Creating a cucumber salad offers you a blend of precision and creativity.
You’ll enjoy the crisp texture of thinly sliced cucumbers paired with the pungent aroma of fresh dill.
The balance of tanginess from vinegar and sweetness from sugar creates a harmonious flavor profile.
Whether you’re pairing it with grilled meats or enjoying it solo, this dish is versatile and revitalizing.
Ready to transform simple ingredients into a culinary delight?
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 Knife
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 Mixing bowl
- 1 Measuring cup
- 1 Spoon
Ingredients
- 2 units cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
- 1/4 cup white vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Cook & Prep Time
To efficiently manage your time while preparing and making the Cucumber Salad, you can follow this timeline:
- Reading and Preparation (5 minutes)
- Read through the entire recipe to understand the steps and gather all necessary equipment and ingredients.
- Prep Work (15 minutes)
- Minute 1-5: Wash and dry the cucumbers and red onion.
- Minute 6-10: Thinly slice the cucumbers and red onion using the knife and cutting board.
- Minute 11-13: Chop the fresh dill.
- Minute 14-15: Measure and combine white vinegar, olive oil, sugar, salt, and black pepper in a measuring cup.
- Mixing and Tossing (5 minutes)
- Minute 16-17: Place the sliced cucumbers, red onion, and chopped dill into the mixing bowl.
- Minute 18-19: Pour the dressing over the cucumber mixture.
- Minute 20: Toss the salad gently with a spoon to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Resting Time (10 minutes)
- Allow the salad to rest for 10 minutes to let the flavors meld.
During this time, you can clean up the workspace and put away any unused ingredients.
Recipe Instructions
Slice the cucumbers and red onion thinly using a knife and cutting board.
Place the sliced cucumbers and red onion into a mixing bowl.
Add chopped fresh dill to the cucumber and onion mixture.
In a measuring cup, combine white vinegar, olive oil, sugar, salt, and black pepper.
Pour the dressing over the cucumber mixture in the mixing bowl.
Toss the salad gently with a spoon to guarantee the dressing coats all ingredients evenly.
Allow the salad to rest for 10 minutes to let the flavors meld before serving.
Serving Tips
- Grilled Chicken: Pair the cucumber salad with grilled chicken for a light and invigorating meal.
- Fish Fillet: Serve alongside a simple fish fillet to complement the salad’s fresh flavors.
- Pita Bread: Enjoy the salad with warm pita bread for a Mediterranean-inspired meal.
- Hummus: Combine with hummus for a healthy, flavorful appetizer platter.
- Quinoa: Serve over a bed of quinoa for a nutritious and filling vegetarian option.
Storage
To store cucumber salad, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate.
Consume within 1-2 days for peak freshness.
Stir before serving to redistribute the dressing and flavors.
Freezing
Freezing cucumber salad isn’t recommended.
Fresh cucumbers and onions become watery when thawed, compromising the salad’s quality.
Reheating
Cucumber salad is best served fresh and shouldn’t be reheated.
To enjoy leftovers, simply store in the fridge and consume within a day to maintain crispness and flavor.
Final Thoughts
Cucumber salad is a revitalizing and easy-to-make appetizer that’s perfect for any occasion.
It combines the crispness of cucumbers with the sharpness of red onions and the aromatic touch of fresh dill.
The dressing, made with white vinegar, olive oil, and a hint of sugar, ties all the flavors together beautifully.
To achieve the best taste, let the salad rest for a bit to allow the flavors to meld.
For an even richer flavor, consider preparing it a few hours in advance and refrigerating it.
Adjusting the vinegar or adding lemon juice can personalize the salad to your taste, making it a versatile dish for any meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Substitute Dill With Another Herb?
Sure, you can substitute dill with parsley or cilantro for a different flavor profile. Both herbs add freshness and vibrancy. If you prefer a milder taste, use parsley; for a more robust flavor, opt for cilantro.
Is Cucumber Salad Suitable for Vegan Diets?
Yes, you can enjoy cucumber salad on a vegan diet. The recipe uses plant-based ingredients like cucumbers, onions, olive oil, and herbs. Confirm all components, especially the sugar, are vegan-friendly, as some sugars are processed with bone char.
How Can I Make the Salad Spicier?
To spice up the salad, add thinly sliced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes. Enhance the heat with a dash of hot sauce or finely chopped chili peppers, balancing the flavors with additional olive oil.
What Are Some Protein Additions to This Salad?
To boost protein, add grilled chicken or chickpeas. For a creative touch, toss in feta cheese or sliced almonds. These options integrate seamlessly, enhancing flavor and texture without overshadowing the salad’s core Mediterranean essence.
Can Cucumber Salad Be Made With Different Types of Cucumbers?
You can use different cucumber varieties like Persian, English, or Kirby. Each offers unique textures and flavors. Just adjust slicing techniques accordingly to maintain consistency and enhance aesthetic appeal. Experiment to discover your preferred combination and taste.
Cucumber Salad
Equipment
- 1 Knife
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 Mixing bowl
- 1 measuring cup
- 1 Spoon
Ingredients
- 2 units cucumbers thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup red onion thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh dill chopped
- 1/4 cup white vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Slice the cucumbers and red onion thinly using a knife and cutting board.
- Place the sliced cucumbers and red onion into a mixing bowl.
- Add chopped fresh dill to the cucumber and onion mixture.
- In a measuring cup, combine white vinegar, olive oil, sugar, salt, and black pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the cucumber mixture in the mixing bowl.
- Toss the salad gently with a spoon to ensure the dressing coats all ingredients evenly.
- Allow the salad to rest for 10 minutes to let the flavors meld before serving.
Notes
