This Creamy Dilly White Bean Cucumber Salad is a chilled dish bursting with freshness, crunch, and the subtle tang of dill and vinegar. It’s a refreshing blend of creamy white beans and crisp cucumber tossed in a zesty dressing that highlights summer’s best produce.
Perfect as a light lunch or a side dish, this salad is naturally gluten-free and vegan, with no cooking required—just chop, mix, and chill. The combination of texture and flavor makes it a standout on any table, whether for meal prep, picnics, or sunny afternoons on the patio.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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1 (15 oz) can white beans (cannellini or great northern), drained and rinsed
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1 large cucumber, diced
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1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
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1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 tablespoon lemon juice
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1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
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1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
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1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
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Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
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In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
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In a large bowl, add the white beans, diced cucumber, red onion, and chopped dill.
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Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.
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Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
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Refrigerate for at least 15 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld. Serve chilled.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 0 minutes | Total Time: 10 minutes
Kcal: 190 kcal | Servings: 2–3 servings
A Refreshing and Nourishing Summer Dish
The Creamy Dilly White Bean Cucumber Salad is a celebration of everything we love about summer—light, crisp, flavorful, and incredibly simple to prepare. This recipe combines hydrating cucumber, creamy white beans, and the unmistakable brightness of fresh dill in a tangy, oil-free dressing. It’s the kind of dish that feels gourmet while taking minimal effort and time. It fits into a variety of dietary lifestyles and is ideal for meal prep, potlucks, picnics, or a quick lunch at home. Its cooling, vibrant nature also makes it a favorite during hot weather months.
Why White Beans?
White beans, such as cannellini or great northern beans, are nutritional powerhouses. Not only are they an excellent source of plant-based protein, but they’re also rich in fiber, iron, and B vitamins. Their creamy texture makes them an ideal complement to crisp, watery vegetables like cucumber. In this salad, they serve as the satisfying base, providing heartiness and satiety without heaviness. From a health perspective, beans also promote digestive health and help regulate blood sugar levels, making this dish both energizing and balanced.
The Star: Fresh Dill
Fresh dill brings a unique, grassy brightness to this dish that can’t be replicated with dried herbs. Its slightly sweet, lemony taste pairs beautifully with the earthy beans and cool cucumber. Dill is often underutilized in home kitchens, but once you try it in this salad, it will likely become a go-to herb. Beyond flavor, dill contains antioxidants and has traditionally been used to aid digestion and support overall immune function. It’s a herb that adds more than just taste—it adds a sense of freshness and wellness to every bite.
Cucumber: Hydration with Crunch
Cucumber plays an essential role in this salad, offering a satisfying crunch and cooling effect. It’s made up of over 95% water, making it a hydrating ingredient that’s especially beneficial during warmer seasons. Cucumber is also low in calories but high in nutrients like vitamin K, potassium, and antioxidants. In this recipe, it contrasts the creaminess of the white beans beautifully and soaks up the zesty dressing without becoming soggy. Its mild taste allows the other flavors—especially the dill and vinaigrette—to shine through.
A Tangy, Creamy, Oil-Free Dressing
One of the unique features of this salad is the flavorful, creamy dressing that contains no dairy or mayonnaise. Instead, the creaminess comes from the white beans themselves and a combination of tangy ingredients like red wine vinegar, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard. Garlic powder and black pepper give it an extra layer of flavor without overpowering the freshness of the herbs and veggies. It’s a heart-healthy alternative to traditional creamy dressings and enhances the natural flavors of the ingredients.
Diet-Friendly and Allergen-Conscious
Whether you’re vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, or just eating clean, this salad ticks all the boxes. It’s completely plant-based and free from common allergens like gluten, soy, nuts, and dairy. That makes it a wonderful addition to a potluck or gathering where dietary preferences and restrictions vary. It’s also ideal for those following whole-food, plant-based or anti-inflammatory diets. Because it’s free of refined oils and processed ingredients, it’s as clean as it is delicious.
Meal Prep & Storage Tips
This salad is not only fast to make but also keeps well in the refrigerator for several days. In fact, the flavors intensify after a few hours in the fridge, making it a perfect dish to prepare in advance. Store it in an airtight container and enjoy it chilled straight from the fridge. If you’re meal prepping for the week, consider doubling the recipe. You can enjoy it as a side with dinner, a topping on greens for a more substantial salad, or even stuffed into pita bread or lettuce cups for a handheld lunch.
Versatile Serving Suggestions
While this dish stands beautifully on its own, it’s also extremely versatile. Pair it with grilled tofu or tempeh for a complete meal, or serve it alongside grain-based dishes like quinoa or farro for added complexity. It can also be scooped onto crackers or served as a dip with raw vegetables. Hosting a brunch or potluck? Present it in a chilled bowl garnished with extra dill or lemon wedges for a beautiful presentation. For those who enjoy bold flavors, consider adding sliced radishes, kalamata olives, or a pinch of smoked paprika for a twist.
Kid-Friendly and Crowd-Pleasing
This salad isn’t just for health-focused eaters—it’s also approachable and enjoyable for a wide range of palates. The familiar ingredients and mild flavors make it kid-friendly, especially if the cucumbers are peeled for a softer texture. It’s also a crowd-pleaser at gatherings, thanks to its fresh flavor profile and eye-catching green and white color palette. Whether served at a picnic or holiday table, it’s a dish that stands out without overshadowing other offerings.
Environmental and Budget Benefits
Using canned white beans and seasonal cucumbers makes this dish incredibly budget-friendly. Most of the ingredients are pantry staples or affordable fresh produce items, so you don’t need to splurge to eat well. Additionally, plant-based meals like this one have a lower environmental impact compared to meat-based alternatives. You’re not only choosing a healthful option but also making a choice that supports sustainability and conscious living.
Conclusion
The Creamy Dilly White Bean Cucumber Salad is a shining example of how simple ingredients can be transformed into something extraordinary. It’s a dish that delivers on every front—flavor, nutrition, convenience, and presentation. From its creamy, tangy dressing to its crisp cucumber and protein-rich white beans, every bite is balanced and refreshing. This is more than just a salad; it’s a versatile, nourishing staple that deserves a regular spot in your meal rotation.
Whether you’re looking to cool down on a hot day, prep lunches for the week, or serve something fresh and unique at your next gathering, this salad is the answer. It’s healthy eating at its most delicious, proving once again that plant-based meals can be both satisfying and stunning.
