Sometimes, you just need a good salad. Not a fussy, complicated salad that takes all afternoon to make, but something bright, crisp, and utterly refreshing. Something you can throw together when unexpected guests pop by, or when you just want a delicious side dish that doesn’t require a culinary degree.
Well, you’re in luck! Today, we’re diving into a simple yet incredibly satisfying cucumber salad that hits all the right notes. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you feel good about what you’re eating, and even better about how easy it was to make. Let’s get started!
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Honestly, who doesn’t love a recipe that’s quick, easy, and tastes amazing? This cucumber salad is a winner for so many reasons. It’s incredibly refreshing, especially on a warm day.
The tangy dressing is just perfect with the crisp cucumbers and a hint of sweetness. Plus, it’s super budget friendly and doesn’t require any fancy equipment. You probably have most of the ingredients right in your pantry already!
It’s a fantastic make ahead option too, which is always a lifesaver for busy weeknights. This salad truly is a no fuss dish.
Ingredients
- 2 English cucumbers, very thinly sliced
- ½ large red onion, very thinly sliced
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or agave nectar
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
- Chopped fresh chives (optional, for garnish)
- Freshly ground black pepper
Step-By-Step Instructions
Step 1: Combine the Veggies and Dressing
Grab a large bowl. We’re going to toss together those thinly sliced English cucumbers and the red onion.
Now, pour in your apple cider vinegar. Add the honey or agave nectar for just a touch of sweetness.
Sprinkle in that sea salt. Give it all a good toss to make sure everything is nicely coated.
Step 2: Let It Chill
This step is key for flavor. Cover the bowl and pop it into the refrigerator.
Let it chill for about 20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the veggies to get nice and crisp.
Step 3: Finish and Serve
After chilling, it’s time to bring it all together. Transfer the cucumber and onion mixture to your serving bowl.
Try to leave any excess water behind in the original bowl. We want that crispness!
Now for the fresh herbs! Sprinkle in the chopped fresh dill. If you’re using chives, add them now too for an extra pop of color and flavor.
Finally, give it a few grinds of fresh black pepper. This simple salad is ready to serve!
How To Store Leftovers
Got extra cucumber salad? No problem! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
It’s best enjoyed within two to three days. Keep in mind that the cucumbers might soften a bit over time, but it will still be tasty!
Tips
For an even quicker salad, you can use a mandoline slicer to get your cucumbers and onions super thin in a flash. Just be careful!
Don’t skip the chilling step; it really makes a difference in how the flavors develop. It helps the vinegar lightly pickle the vegetables.
Feel free to adjust the sweetness and tanginess to your liking. More honey or vinegar? You’re the boss!
If you don’t have English cucumbers, regular cucumbers work too. Just be sure to peel them and maybe remove the seeds if they’re large.
Conclusion
And there you have it! A super simple, incredibly delicious cucumber salad that proves you don’t need a lot of time or fancy ingredients to make something wonderful.
This recipe is perfect for adding a fresh touch to any meal, from barbecues to weeknight dinners. It’s proof that a great salad can be easy, affordable, and absolutely delightful.
Give this delightful cucumber salad a try. We think you’ll love how easy it is to make and how refreshing it tastes. Happy cooking!
FAQ
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can definitely make this salad ahead of time! It’s perfect for meal prepping. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge.
What kind of vinegar should I use?
Apple cider vinegar is recommended for its nice balance of tang and subtle fruitiness. However, white wine vinegar or even red wine vinegar can work in a pinkch.
Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add thinly sliced bell peppers, radishes, or even some cherry tomatoes for extra color and crunch.
Is this salad vegan?
Yes, this salad is vegan if you use agave nectar instead of honey. It’s a naturally vegan friendly dish!
How thin should I slice the vegetables?
Very thin is the key! Aim for slices that are almost see-through. This helps them absorb the dressing better and gives the salad a pleasant texture.
Easy Cucumber Salad
This crisp, refreshing salad is the ultimate no-fuss side dish. Ready in just 30 minutes, it combines tangy vinegar, fresh dill, and crunchy cucumbers for a bright flavor that pairs perfectly with any weeknight dinner or barbecue.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- Grab a large bowl. Toss together those thinly sliced English cucumbers and the red onion.
- Pour in your apple cider vinegar. Add the honey or agave nectar for just a touch of sweetness.
- Sprinkle in that sea salt. Give it all a good toss to make sure everything is nicely coated.
- Cover the bowl and pop it into the refrigerator. Let it chill for about 20 minutes to let the flavors meld and veggies crisp up.
- Transfer the cucumber and onion mixture to your serving bowl, leaving any excess water behind in the original bowl.
- Sprinkle in the chopped fresh dill and chives (if using). Add a few grinds of fresh black pepper and serve immediately.
Notes
For an even quicker salad, use a mandoline slicer to get your cucumbers and onions super thin in a flash. Just be careful!
Don’t skip the chilling step; it allows the vinegar to lightly pickle the vegetables and deepens the flavor.
You can easily adjust the sweetness and tanginess to your liking by adding more honey or vinegar.
To make this recipe vegan, simply swap the honey for agave nectar.
Nutrition
Calories
Sugar
Fat
Carbs
