cucumber salad Recipe

Looking for a refreshing and light side dish? This crisp cucumber salad offers the perfect balance of tangy and sweet flavors, with a delightful crunch in every bite.

This classic dish combines thinly sliced cucumbers and red onions with a simple vinegar-based dressing, enhanced by fresh herbs.

Ingredients List

Creating this refreshing cucumber salad requires just a handful of simple, fresh ingredients that work together to create a delightful combination of flavors.

Main Ingredients

• 2 English cucumbers, very thinly sliced
• ½ large red onion, very thinly sliced
• ¼ cup white wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey or agave nectar
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
• Chopped fresh chives (optional, for garnish)
• Freshly ground black pepper

Required Kitchen Tools

When preparing this cucumber salad, having the right kitchen tools will help you achieve the perfect texture and presentation:

1. Sharp Knife: Essential for achieving uniformly thin slices of cucumber and onion
2. Large Mixing Bowl: For combining and chilling the ingredients
3. Serving Bowl: For the final presentation
4. Measuring Spoons: For accurate seasoning
5. Mandoline (optional): For achieving ultra-thin, consistent slices

Having these tools ready will ensure a smooth preparation process.

Vegetable Preparation

Proper preparation of the vegetables is key to achieving the perfect cucumber salad texture and flavor. Follow these steps to ensure your ingredients are prepared correctly.

Preparing the Cucumbers

The foundation of this salad lies in properly prepared cucumbers. Start by washing the English cucumbers thoroughly under cool running water. There’s no need to peel them as their skin is tender and adds both color and nutrients to the salad. Using a sharp knife or mandoline, slice the cucumbers as thinly as possible – aim for almost transparent slices. This thin cut allows the dressing to better penetrate the cucumbers and creates the ideal texture.

Preparing the Onions

Red onions need special attention to ensure they complement rather than overpower the salad. After peeling, slice the onion as thinly as possible, similar to the cucumbers. If you find the onion flavor too strong, you can soak the sliced onions in cold water for about 10 minutes, then drain and pat dry before adding them to the salad. This helps mellow their sharp flavor while maintaining their crisp texture.

Making the Dressing

The dressing for this cucumber salad is light and refreshing, perfectly balancing tangy and sweet notes.

Mixing the Dressing Components

Combine the white wine vinegar and honey or agave nectar in a small bowl, stirring until the sweetener is completely dissolved. Add the sea salt and stir to combine. This simple dressing will create the perfect flavor base for your salad while allowing the fresh vegetable flavors to shine through.

Assembling the Salad

Creating the perfect cucumber salad is all about proper assembly and allowing time for the flavors to meld together.

Initial Mixing

1. Place your thinly sliced cucumbers and onions in a large mixing bowl
2. Pour the prepared dressing over the vegetables
3. Gently toss all ingredients together, ensuring even coating
4. Let the mixture chill for 20 minutes in the refrigerator

Final Assembly

After the initial chilling period, it’s time to complete your salad:

1. Using tongs or a slotted spoon, transfer the marinated vegetables to your serving bowl
2. Leave behind any excess liquid that has accumulated to prevent a watery salad
3. Sprinkle the fresh chopped dill over the salad
4. Add the optional chopped chives for extra flavor and color
5. Finish with several grinds of fresh black pepper

Serving Suggestions

This versatile cucumber salad pairs beautifully with various main dishes and can be served in multiple ways.

Pairing Recommendations

• Serve alongside grilled meats or fish
• Perfect accompaniment to sandwiches or burgers
• Excellent addition to Mediterranean-style meals
• Great side dish for spicy foods
• Ideal for picnics and outdoor gatherings

Storage Instructions

Proper storage is crucial for maintaining the freshness and crispness of your cucumber salad.

Short-term Storage

The cucumber salad is best enjoyed within 24 hours of preparation, but you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that:

• Store in an airtight container
• The cucumbers will continue to release water
• The texture will become slightly softer over time
• Drain excess liquid before serving leftovers

Tips for Make-Ahead Preparation

If you need to prepare components in advance:

• Slice vegetables and store separately
• Prepare dressing and keep separate
• Combine all ingredients 20-30 minutes before serving
• Add fresh herbs just before serving

Recipe Variations

This classic cucumber salad can be customized in several ways to suit your taste preferences.

Alternative Ingredients

• Substitute rice vinegar for white wine vinegar
• Add cherry tomatoes for color and flavor
• Include thinly sliced radishes for extra crunch
• Use different fresh herbs like mint or parsley
• Add a splash of olive oil for richness

Conclusion

This refreshing cucumber salad is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can create an extraordinary dish. The combination of crisp vegetables, tangy dressing, and fresh herbs makes it an ideal accompaniment to any meal, particularly during warm weather.

Remember that the key to success lies in slicing the vegetables very thinly and allowing time for the flavors to develop.

With proper preparation and storage, you’ll have a delicious, healthy side dish that’s both easy to make and impressive to serve.