There is something incredibly refreshing and satisfying about a well-made cucumber salad, and this Cucumber Salad with Red Onion and Dill Recipe is one of my all-time favorites to share. Crisp, cool cucumber slices meld wonderfully with the sharp bite of red onion and the aromatic brightness of fresh dill, all tied together with a tangy, slightly sweet dressing. It’s a simple dish that feels like a little celebration of summer’s best flavors, perfect for brightening any meal or standing confidently on its own.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Cucumber Salad with Red Onion and Dill Recipe lies in its simplicity, relying on a handful of fresh, straightforward ingredients that each play a crucial role in balancing texture, flavor, and color.
- 2 large cucumbers: Thinly sliced for that crisp, cool crunch—the foundation of the salad.
- 1 small red onion: Thinly sliced to add a touch of sharpness and vibrant purple color.
- 1/4 cup vinegar (or apple cider vinegar): Brings acidity that brightens the entire dish.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a silky richness to balance the tangy vinegar.
- 1 teaspoon honey or sugar (optional): A hint of sweetness to mellow the bite of the onion and vinegar.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and softens the cucumbers slightly.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle warmth without overpowering.
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional): Gives a gentle savory note to deepen flavor complexity.
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill): The star herb that delivers that classic fresh, slightly citrusy aroma.
- Fresh parsley or mint for garnish (optional): A pop of green and extra freshness when serving.
How to Make Cucumber Salad with Red Onion and Dill Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Start by thinly slicing your cucumbers using a sharp knife or mandolin for uniform crunch and beauty in every bite. You can peel the cucumbers if you prefer, but the skin adds a nice color contrast and extra texture.
Step 2: Slice the Red Onion
Slice the red onion thinly so it blends smoothly with the cucumbers. Thin slices ensure the onion’s sharpness is balanced and not overpowering in the salad.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
Whisk together vinegar, olive oil, honey or sugar (if you like some sweetness), salt, pepper, and garlic powder in a small bowl. This dressing is the magic that brings all the elements together with a bright, tangy flavor.
Step 4: Taste and Adjust Seasoning
Give the dressing a quick taste. Adjust salt, pepper, or sweetness to your preference. This step is key to making the salad perfectly balanced to your palate.
Step 5: Combine the Salad
In a large bowl, toss the crisp cucumber slices and sliced red onion together, preparing the base for that fresh, lively dressing.
Step 6: Toss with Dressing
Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss gently but thoroughly to coat every slice with those wonderful flavors.
Step 7: Chill and Let Flavors Meld
Refrigerate the salad for 15 to 30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend and the cucumbers to soak up the dressing. This resting makes the salad taste even fresher and more vibrant.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Before serving, sprinkle the salad with fresh dill and, if you like, some parsley or mint for an extra pop of color and fragrance that will delight your guests.
How to Serve Cucumber Salad with Red Onion and Dill Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh herbs like parsley or mint elevates the salad visually and aromatically. A few sprigs of dill on top look beautiful and give that inviting fresh aroma that makes this salad so tempting.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with grilled meats, roasted chicken, or fish for a light, crisp complement. It also works as an excellent side to heavier dishes, helping to cut through richness with its bright and zesty profile.
Creative Ways to Present
For a twist, try serving the salad in individual cups or hollowed-out cucumber boats for a party, or layer it with yogurt and herbs as a refreshing dip. The colors and textures always captivate eyes and taste buds alike!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh and flavorful for up to 2 days, though the cucumbers will continue to soften over time.
Freezing
This cucumber salad is best enjoyed fresh. Freezing is not recommended, as cucumbers have a high water content that will turn mushy upon thawing.
Reheating
No need to reheat this salad. Serve it chilled or at room temperature to enjoy its crisp texture and bright flavors at their best.
FAQs
Can I use other types of vinegar for this salad?
Absolutely! While apple cider vinegar is mild and slightly sweet, white wine vinegar or rice vinegar works wonderfully too. Just choose one you enjoy for its flavor profile.
Is fresh dill necessary, or can I use dried?
Fresh dill is ideal for its brightness and aroma, but dried dill can substitute in a pinch. Use about a third of the fresh amount since dried herbs are more concentrated.
Can I add other vegetables to this salad?
You can! Thinly sliced radishes or cherry tomatoes add extra color and flavor. Just keep additions light so the cucumber and dill remain the stars.
How long should I let the salad chill before serving?
About 15 to 30 minutes is perfect for the flavors to meld nicely without the cucumbers losing their crunch.
Is this recipe suitable for a vegan diet?
Yes, it’s naturally vegan. Just be sure to use sugar instead of honey if you want to keep it strictly plant-based.
Final Thoughts
Sharing this Cucumber Salad with Red Onion and Dill Recipe feels like passing along a little slice of summer goodness. It’s fresh, bright, and incredibly easy to make—ideal for any occasion that calls for a light, refreshing dish. I encourage you to give it a try; it might just become your new favorite go-to salad that everyone asks for again and again!
Print
Cucumber Salad with Red Onion and Dill Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 to 40 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A refreshing and easy-to-make cucumber salad featuring thinly sliced cucumbers and red onions tossed in a tangy and lightly sweetened vinegar dressing, garnished with fresh herbs. Perfect as a light side dish or a crisp accompaniment to any meal.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
Dressing
- 1/4 cup vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon honey or sugar (optional, for sweetness)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
- Fresh parsley or mint for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: Slice the cucumbers thinly using a sharp knife or mandolin slicer. Peel the cucumbers if desired for a smoother texture.
- Slice the Onion: Thinly slice the red onion to ensure it blends well with the cucumbers and dressing.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the vinegar, olive oil, honey or sugar if using, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder if desired until well combined.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the dressing and modify the salt, sweetness, or acidity to your preference for a balanced flavor.
- Combine the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, add the cucumber and red onion slices, then pour the dressing over the vegetables.
- Toss to Coat: Gently toss the salad to evenly coat all the cucumber and onion slices with the dressing without bruising them.
- Chill and Marinate: Refrigerate the salad for 15 to 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the cucumbers to slightly soften.
- Garnish and Serve: Before serving, sprinkle the salad with freshly chopped dill and optionally garnish with fresh parsley or mint leaves for added aroma and color.
Notes
- For a crisper salad, use fresh cucumbers and slice them just before serving.
- You can substitute white vinegar with apple cider vinegar for a milder tang.
- Adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of honey or sugar to suit your taste.
- Optional spices like garlic powder add depth but can be omitted for a more straightforward flavor.
- This salad is best enjoyed fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours.
