Creamy Cucumber Dressing with Fresh Dill opens in a new tab
This spring, I’m looking forward to a bounty of herbs from my little garden. This is the first year I’m growing dill, a wonderful green feathery herb with a subtle licorice or anise-like flavor. I can’t wait to make this Taste of Scandinavia Salad opens in a new tab with spring greens, smoked salmon and fresh dill.
Dill, like all fresh herbs, can add beauty and flavor to a bounty of foods including vegetables, eggs, cheese, meats and seafood like this gorgeous Smoked Salmon Crepes with Creamed Peas opens in a new tab recipe, perfect for Easter or any weekend brunch.
Thank goodness fresh dill is available year-round at stores because nothing beats fresh dill. If you can’t find it, use dried dill as a substitute, just use less. A general rule of thumb is to use 1 teaspoon of dried herbs in place of 2 tablespoons fresh herbs, however this can vary according to personal taste.
Steamed Green Beans with Carrot Dill Dip opens in a new tab
Here are some delicious ideas for cooking with dill:
Dill is especially wonderful in dips and sauces. I adore chopped cucumbers stirred into plain yogurt with ground cumin, a pinch of sea salt, a dash of lemon juice and chopped fresh dill leaves. It’s similar to Tzatziki opens in a new tab, only made with dill in place of mint or other herbs.
Sauté carrots in butter with fresh dill.
Stir dill into cottage cheese or mash into soft goat cheese. Our Dill-icious Cheese Spread opens in a new tab recipe combines dill with both grated hard cheese and soft cottage cheese.
Season a variety of fish with fresh dill. Golden Trout with Lemon-Dill Couscous opens in a new tab is a simple meal, perfect for weeknights.
Cook fish fillets in parchment paper topped with chopped tomatoes, onions, dill and seasonings.
Roast potatoes and garnish with dill. Potato Pancakes with Yogurt Dill Sauce opens in a new tab would be great for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
Add dill to salad dressings. Creamy Cucumber Dressing with Fresh Dill opens in a new tab is a vegan recipe with no dairy.
Stir dill into hummus.
Fresh dill complements pasta perfectly. Penne with Chicken, Feta and Dill opens in a new tab and Tortellini Salad with Shrimp, Artichokes and Roasted Peppers opens in a new tab are tasty examples.
Garnish seafood and shellfish dishes with chopped dill.
Use dill as you would basil in tomato salad recipes. For example, you can layer sliced tomatoes and sliced fresh mozzarella cheese then top with olive oil, balsamic vinegar and chopped dill.
Green beans and green peas love fresh dill. Steamed Green Beans with Carrot-Dill Dip opens in a new tab can be enjoyed as a snack or as part of a meal.
Toss dill into cream or tomato sauces to spoon over pasta.
Egg, tuna, shrimp and pasta salad are delightful with dill. Dilled Shrimp Pasta Salad opens in a new tab combines the flavors of lemon, garlic, spinach and dill for a memorable packed lunch for work or school.
Serve Herb Biscuits with Smoked Salmon and Creamy Chive Spread opens in a new tab at brunch. Hint: There are fresh chives and dill in the biscuits!
Dilled Shrimp Pasta Salad opens in a new tab
Fresh dill should be a vibrant green color with no yellowing. The stems should be firm and the leaves should be fragrant. Wrap in a slightly damp paper towel and store in a plastic bag in the refrigerator. Use it within a few days, and wash well to remove any dirt before using.
Got a great way to enjoy fresh dill? Let me know.
