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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.

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