Celery Salad With Cucumber And Dill

Name: Celery Salad With Cucumber And Dill
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 stalks of celery, diced; 1 large cucumber, diced; 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Wholesome Kitchen Co.

I love making refreshing salads that bring a burst of flavor to my meals, and this Celery Salad with Cucumber and Dill is a perfect example. The crispness of the celery combined with the smoothness of the cucumber creates a delightful texture that is hard to resist. I also appreciate how the fresh dill enhances the overall flavor profile, giving it a vibrant touch. It's a simple dish that pairs beautifully with grilled meats or can be enjoyed on its own as a light lunch. Trust me, this salad is a must-try!

Created by

Marianne Hughes

Last updated on 2026-01-22T10:19:11.619Z

When I first made this salad, I was pleasantly surprised by how the flavors came together. The crunch of the celery blends seamlessly with the cool cucumber, and when you add the fresh dill, it transforms into something truly special. I remember serving it at a picnic, and everyone kept coming back for seconds. It’s amazing how a simple combination of ingredients can result in such a crowd-pleaser!

One tip I discovered is to let the salad sit for a bit before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together, and the crunchiness of the celery remains intact while soaking up the dressing. It’s this attention to detail that takes the salad from good to unforgettable!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Crisp, refreshing textures that satisfy your crunch cravings
Bright flavors from fresh ingredients that wake up your taste buds
A versatile side dish that complements various main dishes

The Role of Fresh Ingredients

The ingredients in this salad are key to its refreshing nature, and using fresh produce directly impacts the flavor and texture. When selecting celery, look for crisp stalks that snap easily, indicating freshness. For cucumbers, choose ones with smooth, firm skin and avoid any with soft spots or wrinkles. Fresh dill adds a punchy herbaceous note, so make sure to buy it in small quantities; its flavor diminishes quickly. This combination creates a salad that's vibrant and invigorating.

The balance between the crunchiness of celery and the soft texture of cucumber is fundamental to this salad's appeal. Celery's bark-like texture provides a wonderful contrast to the smooth skin of the cucumber, making each bite a delightful experience. Additionally, this balance means that you can play around with the proportions: if you prefer a more cucumber-forward salad, feel free to increase its quantity, maintaining the ratio of dressing and dill to keep flavor harmonization.

Dressing Tips for Maximum Flavor

Creating an effective dressing is essential to elevate your salad. In this recipe, the ratio of olive oil to lemon juice is crucial, as it helps to mellow the acidity while enhancing the overall taste. I recommend starting with a 2:1 ratio of oil to lemon juice and adjusting to your personal preference. If you want a creamier dressing, consider adding a teaspoon of Greek yogurt or a splash of plain yogurt for tanginess without overwhelming the fresh flavors.

When whisking the dressing, it's beneficial to do so in a small bowl to ensure all ingredients are thoroughly combined. You want to achieve an emulsified dressing that coats every salad component evenly. If your dressing seems too thick, add a splash of cold water to loosen it up gradually. For an added twist, a pinch of garlic powder or a dash of Dijon mustard can introduce a new layer of flavor that complements the freshness without overpowering it.

Ingredients

Gather these fresh ingredients for a delightful salad experience.

Salad Ingredients

4 stalks of celery, diced
1 large cucumber, diced
1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste

Mix these ingredients for an amazing flavor explosion!

Instructions

Prepare your salad by following these easy steps.

Combine Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the diced celery, cucumber, and fresh dill.

Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

Mix and Serve

Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well to ensure all ingredients are coated. Allow the salad to rest for about 10 minutes before serving.

Your delicious Celery Salad with Cucumber and Dill is ready to enjoy!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, consider tossing in some cherry tomatoes or avocado. This salad also works great as a filling in wraps or sandwiches.

Make-Ahead and Storage

This Celery Salad with Cucumber and Dill can be prepared in advance, making it a great option for meal prep. I find that letting the salad sit for about 10 minutes after dressing helps the flavors meld together beautifully. However, for up to 2 hours of make-ahead time, cover and refrigerate it. Beyond this, store the dressed salad in an airtight container for up to 24 hours, but note that the texture may soften as time goes by.

To keep the salad fresher for longer, consider storing the dressing separately and combining it just before serving. This approach will help maintain the crunch of the vegetables. You can also keep pre-diced celery and cucumber in the refrigerator to make the final assembly come together swiftly on busy days.

Creative Serving Suggestions

While this salad is fantastic on its own, it shines when paired with various main dishes. I enjoy serving it alongside grilled chicken or fish, where the crisp salad contrasts beautifully with the savory, smoky flavors of grilled meats. Additionally, it can serve as a light topping for tacos or a refreshing side for a summer barbecue, enhancing heavier meal options effectively.

If you're looking to add protein, consider mixing in a can of drained chickpeas for a more filling meal. This not only complements the salad but also adds nutritional value. Another variation is to sprinkle some crumbled feta cheese on top, providing a salty kick that pairs well with the dill and lemon dressing.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare it a few hours in advance. Just keep the dressing separate until you're ready to serve.

→ What can I substitute for dill?

If you don’t have dill, fresh parsley or chives can work as a good substitute, though the flavor will differ slightly.

→ Is it okay to add other vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to add bell peppers, radishes, or even a bit of red onion for extra flavor.

→ How long will leftovers last?

Leftover salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two days. Just remember that the texture may change as it sits.