Mention dill, and the first thing that springs to mind for most people is pickles. That tangy, herbaceous crunch is iconic, forever linking the feathery green herb with jars of brined cucumbers. But confining dill solely to the pickling jar is like only ever using lemons for lemonade – you’re missing out on a whole world of vibrant flavour and versatility. Dill, with its unique anise-like sweetness and fresh, grassy notes, deserves a much broader place in our kitchens. Its delicate fronds and even its seeds offer distinct tastes that can elevate countless dishes, far beyond the realm of preservation.
Let’s break free from the pickle paradigm and explore the simpler, everyday ways this wonderful herb can brighten our meals. Forget complicated techniques; we’re talking easy additions that make a big difference. From waking up sleepy salads to adding finesse to fish, dill is ready for its close-up.
Fresh and Lively: Dill in Salads and Dressings
One of the easiest and most rewarding ways to use fresh dill is in salads. Its airy fronds add not just flavour but also a beautiful visual element. Don’t just toss a few sprigs in; chop it reasonably finely (though not pulverised) to distribute its essence throughout.
Think beyond basic lettuce salads. Dill shines in:
- Cucumber Salads: A classic for a reason. Thinly sliced cucumbers, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, a squeeze of lemon, and a generous handful of chopped dill make a refreshing side dish perfect for warm weather or alongside spicy mains.
- Potato Salads: Whether you prefer a creamy mayonnaise-based salad or a lighter vinaigrette style, dill adds a necessary brightness that cuts through the richness or complements the tang. It pairs exceptionally well with new potatoes.
- Grain Salads: Quinoa, farro, couscous, or bulgur salads benefit immensely from dill’s fresh kick. Combine it with chopped bell peppers, feta cheese, chickpeas, and a lemon vinaigrette for a substantial and flavourful meal.
- Bean Salads: Simple three-bean salads or chickpea salads get an instant upgrade with fresh dill. Its flavour profile works beautifully with legumes and tangy dressings.
And then there are the dressings. Oh, the dressings! Homemade salad dressing is surprisingly simple, and dill is a star player.
Creamy Dill Dressings
This is where dill truly feels luxurious. Whisk together a base of Greek yogurt, sour cream, or even mayonnaise. Add finely chopped fresh dill, a squeeze of lemon juice or a splash of white wine vinegar, a pinch of salt and pepper, and perhaps a tiny bit of garlic powder or fresh minced garlic. This creates a ranch-style dressing without the packet mix, perfect for green salads, coleslaw, or even as a dip for vegetables.
Dill Vinaigrettes
For a lighter touch, incorporate dill into your favourite vinaigrette. A standard ratio is three parts oil (like extra virgin olive oil) to one part acid (lemon juice, white wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar). To this, add plenty of chopped fresh dill, a dab of Dijon mustard to help emulsify, salt, and pepper. Shake vigorously in a jar. This dressing is fantastic on delicate greens, grilled vegetables, or drizzled over fish.
Storing Fresh Dill: To keep fresh dill vibrant for longer, treat it like a bouquet. Trim the stems slightly and place them upright in a jar with an inch of water. Loosely cover the leaves with a plastic bag and store it in the refrigerator. Change the water every couple of days for maximum freshness, often lasting over a week this way.
Perfect Pairings: Dill with Fish, Eggs, and Poultry
Dill has a natural affinity for certain proteins, enhancing their flavour without overpowering them.
The Dream Team: Dill and Fish
Salmon and dill are a match made in culinary heaven. Whether you’re baking, grilling, or pan-searing salmon, a sprinkle of fresh dill before or after cooking adds an essential layer of flavour. A simple sauce of yogurt, dill, and lemon served alongside is classic. But don’t stop at salmon! Dill works beautifully with milder white fish like cod, halibut, or tilapia. Try incorporating it into fish cakes or mixing it with breadcrumbs for a crust.
Elevating Eggs
Move over, chives! Dill brings a different kind of freshness to egg dishes.
- Scrambled Eggs & Omelets: Fold chopped fresh dill into your eggs just before they finish cooking. It adds a subtle complexity that’s unexpectedly delightful. Pair it with feta or goat cheese for extra tang.
- Deviled Eggs: Mix chopped dill into the yolk filling along with mayonnaise, mustard, and a pinch of paprika. It provides a welcome contrast to the richness.
- Egg Salad: Forget boring egg salad sandwiches. Adding fresh dill transforms this simple lunch staple into something much more interesting and flavourful.
Dill with Chicken
While perhaps less common than pairing with fish, dill can add a lovely herbaceous note to chicken dishes. Mix chopped dill with melted butter and lemon juice to brush over roast chicken. Add it to chicken marinades, especially yogurt-based ones inspired by Greek or Middle Eastern flavours. Finely chopped dill stirred into chicken salad sandwiches is another easy win.
Comforting Companions: Dill with Potatoes and Vegetables
Dill brings its bright personality to comforting starches and earthy vegetables.
Potatoes Love Dill
We mentioned potato salad, but the love affair doesn’t end there.
- Roasted Potatoes: Toss potato wedges or cubes with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and a generous amount of chopped fresh dill before roasting. The dill gets slightly crispy and infuses the potatoes with flavour.
- Mashed Potatoes: Stir fresh dill into your mashed potatoes along with butter and milk/cream for an herby twist.
- Boiled New Potatoes: Simply tossing hot, freshly boiled new potatoes with butter and heaps of chopped dill is a sublime and simple side dish.
Beyond Potatoes
Dill isn’t just for spuds. Try it with roasted carrots – the sweetness of the carrots complements the anise notes of the dill surprisingly well. Steamed green beans tossed with butter and dill are simple yet elegant. It can also be incorporated into vegetable fritters or blended into green soups for a fresh finish.
Sauces, Dips, and Spreads
Dill is a cornerstone herb for many simple sauces and dips that can accompany a wide array of foods.
Yogurt and Sour Cream Bases
As mentioned with dressings, a simple mix of Greek yogurt or sour cream, loads of fresh dill, lemon juice, salt, and pepper makes an incredibly versatile dip or sauce. Serve it with:
- Raw vegetables (crudités)
- Potato chips or pita bread
- Grilled meats or fish
- Falafel
- As a baked potato topping
Dill Butter
Soften a stick of unsalted butter. Mix in finely chopped fresh dill, a squeeze of lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Roll it into a log using plastic wrap or parchment paper and refrigerate until firm. Slices of dill butter are fantastic melted over grilled fish, steak, steamed vegetables, corn on the cob, or spread on crusty bread.
Don’t Forget Dill Seeds!
While fresh dill fronds get most of the attention, dill seeds offer a different, more pungent flavour profile, slightly warmer and more aromatic, closer to caraway. They are, of course, essential in pickling brine, but you can use them elsewhere too. Try adding them to bread dough (especially rye bread), cabbage dishes, or sprinkle them over roasting root vegetables. Crush them slightly before using to release more of their aromatic oils.
So, next time you see a bunch of fresh dill at the market, look beyond the pickle jar. Think salads, dressings, fish, eggs, potatoes, dips, and butters. Its bright, unique flavour is waiting to liven up your everyday cooking in the simplest, most delicious ways. Give it a chance to shine outside its usual brine-filled home – you might just discover your new favourite herbaceous hero.
