A Light, Healthy, and Refreshing Weight Watchers-Friendly Side Dish
If you’re looking for a light, refreshing, and guilt-free salad that’s bursting with flavor, look no further. This Creamy Cucumber Salad with Dill and Red Onion is everything you want in a healthy side dish. It’s crisp, tangy, creamy, and perfectly suited for warm weather or any time you need a quick and satisfying addition to your meal.
Made with wholesome, low-fat ingredients like fat-free Greek yogurt and light mayo, this salad is Weight Watchers-friendly and ideal for those following a mindful eating plan. Whether you’re prepping for a family BBQ, a potluck, or just your weekly meal plan, this dish will be your go-to summer staple.
🥒 Ingredients You’ll Need
To create this delicious and healthy salad, gather the following fresh and simple ingredients:
- 3 medium cucumbers, thinly sliced (English cucumbers are preferred for less water and more crunch)
- ½ medium red onion, thinly sliced into half-moons
- ½ cup fat-free Greek yogurt, for a creamy base with extra protein
- 2 tablespoons light mayonnaise, to add a smooth texture without the heaviness
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, for tang and a hint of sweetness
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, finely chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill if fresh isn’t available)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional: Add a pinch of garlic powder or a squeeze of lemon juice for extra flavor depth.
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep Your Fresh Veggies
Begin by washing your cucumbers and red onion. Thinly slice the cucumbers using a sharp knife or a mandoline for uniform slices. Do the same with the red onion. Place both into a large salad or mixing bowl.
📝 Tip: If your cucumbers have too much moisture, sprinkle the slices lightly with salt and let them sit in a colander for 10–15 minutes. Pat dry with a paper towel before combining with other ingredients to avoid a watery salad.
2. Make the Creamy Dill Dressing
In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the fat-free Greek yogurt, light mayonnaise, and apple cider vinegar until smooth. Add the finely chopped dill, and season with salt and freshly ground pepper. Whisk again until the dressing is creamy and well-blended.
3. Combine Ingredients
Pour the dressing over the sliced cucumbers and onions. Gently toss everything together until each piece is coated with the creamy dill mixture.
🍃 At this stage, the salad may already smell incredible—but don’t serve it just yet!
4. Chill to Maximize Flavor
Cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This allows the cucumbers to soak in the dressing and for the dill and vinegar to really infuse their flavor.
⏰ For best results, chill for 1–2 hours before serving.
5. Serve and Enjoy!
Once chilled, give the salad one final stir. Transfer it to a serving dish, garnish with extra chopped dill if desired, and serve cold. It’s ready to impress your guests—or your tastebuds!
🍽️ Serving Ideas
This creamy cucumber salad is incredibly versatile. Here are a few delicious ways to enjoy it:
- As a side dish with grilled chicken, turkey burgers, salmon, or shrimp skewers
- As a light lunch on its own or paired with whole-grain toast
- As a cool and crunchy topping in a wrap or pita sandwich
- At picnics or potlucks, where it pairs well with BBQ and summer favorites
It’s especially great during hot weather when you crave something hydrating and fresh.
🔍 Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
This salad is not just tasty—it’s waistline-friendly too! Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown per serving (based on 6 servings):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~50 |
| Protein | ~3g |
| Fat | ~1g |
| Carbohydrates | ~6g |
| Fiber | ~1g |
| Sugar |
🌿 Why You’ll Love This Salad
- Low-calorie and low-fat, perfect for Weight Watchers or anyone eating healthy
- Quick to make — ready in under 10 minutes (plus chilling time)
- Fresh ingredients that are easily found year-round
- Customizable with herbs like parsley, mint, or chives
- Naturally gluten-free and can be made dairy-free with non-dairy yogurt
🥗 Make It Your Own
Want to put your own twist on this salad? Try these tasty variations:
- Add cherry tomatoes for color and sweetness
- Sprinkle in feta cheese or crumbled goat cheese for a Mediterranean flair
- Mix in sliced radishes or bell peppers for crunch and bite
- Swap Greek yogurt for sour cream or plant-based alternatives for dairy-free versions
🛒 Prep Tips for Busy Days
- Slice cucumbers and onions ahead and store in airtight containers.
- Make the dressing up to 2 days in advance.
- Mix everything right before serving for optimal texture.
💬 Final Thoughts
This Creamy Cucumber Salad with Dill and Red Onion is a light, fresh, and nourishing addition to your weekly meal rotation. It’s the kind of recipe that proves healthy eating doesn’t mean boring or bland. Whether you’re serving a crowd or meal-prepping for the week, this salad checks all the boxes for flavor, simplicity, and nutrition.
📌 Save This Recipe
Don’t forget to bookmark or pin this post so you can come back to it whenever you need a quick, healthy side that everyone will love.
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