tsp sea salt, and 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper until emulsified.
- Step 3: Pour the gin-lemon dressing over the cucumber and onion mixture. Toss gently to coat all pieces evenly.
- Step 4: Sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill over the salad and toss lightly again.
- Step 5: Refrigerate for 15 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and the gin to impart a subtle herbal aroma.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Gin and Herb-Infused Cucumber Salad take to make?
Total time is about 10 minutes (10 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 Gin and Herb-Infused Cucumber 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 dry gin from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Gin and Herb-Infused Cucumber 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 Gin and Herb-Infused Cucumber 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 Gin and Herb-Infused Cucumber 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.
