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Fresh Cucumber Onion Salad Recipe with Tangy Vinegar Dressing Easy and Quick

fresh cucumber onion salad - featured image

A crisp and refreshing cucumber and onion salad tossed in a tangy vinegar dressing, perfect as a quick and easy side dish for summer meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large English cucumbers, thinly sliced
  • 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup white vinegar (can substitute apple cider vinegar)
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt (kosher or sea salt recommended)
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 small garlic clove, minced (optional)

Instructions

  1. Using a sharp knife or mandoline, thinly slice the cucumbers and red onion to about 1/8-inch thickness and transfer to a mixing bowl.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together white vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper until sugar dissolves. Add olive oil and minced garlic, whisk again until combined.
  3. Pour the dressing over the sliced cucumbers and onions. Toss gently with a spoon or tongs to coat evenly.
  4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, ideally 1 hour, to let flavors meld. If short on time, 15 minutes will suffice.
  5. Before serving, sprinkle chopped fresh dill over the salad and toss gently. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or sweetness as needed.
  6. Serve chilled or slightly chilled as a refreshing side dish.

Notes

For best texture, slice cucumbers and onions about 1/8 inch thick. Marinate at least 30 minutes for flavor melding. Salt cucumbers beforehand and rinse to reduce wateriness if desired. Use fresh dill for best flavor; dried dill can be substituted in smaller amounts. Variations include adding red pepper flakes for heat or omitting olive oil for an oil-free version.

Nutrition

Keywords: cucumber salad, onion salad, vinegar dressing, summer salad, quick salad, easy side dish, fresh salad