If you love bold, tangy flavors and a salad that bursts with freshness, the Dill Pickle Salad with Feta and Fresh Herbs Recipe is about to become your new go-to. This vibrant salad brings together crunchy red cabbage and crisp romaine with the zing of dill pickles and the creamy, salty punch of feta cheese, all brought together by a luscious homemade dill pickle dressing. It’s a refreshing, colorful dish perfect for weekday lunches, light dinners, or as a standout side at your next gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Everything in this salad is simple, yet each ingredient plays an essential role in creating its unique flavor and texture. From the crunch of fresh veggies to the bright, herbal notes of dill and the creamy hit of feta, every component matters.
- ½ cup sour cream: Adds richness and a smooth base for the dressing.
- ½ cup mayonnaise: Balances the sour cream with a subtle creaminess.
- ½ cup finely diced dill pickles: The star ingredient providing that essential tangy crunch.
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill (heaping): Offers fresh herbaceous brightness and classic pickle pairing.
- 1 tablespoon pickle juice: Boosts the pickle flavor and adds vinegar sharpness.
- 1 teaspoon honey: Sweetens the dressing gently to balance acidity.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a mild peppery warmth.
- 1.5 cups red cabbage (chopped): Adds crunch and vibrant color.
- 3 cups Romaine lettuce (chopped): Brings a crisp, refreshing base.
- 2 cups cauliflower (chopped fine or riced): Introduces mild flavor and a pleasant texture.
- ½ cup Feta cheese (crumbled): Delivers salty, creamy bursts that perfectly complement the pickles.
How to Make Dill Pickle Salad with Feta and Fresh Herbs Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dill Pickle Dressing
Start by whisking together the sour cream and mayonnaise in a mixing bowl to create a rich and creamy base. Then stir in the fresh dill, pickle juice, honey, salt, and black pepper until everything is blended into a smooth, tangy dressing that will tie all the salad ingredients together beautifully.
Step 2: Combine the Salad Ingredients
In a large salad bowl, toss together the chopped red cabbage, finely diced dill pickles, chopped romaine lettuce, crumbled feta, and the finely chopped or riced cauliflower. Each ingredient adds texture and freshness that balances the creaminess of the dressing.
Step 3: Toss and Serve
Pour the vibrant dill pickle dressing over the salad bowl and toss gently but thoroughly. Make sure every leaf and chop is coated with the dressing so the flavors meld perfectly and each bite delights with tangy, creamy, and crunchy contrasts.
How to Serve Dill Pickle Salad with Feta and Fresh Herbs Recipe
Garnishes
For a finishing touch, sprinkle some additional fresh dill or a few extra pickle slices on top. A light dusting of freshly cracked black pepper or even a handful of toasted pumpkin seeds can add extra crunch and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish, making it an ideal companion for summer barbecues or light dinners. It’s also fantastic alongside hearty sandwiches or as a refreshing counterpart to rich, creamy dips.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this Dill Pickle Salad with Feta and Fresh Herbs Recipe in clear glass bowls to showcase the beautiful layers and colors. Alternatively, stuff it into pita pockets for a delicious, portable lunch option. You can even turn it into a layered dip for entertaining by layering the salad with extra feta and dill pickle slices on top.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This salad keeps well covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Because the dressing contains fresh herbs and sour cream, it’s best enjoyed fresh but can be given a quick stir before serving if separated.
Freezing
Freezing this salad is not recommended. The fresh vegetables and creamy dressing do not freeze well and will lose their texture and freshness upon thawing.
Reheating
Since this is a fresh, cold salad, reheating is not necessary or advised. It’s best served chilled to enjoy the crisp textures and bright flavors fully.
FAQs
Can I substitute the mayonnaise or sour cream?
Absolutely! You can use Greek yogurt in place of sour cream or a lighter mayonnaise alternative if you prefer a healthier twist. Just keep in mind this will slightly change the flavor and texture.
Is it possible to make this salad vegan?
Yes, swap out the mayonnaise and sour cream for plant-based versions, and replace the feta with vegan cheese or omit it entirely. The pickle dressing still delivers plenty of tang and freshness.
Can I use dried dill instead of fresh?
Fresh dill is ideal for that bright, herbaceous note, but if you only have dried, use about one-third of the amount since dried herbs have a more concentrated flavor.
What kind of pickles work best for this salad?
Classic dill pickles are the best choice due to their signature briny and tangy flavor. Avoid sweet pickles as they will shift the balance of flavors in the salad.
How do I keep the salad from becoming soggy?
For the best texture, chop and prepare the vegetables just before serving, or keep the dressing separate and toss the salad right before eating. This keeps everything crisp and fresh.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend trying the Dill Pickle Salad with Feta and Fresh Herbs Recipe enough if you crave something that’s fresh, flavorful, and a little unexpected. It’s a celebration of tangy, creamy, crunchy, and herbal notes all in one bowl. Whether you’re serving it for a casual lunch or bringing it to a potluck, it’s sure to brighten any meal and leave your taste buds dancing.
Print
Dill Pickle Salad with Feta and Fresh Herbs Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This refreshing Dill Pickle Salad combines crisp vegetables like Romaine lettuce, red cabbage, and cauliflower with a tangy homemade dill pickle dressing. Enhanced with the creamy flavors of sour cream and mayonnaise, fresh dill, and a hint of honey, this salad offers a unique twist perfect for a light lunch or a flavorful side dish.
Ingredients
Dill Pickle Dressing
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup finely diced dill pickles
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill (heaping)
- 1 tablespoon pickle juice
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Salad
- 1.5 cups red cabbage (chopped)
- 3 cups Romaine lettuce (chopped)
- 2 cups cauliflower (chopped fine or riced)
- ½ cup Feta cheese (crumbled)
Instructions
- Prepare the dressing: In a mixing bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, finely diced dill pickles, fresh dill, pickle juice, honey, salt, and black pepper.
- Mix thoroughly: Whisk together all dressing ingredients until the mixture is well combined and creamy. Set aside to allow flavors to meld.
- Combine salad ingredients: In a large salad bowl, add the chopped red cabbage, Romaine lettuce, finely chopped cauliflower, crumbled feta cheese, and some of the diced dill pickles.
- Toss the salad with dressing: Pour the prepared dill pickle dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently but thoroughly until all components are evenly coated with the dressing.
Notes
- For best flavor, chill the salad for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow the dressing to soak in.
- Adjust the honey and salt to taste depending on the sourness of your pickles and personal preference.
- You can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream for a lighter dressing.
- Cauliflower can be riced for a finer texture or chopped coarsely for more crunch.
- Fresh dill is essential for authentic flavor, but dried dill can be used in a pinch (use about 1 teaspoon dried).
