If you’re searching for a crisp, refreshing twist on traditional pickles, this lemon cucumber dill pickle recipe is a must-try. Combining the bright flavor of lemon cucumbers with the classic dill and vinegar brine, this pickle recipe offers a zesty, garden-fresh alternative to store-bought varieties. Whether you’re a home gardener with a lemon cucumber harvest or simply love trying new pickle recipes, this easy method delivers flavor and crunch in every bite.
In this article, you’ll learn how to make lemon cucumber dill pickles, how to store them, and tasty ways to enjoy them.
What Are Lemon Cucumbers?
Lemon cucumbers are small, round cucumbers with a yellow skin that resembles a lemon. Don’t let the name fool you—they don’t taste like lemons. Instead, they offer a mild, slightly sweet cucumber flavor and a satisfying crunch. Their unique size and shape make them ideal for pickling, especially in jars where presentation matters.
Why Make Lemon Cucumber Dill Pickles?
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✅ Unique flavor: Sweeter and milder than standard cucumbers, lemon cucumbers pair beautifully with dill and garlic.
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✅ Perfect for snacking: These pickles are great on sandwiches, burgers, or eaten right from the jar.
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✅ Easy to make: This lemon cucumber dill pickle recipe is quick, beginner-friendly, and requires no canning if you prefer refrigerator pickles.
Lemon Cucumber Dill Pickle Recipe
Here’s a simple and delicious recipe to make your own lemon cucumber pickles at home.
Ingredients:
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4–5 lemon cucumbers (sliced into rounds or spears)
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1½ cups white vinegar
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1 cup water
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2 tablespoons kosher salt
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1 tablespoon sugar
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3–4 garlic cloves (smashed)
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4–5 sprigs fresh dill (or 2 teaspoons dried dill)
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1 teaspoon mustard seeds (optional)
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½ teaspoon black peppercorns
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Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick
Instructions:
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Prepare cucumbers: Wash the lemon cucumbers thoroughly. Slice them into rounds or spears, depending on your preference.
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Sterilize jars: Wash your glass jars and lids in hot, soapy water, then rinse well. You can also boil them for 5 minutes to sterilize if storing long-term.
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Make the brine: In a saucepan, combine vinegar, water, salt, and sugar. Bring to a boil, stirring until salt and sugar dissolve. Remove from heat.
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Pack the jars: In each jar, place garlic cloves, dill, peppercorns, mustard seeds, and any optional spices. Then tightly pack the sliced lemon cucumbers.
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Pour the brine: Carefully pour the hot brine over the cucumbers, leaving about ½ inch of headspace.
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Seal and store: Seal the jars with lids. Let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate. Allow pickles to sit for at least 24–48 hours before eating for the best flavor.
Tips for the Best Lemon Cucumber Dill Pickles
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Use fresh cucumbers: Pickle your lemon cucumbers soon after harvest to preserve crunch.
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Slice evenly: Uniform slices ensure even pickling and a consistent texture.
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Adjust flavor: Want it tangier? Add more vinegar. Sweeter? Increase sugar slightly. Spicier? Toss in extra red pepper flakes or a jalapeño slice.
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Let them sit: The longer they rest in the fridge, the more flavorful they become.
Storage Instructions
These are refrigerator pickles, meaning they aren’t processed for shelf storage. Follow these guidelines:
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✅ Store in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 weeks.
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✅ Always use clean utensils to remove pickles from the jar to avoid contamination.
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✅ For longer shelf life, you can use a proper canning method with a water bath.
How to Enjoy Lemon Cucumber Dill Pickles
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🍔 On burgers and sandwiches – Adds a citrusy-crisp crunch.
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🧀 With cheese boards – Pairs well with soft cheeses like goat or brie.
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🥗 In salads – Chop and toss into potato salad or coleslaw.
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🍹 As a garnish – Great addition to Bloody Marys or pickleback shots.
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🥒 Straight from the jar – Perfect for guilt-free snacking.
Final Thoughts
This lemon cucumber dill pickle recipe is the perfect way to showcase the flavor and crunch of unique lemon cucumbers. Whether you’re new to pickling or an experienced home canner, these pickles offer a refreshing alternative to traditional recipes. With minimal ingredients and effort, you can enjoy a homemade treat that adds zest and excitement to your meals.
Try making a batch today—you’ll love the combination of tangy vinegar, aromatic dill, and the tender-crisp bite of lemon cucumbers.
Learn more: lemon cucumber pickle recipe
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