Lemon-Dill Cucumber Salad with Chives

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A refreshing cucumber salad with bright lemon and dill notes, ideal for summer meals. This french-inspired salads ready in about 12 minutes pairs large cucumber, fresh dill, 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 105 calories and feeds 2, 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.

★ 4.3 (15 ratings) Prep: 12 min Serves 2 French cuisine 105 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Peel 1 large cucumber, cut lengthwise, and remove seeds with a spoon; thinly slice into 1/8-inch half-moons.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tbsp fresh dill, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 1 tsp red wine vinegar, and 1/4 tsp sea salt until combined.
  3. Step 3: Pour the dressing over the sliced cucumber and toss gently to coat all pieces evenly.
  4. Step 4: Sprinkle 1 tbsp finely chopped chives over the salad, then refrigerate for 15 minutes to allow flavors to develop before serving, ensuring the cucumber remains crisp.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Lemon-Dill Cucumber Salad with Chives take to make?

Total time is about 12 minutes (12 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 Lemon-Dill Cucumber Salad with Chives?

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 large cucumber from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Lemon-Dill Cucumber Salad with Chives?

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 Lemon-Dill Cucumber Salad with Chives 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 Lemon-Dill Cucumber Salad with Chives?

French 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.

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