Spicy Garlic Dill Marinated Cucumbers
Prep Time
- 15 minutes
Chill Time
- 2–24 hours
Total Time
- 2 hours 15 minutes (best flavor after overnight refrigeration)
Servings
- 8
Ingredients
- 4 large English cucumbers (or 6–8 Persian cucumbers), sliced into ¼-inch rounds
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped (or 2 teaspoons dried dill)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon sugar or honey (optional, balances acidity)
Optional Add-Ins
- Thinly sliced red onion
- Feta cheese
- Cherry tomatoes
- Sesame seeds
- Everything bagel seasoning
- Fresh parsley
- Sliced jalapeños
Instructions
Step 1
Wash cucumbers thoroughly.
Slice into ¼-inch thick rounds.
If using regular cucumbers with large seeds, remove some of the seeds if desired.
Step 2
Place cucumber slices into a large bowl or food storage container.
Step 3
In a small bowl whisk together:
- Olive oil
- Apple cider vinegar
- Lemon juice
- Garlic
- Dill
- Onion powder
- Garlic powder
- Italian seasoning
- Salt
- Pepper
- Paprika
- Red pepper flakes
- Sugar (optional)
Mix until well combined.
Step 4
Pour dressing over cucumbers.
Toss until every slice is coated.
Step 5
Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours.
For the best flavor, refrigerate overnight.
Shake or stir once or twice while chilling.
Step 6
Serve cold.
Enjoy as a side dish, snack, or topping for burgers and sandwiches.
Storage
- Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Stir before serving.
- Not recommended for freezing, as cucumbers become mushy after thawing.
Tips
- English cucumbers stay crisp longer.
- Salting the cucumber slices for 20–30 minutes and draining them before marinating helps reduce excess water.
- Fresh dill gives the brightest flavor.
- The flavor improves after sitting overnight.
Nutrition Information (Approximate Per Serving)
Makes 8 servings.
- Calories: 65
- Protein: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sugar: 3 g
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.7 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Sodium: 295 mg
- Potassium: 220 mg
- Vitamin C: 8% Daily Value
- Vitamin K: 15% Daily Value
Nutrition values are estimates and will vary depending on the exact ingredients used.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular cucumbers?
Yes. English, Persian, or garden cucumbers all work well. Garden cucumbers may benefit from peeling or removing larger seeds.
How long should they marinate?
At least 2 hours, but overnight gives the best flavor.
How long do they last?
Up to 4 days in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container.
Can I make them ahead?
Yes. They’re an excellent make-ahead side dish and often taste even better the next day.
Can I make them spicy?
Absolutely. Increase the crushed red pepper flakes, add sliced jalapeños, or mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Can I make them sugar-free?
Yes. Simply omit the sugar or honey.
Why did my cucumbers release so much liquid?
Cucumbers naturally contain a lot of water. Salting them for 20–30 minutes before marinating helps draw out excess moisture and keeps the dressing more concentrated.
Can I add other vegetables?
Yes. Red onions, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and radishes all pair well with this marinade.
Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes. If using sugar or honey, omit it to keep the recipe low in carbohydrates.
What can I serve with this?
- Grilled chicken
- Burgers
- Steak
- BBQ ribs
- Fish
- Pulled pork
- Sandwiches
- Wraps
- Picnic meals
This crisp, tangy cucumber salad is easy to prepare, full of fresh herb and garlic flavor, and becomes even more delicious after chilling overnight.
