Description
A refreshing and simple cucumber salad featuring thinly sliced cucumbers and red onions tossed in a tangy vinegar and olive oil dressing, perfectly seasoned with dill, salt, pepper, and optional garlic powder. This light salad is ideal as a side dish for warm weather meals or anytime you crave a crisp, cool bite.
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)
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
Garnish
- Fresh parsley or mint for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: Slice the cucumbers thinly using a knife or mandoline slicer. Peel the cucumbers if desired for a smoother texture and appearance.
- Slice the Onion: Thinly slice the small red onion to add a sharp, tangy bite to the salad.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together vinegar, olive oil, honey or sugar (if using), salt, black pepper, and garlic powder (if using) until fully combined and smooth.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning according to your preference, adding more salt, pepper, or sweetener if needed.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the sliced cucumbers and red onion.
- Toss with Dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the vegetables and toss gently to evenly coat all slices without bruising them.
- Chill to Marinate: Refrigerate the salad for 15 to 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and enhance the refreshing taste.
- Garnish and Serve: Before serving, sprinkle fresh chopped dill over the salad and optionally garnish with fresh parsley or mint for an added layer of flavor and color.
Notes
- Use a mandoline slicer for uniform cucumber and onion slices, which helps the salad marinate evenly.
- Peeling cucumbers is optional but recommended if the skin is thick or waxed.
- Adjust honey or sugar quantity depending on your desired sweetness level, or omit for a more tart salad.
- For a stronger herb flavor, increase the amount of dill or add fresh mint.
- This salad is best served chilled and consumed within 24 hours for optimal freshness.
- Adding cherry tomatoes or feta cheese can add extra flavor and texture variations.
