fresh summer cucumber salad
A refreshing and easy-to-prepare summer cucumber salad, perfect as a light side dish. Made with crisp English cucumbers, thinly sliced red onion, fresh dill, and a tangy vinegar dressing, it’s hydrating, healthy, and a family-favorite for busy summer days, emphasizing minimal effort and maximum flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 0 mins
- Total Time: 50 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Assemble
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
3 large English Cucumbers
½ medium Red Onio
¼ cup chopped Fresh Dill
¼ cup White Vinegar
2 tablespoons Granulated Sugar
2 tablespoons Water
½ teaspoon Salt
¼ teaspoon Black Pepper
Instructions
- Wash English cucumbers thoroughly. Slice into thin rounds (about ⅛-inch thick) using a sharp knife, mandoline, or food processor. Place the sliced cucumbers in a large bowl
- Peel ½ red onion and slice very thinly. Add these sliced onions to the bowl with the cucumbers
- Sprinkle about ½ teaspoon of salt over the sliced cucumbers and onions. Gently toss and let sit for 15-20 minutes. Drain any accumulated liquid from the bottom of the bowl. (Optional: gently press to remove more moisture)
- While the cucumbers are resting, finely chop ¼ cup fresh dill
- In a small bowl, combine ¼ cup white vinegar, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons water, remaining salt (if not used for salting, add full ½ teaspoon now), and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Whisk until the sugar completely dissolves. Taste and adjust the sweetness or tanginess to your liking
- Add the chopped fresh dill to the bowl with the drained cucumbers and onions. Pour the prepared dressing over the vegetables. Gently toss everything together until evenly coated
- Cover the bowl and place the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (ideally an hour or more) to allow flavors to meld and ensure it's perfectly chilled and refreshing
- Give the salad a final gentle stir before serving. Enjoy your homemade, vibrant fresh summer cucumber salad!
Notes
Salting the cucumbers and onions for 15-20 minutes is crucial to draw out excess water, ensuring crispness and preventing a watery dressing. Gently press after salting to remove more moisture.
Slice cucumbers and red onions as thinly and uniformly as possible for better dressing absorption and a delicate texture.
Fresh dill is essential for this salad's signature vibrant flavor; do not substitute with dried dill.
Always taste and adjust the dressing's sweetness and tanginess to your preference before combining with the vegetables.
Allow the salad to chill for at least 30 minutes (ideally an hour or more) for optimal flavor melding and refreshing coolness.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. For making ahead (up to 24 hours), prepare salted/drained cucumbers/onions and dressing separately, then combine 1-2 hours before serving for the crispest results.
If excess liquid accumulates during storage, simply drain it off before serving.
Find it online: https://powerecipe.com/fresh-summer-cucumber-salad/