There’s something special about the way a simple salad can bring everyone to the table. On busy afternoons in my kitchen, I’m always reaching for fresh herbs, crisp vegetables, and pantry staples to create something comforting yet vibrant. That’s exactly how this dilly white bean cucumber salad came to life — inspired by my love for balanced, family-friendly meals that feel both effortless and memorable.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dilly white bean cucumber salad is everything a fresh, family-friendly dish should be. It combines creamy white beans with crisp cucumber and fragrant dill for a refreshing yet satisfying bite. If you love a classic bean salad with dill or enjoy a cucumber white bean combination that feels light but filling, this recipe checks every box.
The dilly white bean cucumber salad recipe is quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights when time is limited. It’s also highly customizable — add feta for a white bean cucumber feta salad twist, or toss in tomatoes for a bean cucumber tomato salad variation. The bright, herby dressing ties everything together beautifully.
Because this white bean dill salad is protein-packed and naturally gluten-free, it works as a balanced one-bowl meal or a flavorful side dish. Whether you’re serving it at a barbecue, packing it for lunch, or pairing it with grilled chicken, this dilly white bean cucumber salad brings freshness, comfort, and versatility to your table.
Ingredients for This Recipe
The beauty of this dilly white bean cucumber salad lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients. Creamy cannellini or great northern beans provide plant-based protein and heartiness, while crisp English cucumber adds refreshing crunch. Fresh dill is the star herb, infusing the salad with bright, aromatic flavor that defines a classic white bean dill salad. Red onion contributes a mild bite, and optional cherry tomatoes add sweetness for a bean cucumber tomato salad twist.
The dressing blends olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and garlic to enhance the cucumber white bean base without overpowering it. Each ingredient works together to create a balanced dilly white bean cucumber salad recipe that’s light, vibrant, and satisfying.
🛒 Ingredients:
For the Salad:
2 (15 oz) cans white beans (cannellini or great northern), drained and rinsed
1 large English cucumber (or 2 Persian cucumbers), thinly sliced
¼ small red onion, thinly sliced
¼ cup fresh dill, finely chopped
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
¼ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
For the Dilly Dressing:
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (or red wine vinegar)
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 small garlic clove, minced
½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
¼ teaspoon black pepper
How to Make This Recipe
Making this dilly white bean cucumber salad is wonderfully simple. Start by draining and rinsing the white beans to remove excess starch, ensuring the cucumber white bean mixture stays light and clean-tasting. Thinly slice the cucumber and red onion to create even texture throughout the white bean dill salad. Fresh dill should be finely chopped to distribute its signature flavor in every bite.
Next, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and garlic to form a bright dressing that enhances the bean salad with dill. In a large bowl, gently combine the beans, cucumber, onion, and dill. Pour the dressing over the mixture and toss carefully to avoid breaking the beans.
Let the dilly white bean cucumber salad chill for at least 20 minutes to deepen flavor. This step transforms it from a simple cucumber white bean mix into a vibrant, well-balanced salad perfect for serving.
🛒 Steps:
Drain and rinse white beans thoroughly
Slice cucumber and red onion thinly
Chop fresh dill finely
Whisk olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon, garlic, salt, and pepper
Combine beans, cucumber, onion, and dill
Pour dressing over and toss gently
Chill 20–30 minutes before serving
Expert Cooking Tips
To elevate your dilly white bean cucumber salad, focus on freshness and texture. Always use firm cucumbers to prevent excess moisture in your white bean dill salad. If preparing ahead, lightly salt the cucumber slices and pat them dry to maintain crispness in your cucumber white bean dish.
For deeper flavor, allow the bean salad with dill to marinate for at least an hour. The olive oil and lemon dressing will soak into the beans, intensifying the taste of your dilly white bean cucumber salad recipe. Adding feta transforms it into a white bean cucumber feta salad with a creamy, tangy finish.
If you prefer variety, substitute green beans to create a green bean cucumber salad or add tomatoes for a bean cucumber tomato salad version. Always taste and adjust seasoning before serving to keep flavors balanced and vibrant.
💡 Expert Tips:
Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for best flavor
Chill salad before serving for enhanced taste
Pat cucumbers dry to prevent watery texture
Add feta for a white bean cucumber feta salad twist
Let flavors marinate for maximum dill infusion
FAQs
Can I make this dilly white bean cucumber salad ahead of time?
Yes, this white bean dill salad can be made up to 24 hours in advance. Store chilled and stir before serving for best texture.
What type of beans work best for cucumber white bean salad?
Cannellini or great northern beans are ideal for a creamy dilly white bean cucumber salad recipe.
How do I keep my bean salad with dill from getting watery?
Use English or Persian cucumbers and pat them dry before mixing into the white bean cucumber base.
Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely. Turn it into a bean cucumber tomato salad or even a green bean and dill salad variation for extra color and texture.
Want more sweet and savory recipes like this? Follow us on Facebook for daily dinner ideas, cooking tips, and behind-the-scenes moments from Eminent Recipes.
See how others are plating this dish on Instagram! Tag your version with #Eminentrecipes and get featured.
Love collecting recipes? Don’t miss our latest pins on Pinterest—perfect for saving your favorite meals in one spot.
Bang Bang Chicken Recipe – Kid-Friendly & Crowd-Pleasing
Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Easy Weeknight Dinner Recipe
Ground Beef Zucchini Boats – Easy & Healthy Dinner Idea
One-Pan Cheeseburger Pie – Hearty, Easy, and Kid-Friendly Meal
This dilly white bean cucumber salad is a celebration of fresh ingredients and effortless cooking. With creamy beans, crisp cucumber, and fragrant dill, it delivers comfort and brightness in every bite. Whether you enjoy it as a white bean dill salad side dish or customize it into a white bean cucumber feta salad, this recipe proves that simple flavors can create memorable meals perfect for both everyday dinners and special gatherings.
Print
Dilly White Bean Cucumber Salad
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A fresh, protein-packed salad made with creamy white beans, crisp cucumbers, and plenty of fragrant dill tossed in a light lemony dressing. This refreshing dish is perfect for summer gatherings, meal prep, or as a bright side for grilled meats and seafood.
Ingredients
🛒 Ingredients (Serves 4–6):
For the Salad:
2 (15 oz) cans white beans (cannellini or great northern), drained and rinsed
1 large English cucumber (or 2 Persian cucumbers), thinly sliced
¼ small red onion, thinly sliced
¼ cup fresh dill, finely chopped
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
¼ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
For the Dilly Dressing:
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (or red wine vinegar)
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 small garlic clove, minced
½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
📝 Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare Ingredients
Drain and rinse the white beans thoroughly. Slice cucumber and red onion thinly. Chop fresh dill.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
Step 3: Combine Salad
In a large mixing bowl, gently toss white beans, cucumber, red onion, dill, and cherry tomatoes (if using).
Step 4: Dress & Chill
Pour dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat. Refrigerate for at least 20–30 minutes to allow flavors to blend.
Step 5: Finish & Serve
Sprinkle feta on top if using. Adjust seasoning before serving.
Notes
• For extra crunch, add thinly sliced celery or green beans.
• For a Mediterranean twist, add kalamata olives.
• This salad tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge.
• Keeps well for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Salad / Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook / Tossed
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired