Introduction
Cucumber Salad is a timeless side dish, perfect for summer barbecues, picnics, or light dinners. Its crisp cucumber slices, tossed in a tangy, slightly sweet vinegar dressing, deliver a refreshing, vibrant flavor. Served in a white ceramic bowl, garnished with fresh dill, this salad creates a bright, inviting aesthetic. This recipe delivers a classic Cucumber Salad, adaptable for dietary preferences, best served chilled for a cool, satisfying bite.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 2 large English cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup white vinegar
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
For Serving:
- Optional: Extra dill sprigs
- Suggested Accompaniments: Grilled chicken, crusty bread
- Suggested Pairings: Iced tea, white wine
- Suggested Aesthetic: Serve in a white ceramic bowl
- Suggested Equipment: Mandoline slicer (optional), mixing bowl
Step-by-Step Process
- Prepare Vegetables: Using a knife or mandoline, thinly slice cucumbers and red onion. Place in a large mixing bowl.
- Make Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk vinegar, olive oil, sugar, salt, and pepper until sugar dissolves. Stir in chopped dill.
- Combine: Pour dressing over cucumbers and onions. Toss gently to coat evenly.
- Chill: Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to let flavors meld, stirring once halfway.
- Serve: Transfer to a white ceramic bowl, garnish with dill sprigs. Serve chilled with grilled chicken, bread, and iced tea.
Tips for Better Cucumber Salad
- Slice cucumbers thinly for the best texture; a mandoline ensures uniformity.
- Use English cucumbers for fewer seeds and crispness.
- Soak onions in cold water for 10 minutes to reduce sharpness if desired.
- Taste dressing before tossing; adjust sugar or salt as needed.
- Chill salad for at least 30 minutes for optimal flavor.
- Toss gently to avoid breaking cucumber slices.
- Drain excess liquid before serving for a less watery salad.
- Enhance aesthetic: Arrange dill sprigs artfully, serve in a white ceramic bowl for a bright look.
Variations and Customization
- Creamy Cucumber Salad: Add 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt to the dressing.
- Asian Cucumber Salad: Swap vinegar for rice vinegar, add 1 tsp sesame oil, 1 tbsp soy sauce, and omit dill.
- Spicy Cucumber Salad: Add 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes or 1 sliced jalapeño.
- Herb Cucumber Salad: Replace dill with 2 tbsp fresh mint or parsley.
- Tomato Cucumber Salad: Add 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes.
- Feta Cucumber Salad: Add 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese.
- Low-Sugar Salad: Reduce sugar to 1 tsp or use a sugar substitute.
- Garlic Cucumber Salad: Add 1 minced garlic clove to the dressing.
Storage and Serving Tips
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 2 days; flavor intensifies over time.
- Stir before serving to redistribute the dressing.
- Do not freeze; cucumbers become mushy.
- Serve chilled for the best texture; a room temperature salad softens.
- Use leftovers as a topping for sandwiches or burgers.
- Don’t leave at room temperature for over 2 hours.
- Pair with hearty mains like grilled meats to balance lightness.
- Presented in a white ceramic bowl with dill for vibrant charm.
Nutritional Information
Based on 4 servings (1 cup each):
- Calories: 90 kcal
- Total Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 590mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 7g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 4g
- Protein: 1g
- Vitamin A: 4% Daily Value
- Vitamin C: 8% Daily Value
- Calcium: 2% Daily Value
- Iron: 2% Daily Value
Note: Values vary by brand. Low in calories, fat; try creamy or feta versions. Serve with protein for balance.
Conclusion
This Cucumber Salad recipe offers a crisp, refreshing dish, perfect for any occasion, turning simple ingredients into a classic. Its easy preparation and vibrant presentation make it a favorite. The tangy dressing and fresh cucumbers, with delicate garnishes, delight every time. It’s sure to be a cherished recipe, loved for its light flavors.
Cucumber Salad Recipe: Crisp and Refreshing
Ingredients
- 2 English cucumbers sliced
- ½ red onion sliced
- ¼ cup white vinegar
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- ¼ tsp pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh dill
- Optional: Dill sprigs
- Suggested Pairings: Chicken iced tea
Instructions
- Slice cucumbers and onion thinly.
- Whisk vinegar, oil, sugar, salt, pepper, and dill.
- Toss vegetables with dressing.
- Chill for 30 min, stir once.
- Garnish with dill; serve with chicken, tea.
Notes
- Slice thinly for texture.
- Store in fridge for 2 days, do not freeze.
- Try a creamy variation.
- Pair with bread.
