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
Scale
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.
