If you're looking for a light and healthy side dish to accompany your meals - this Cucumber Dill Salad is it. A great way to use up lots of cucumbers if you are growing them - this will be a staple at BBQs and picnics. Ready in just 2 minutes and only 70 calories a portion.
Cucumbers might not taste of much by themselves, but this cucumber based dish is full of flavour with the creamy sour cream and fresh dill. An easy to put together side dish that tastes far more indulgent than it is.
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Why you will love it
- Only 70 calories per portion
- Ready in less than 5 minutes
- A lovely, light side dish
- A good way to use up a glut of cucumbers
Ingredients needed
- Cucumber - Try to choose thin cucumbers with small seeds (or even a seedless variety).
- Red onion - You can use white onion if you prefer, or even spring onions (scallions).
- Fresh dill - Fresh is always best as dried dill just doesn't have the same taste.
- Sour cream - This is the traditional ingredient, but if you want to save some calories you can use a low fat or fat free Greek yogurt.
- Lemon juice - This adds a nice bit of acidity to the dish. You can leave it out if you like or use an apple cider vinegar for a more sour taste.
A full ingredients list with measurements is in the recipe card below.
Step by step
One: Slice the cucumber thinly. Season with salt.
Two: Add the rest of the ingredients.
Three: Mix until it is completely coated with the sour cream. Refrigerate until serving.
Mizeria (Polish cucumber salad)
This recipe is based on Mizeria, a traditional Polish dish. Mizeria is normally made with sour cream, but you can use 0% Greek yogurt to keep it lower in calories.
Interesting fact: Mizeria is the Polish word for "misery". There is nothing miserable about this fresh, summery dish though, and Polish people do not associate the word with being miserable.
What else to add
Traditionally, made with just cucumber, sour cream, lemon juice and dill, this is a lovely, simple side salad. You can, of course, add other ingredients, if you wish. Thinly sliced spring onions (scallions) or radish are both a good addition. Instead of the dill, use chopped chives, mint or parsley.
What to serve it with
In Poland, this is served with, among other things, pork schnitzel, but it makes a great side dish for many meals. Here are just a few ideas of what to serve Mizeria with:
FAQs
You can make it in advance and keep it in the fridge, but for the crispest and freshest taste we recommend dressing it just before serving.
This will keep in the fridge, in an airtight container, for up to 2 days. It is not suitable to freezing, as the liquids will form ice crystals, causing the sour cream to split when defrosted.
Yes, if you want to make this a little lighter, then you can swap the sour cream for 0% Greek yoghurt.
More salad recipes
If you’ve tried this Polish cucumber salad, then let us know how you got on in the comments below.
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Recipe
Cucumber Dill Salad (Mizeria)
Ingredients
- 1 cucumber
- 4 tablespoon sour cream
- 2 tablespoon fresh dill - chopped
- 1 garlic clove - crushed
- 2 tablespoon cider vinegar
- 1 pinch sea salt
- 1 pinch ground black pepper
Instructions
- Slice the cucumber thinly. Season with salt.
- Add the rest of the ingredients.
- Mix until it is completely coated with the sour cream. Refrigerate until serving.
Notes
- If you want a less sour taste, leave out the lemon juice.
- Replace the sour cream with yogurt to save some calories.
- Dress the cucumber just before serving to maintain its crispness.
Helen
This looks gorgeous. I've only recently discovered 'creamy' cucumber salads and they're delicious. Your recipe looks so easy and tasty - thanks!
Soniya
This looks and sounds perfect for all the cucumber growning in my garden .. can't wait to try it
Angela
You had me at ready in 5 minutes. This salad is delicious with the fresh dill!
Alison
I love the combination of dill and cucumbers! This salad is super easy and big on flavor! The more dill the better!