The Best Dill Cucumber Salad Recipe: My Quick Pickle “Cucumber Crack” Version

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If you're looking for a fast, bright, crunchy salad you can make in minutes, this dill cucumber salad is it. It’s my take on a “quick pickle” — thin-sliced cucumbers tossed in a garlicky, lemony dressing that hits all the right notes: salty, tangy, fresh, and wildly addicting.

(There’s a reason we call it Cucumber Crack.)

This version uses simple ingredients you probably already have at home, and it works as a summer side, a snack, or the thing you eat straight from the bowl before dinner even happens.

Why This is the Best Dill Cucumber Salad

Ready in about 10 minutes
No measuring required
Crunchy, refreshing, and bright
Even better after it sits
Pairs with… basically everything
Fits beautifully into a plant-rich, steady-energy lifestyle

Ingredients (What You Need)

For the salad

Persian or English cucumbers (enough to fill a medium bowl)
Optional: fresh dill, chopped

For the dressing

Juice of 1 lemon
Olive oil
Splash of white vinegar
3–4 cloves garlic, finely grated
Salt + black pepper, to taste

How to Make This Dill Cucumber Salad

1. Slice your cucumbers thin

Use a cheese grater or mandoline. The thinner the slices, the more “quick pickle” flavor they soak up.
Careful with your fingers — I share a helpful tip in the video below.

2. Mix the dressing

In a big bowl, whisk together:

Lemon juice
Olive oil
White vinegar
Grated garlic
Salt + pepper

Taste and adjust until it makes you say “mmm.” No need to measure — trust your palate.

3. Toss & let it sit

Add the cucumbers and dill to the bowl and toss well.
Let it rest for 10 minutes so the flavors can come together.

That’s it: crunchy, bright, tangy bliss.

Watch the Quick Pickle “Cucumber Crack” Tutorial

FAQ: Dill Cucumber Salad (Quick Pickle Edition)

How long does this salad last?

About 2–3 days in the fridge, but the truth? You’ll likely eat it all the same day.

Do I have to use dill?

No — basil or parsley works too, but dill makes it taste like a classic pickle.

Can I add anything else?

Absolutely. Thin-sliced red onion, feta, or cherry tomatoes are great add-ins.

Does this get soggy?

The cucumbers soften slightly over time, but in the best possible way — fresh at first, then pickle-y and flavorful.

A Simple Salad That Makes Eating More Plants Easy

This recipe checks all the boxes: fast, flavorful, and impossible to get bored of. It’s one of the easiest ways to sneak more plants onto your plate without turning it into a project.

If you try it, let me know what you think — or tag me on Instagram so I can see your version.

More simple recipes and everyday upgrades coming soon.