Easy Cucumber Salad Recipe
Introduction
This Easy Cucumber Salad is a refreshing and simple side dish perfect for warm days or anytime you want a light, tangy treat. Made with crisp cucumbers, red onion, and a bright vinegar dressing, it’s quick to prepare and full of flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 pound cucumbers (thinly sliced)
- ½ small red onion (thinly sliced)
- 1 ½ teaspoons sugar
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- 6 tablespoons white vinegar
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill
Instructions
- Step 1: Thinly slice the cucumbers and red onion, then place them in a large bowl.
- Step 2: Add the sugar, salt, white vinegar, and fresh dill to the bowl.
- Step 3: Gently toss all ingredients together to combine evenly.
- Step 4: Serve the salad immediately, or refrigerate it for 2-3 hours to allow flavors to meld before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For extra crunch, sprinkle toasted sunflower seeds on top just before serving.
- Substitute apple cider vinegar for a slightly sweeter taste.
- Add a pinch of freshly ground black pepper or red pepper flakes for subtle heat.
Storage
Store the cucumber salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The cucumbers may release some water over time, so give it a gentle toss before serving. This salad is best enjoyed chilled.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use regular dill instead of fresh dill?
Fresh dill provides the best flavor, but dried dill can be used as a substitute. Use about one-third of the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated.
Will the cucumbers become soggy if I make this ahead of time?
The cucumbers will release some liquid and soften slightly after a few hours, but refrigerating the salad for 2-3 hours enhances the flavor. For a crisper texture, serve it immediately after tossing.
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Easy Cucumber Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes (plus optional 2-3 hours chilling time)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Cucumber Salad is a refreshing and tangy side dish perfect for warm days. Featuring thinly sliced cucumbers and red onions tossed in a sweet and tangy vinegar dressing with fresh dill, it’s quick to prepare and can be served immediately or chilled for enhanced flavor.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 1 pound cucumbers, thinly sliced
- ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
Dressing Ingredients
- 1 ½ teaspoons sugar
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- 6 tablespoons white vinegar
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: Thinly slice the cucumbers and half a small red onion, ensuring even thickness for a consistent texture throughout the salad.
- Make the Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sugar, salt, white vinegar, and fresh chopped dill. Stir well until the sugar and salt are fully dissolved to create a tangy and flavorful base.
- Toss Salad: Add the sliced cucumbers and red onions into the dressing bowl and gently toss until all the slices are well coated with the dressing.
- Serve or Chill: Serve the salad immediately for a crisp, fresh flavor, or refrigerate for 2-3 hours to allow the flavors to meld together for a more intense taste.
Notes
- For best results, use English cucumbers or Kirby cucumbers for a crisp texture.
- Adjust sugar and salt to taste depending on your preference for sweetness or saltiness.
- Fresh dill is crucial for the authentic flavor; dried dill can be used but reduce quantity to 1 tablespoon.
- This salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Add a pinch of black pepper or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: cucumber salad, easy salad, quick side dish, refreshing cucumber recipe, vinegar cucumber salad, summer salad
