Refreshing Cucumber Onion Salad Recipe for Summer Crunch

Cool summer days call for a refreshing cucumber onion salad that brings zesty flavors dancing across your plate.

Crisp cucumber slices mingle with sharp red onion rings in this vibrant side dish.

The simple yet bold combination creates a tantalizing blend of textures and tastes that complement any main course.

Fresh herbs and a light vinaigrette elevate this classic salad from ordinary to extraordinary.

Each bite delivers a bright, tangy crunch that awakens your palate.

Balanced and incredibly easy to assemble, this salad takes mere minutes to whip up.

You’ll love how this dish adds a vibrant splash of color and flavor to your summer meals.

Tools to Make This Salad Crisp & Clean

• Sharp knife: Perfect for slicing cucumbers and onions with precision.
• Cutting board: Sturdy surface for chopping vegetables safely.
• Large mixing bowl: Spacious container for tossing and combining salad ingredients.
• Whisk: Essential for blending dressing ingredients smoothly.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate tools for portioning ingredients.
• Serving bowl: Attractive dish for presenting the final salad.

Directions for a Fresh Cucumber Onion Mix

• Container Selection

Choose a clean, airtight container with a secure lid to preserve the salad’s freshness and prevent leaks in the refrigerator.

• Refrigeration Technique

Tuck the salad into the fridge, positioning it away from strong-smelling foods to maintain its delicate flavor profile. Keep the container sealed tightly to prevent moisture loss and flavor absorption.

• Serving Recommendation

When ready to enjoy, gently mix the salad with a clean spoon to redistribute the dressing and revive the crisp texture of cucumbers and onions. This step ensures every bite is as delicious as the first.

• Storage Duration

Consume the cucumber onion salad within 2-3 days for optimal taste and texture. After this period, the vegetables may lose their crunch and the flavors can begin to deteriorate.

• Dill Variation

If fresh dill isn’t available, sprinkle dried dill into the dressing before marinating. The dried herbs will infuse the salad with a similar aromatic essence, ensuring a flavorful alternative to fresh herbs.

Tips for Dressing & Adding Crunch

• Swap out regular cucumbers for Persian or English varieties to achieve an even more delicate texture and fewer seeds.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to give the salad a zesty kick that'll wake up your taste buds.
• Toss in some crumbled feta cheese, grilled chicken, or canned tuna to transform this side dish into a light, refreshing main course.
• Let the salad marinate in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld and intensify, creating a more robust taste profile.

How to Serve Cucumber Salad with Meals

• Chill and Refresh: Serve this crisp salad as a cool side dish alongside grilled meats or summer barbecue favorites to add a zesty, refreshing touch to your meal.
• Pair with Proteins: Complement the salad with grilled chicken, fish, or pork chops to balance the tangy dressing and crunchy vegetables with hearty protein options.
• Elevate Sandwich Topping: Use this cucumber onion salad as a vibrant, crunchy topping for sandwiches, burgers, or wraps to add extra flavor and texture to your lunch.
• Make-Ahead Meal Prep: Prepare the salad in advance and store in the refrigerator, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify for an even more delicious side dish throughout the week.

Storage Tips for Salad Without Soggy Results

• Refrigerate Wisely: Keep your cucumber onion salad in an airtight container to maintain maximum crispness and flavor for 2-3 days.
• Drain Excess Liquid: Before storing, gently remove any accumulated water to prevent soggy vegetables and preserve the salad's delightful crunch.
• Revive Quickly: Stir the salad thoroughly before serving to redistribute the dressing and restore its vibrant taste and texture.
• Marinate Strategically: Allow the salad to sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors blend and intensify, creating a more delicious experience.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time:

Total Time: 15 minutes

Calories: 70 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients for Cucumber Onion Salad

• Cucumber: Crisp, cool base that adds refreshing crunch and hydration to the salad.
• Onion: Provides sharp, zesty flavor that complements the cucumber's mild taste.
• Fresh Dill: Aromatic herb that brings bright, tangy notes and elevates the overall dish.

• Vinegar: Adds tangy acidity that helps balance and enhance the salad's flavors.
• Olive Oil: Creates smooth, silky texture and contributes rich, subtle undertones.
• Sugar: Softens the sharp edges of vinegar and onion, creating a harmonious balance.

• Salt: Draws out moisture and intensifies the natural flavors of vegetables.
• Black Pepper: Introduces a gentle warmth and subtle spiciness to the salad.

Crisp Cucumber Onion Salad

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4.6 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Cool cucumber and onion salad celebrates fresh Mediterranean flavors with crisp vegetables and tangy dressing. Refreshing ingredients create simple summer comfort you can enjoy alongside grilled meats or as a light side dish.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cucumber, sliced
• ½ red onion, thinly sliced
• ⅓ cup (79 ml) white vinegar or cider vinegar
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) vegetable oil or light olive oil
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) water
• 2 tsps (10 g) sugar

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Instructions

1. Prepare Vegetables: Slice cucumbers into delicate, uniform rounds using a mandoline or sharp knife, and finely dice red onions to ensure balanced flavor distribution.
2. Create Dressing: Whisk white vinegar, olive oil, salt, and freshly ground black pepper until fully emulsified, incorporating dried dill weed to release its aromatic essence.
3. Combine and Marinate: Gently mix cucumber and onion slices in a spacious mixing bowl, pour the prepared dressing over the vegetables, and toss to coat every slice uniformly.
4. Chill and Develop Flavors: Refrigerate the salad for 30 minutes to 1 hour, allowing the vegetables to absorb the tangy dressing and enhance their taste profile.
5. Serve and Store: Stir the salad before serving to redistribute the dressing, and store in a sealed container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days to maintain optimal freshness.

Notes

• Master Slicing Technique: Use a mandoline or sharp knife for consistently thin, translucent cucumber and onion slices that maximize dressing absorption.
• Dressing Emulsion Pro: Whisk vinegar, oil, salt, and pepper until fully blended for a smooth, perfectly balanced flavor that coats every vegetable piece.
• Marination Magic: Refrigerate salad for 30-60 minutes to let vegetables soak up tangy dressing, intensifying taste and creating a more harmonious blend.
• Freshness Preservation: Store in a sealed container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, giving a quick stir before serving to revive flavors and texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: None
• Cuisine: Eastern European

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 70
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 0 mg
• Fat: 4 g
• Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg