Fresh Easy Cucumber Salad Recipe

There’s something genuinely satisfying about diving into a bowl of cucumber salad that’s as crisp and refreshing as a spring morning. My latest obsession? A simple yet zesty blend of cucumber and red onion with a dill-infused dressing that’s basically a summer vacation for your taste buds.

I am passionate about creating uncomplicated, healthful recipes, and my Fresh Easy Cucumber Salad is another great example of this. With cool, crunchy cucumbers and red onion, this light dish is bumped up a notch (or two) with the addition of fresh dill and a tart vinaigrette made with white vinegar and olive oil.

I think it’s great as a main dish, but I can see it being served as a bright, first course or side salad as well.

Fresh Easy Cucumber Salad Recipe Ingredients

• Cucumbers: Hydrating and refreshing, low in calories, adds a crunch.
• Red Onion: Adds a zesty, sharp flavor, rich in antioxidants.
• Fresh Dill: Provides a burst of flavor, aids digestion, and is aromatic.
• White Vinegar: Offers tangy acidity, balances out flavors, aids in preservation.
• Olive Oil: Heart-healthy fats, smoothens texture, enhances flavors.
• Sugar: Adds mild sweetness, balances the vinegar tanginess.

Fresh Easy Cucumber Salad Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
• 1/4 cup white vinegar
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)

How to Make this Fresh Easy Cucumber Salad Recipe

1. In a big mixing basin, blend together the cucumbers and red onion that you’ve cut into thin slices.

2. Add 1/4 cup of freshly chopped dill to the mixture of cucumber and onion.

3. In a small bowl separate from the others, whip the white vinegar, olive oil, sugar, salt, and black pepper together until the sugar has absolutely dissolved.

4. If desired, incorporate the lemon juice for an extra touch of freshness.

5. Vinaigrette should be poured over the cucumber and onion mixture.

6. Toss everything together very lightly and gently so that the cucumbers and onions are all coated evenly with the dressing.

7. Sample the salad and correct the seasoning with extra salt or pepper as needed.

8. Bowl salad plastic wrap and then allow to marry in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Let the salad cover with the wrap and let the marriage commence. Then, list the components of this most basic yet highly customizable bowl salad as follows.

9. Before serving, tossing the salad once more ensures that the dressing is redistributed throughout.

10. Chill and serve as a side dish that’s bracingly refreshing. Enjoy!

Fresh Easy Cucumber Salad Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Large mixing bowl
2. Small bowl
3. Cutting board
4. Chef’s knife
5. Measuring cups
6. Measuring spoons
7. Whisk
8. Plastic wrap
9. Salad tongs or large spoon for tossing

FAQ

• Can I use another type of vinegar instead of white vinegar?You can substitute white vinegar with apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar, yielding a slightly different flavor.
• Is fresh dill necessary, or can I use dried dill?Dried dill can substitute for fresh dill and offers a similar flavor. Use 1 tablespoon if substituting dried for fresh.
• How can I reduce the sugar content in this salad?Reduce the quantity of sugar and/or use a sugar substitute. Try using half the amount first and adjust to taste.
• Should the cucumbers be peeled before slicing?It’s a personal choice. Keeping the skin on provides hue and feel; however, if you would rather not eat the skin, it can be removed.
• How long can I store this salad in the fridge?This cucumber salad can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for as long as 2 days.
• Can I make this salad ahead of time?Indeed, you can make it a couple of hours ahead of time. But to keep it as fresh as a salad can be, it’s best to dress it right before serving.

Fresh Easy Cucumber Salad Recipe Substitutions and Variations

1 small red onion, thinly sliced: You can use 2-3 finely sliced green onions (scallions) or a small shallot in the same manner as the red onion.
1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped: Replace with 1/4 cup fresh parsley or mint, chopped.
1/4 cup white vinegar: Use apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar in equal amounts. Substitutions: cider vinegar, rice vinegar.
2 tablespoons olive oil: Use in equal amounts substituted with avocado oil or sunflower oil.
1 tablespoon sugar. Substitute with 1 tablespoon honey or agave syrup, adjusting for sweetness.

Pro Tips

1. Salting the Cucumbers: Before assembling the salad, sprinkle the cucumber slices with a bit of salt and let them sit in a colander for about 20 minutes. This will help draw out excess moisture, ensuring a crunchier texture in the final dish.