This refreshing cucumber salad is a perfect side dish for any meal. The crispness of the cucumbers combined with the tangy vinegar dressing and the aromatic dill makes it a delightful addition to your table. It's quick to prepare and can be served immediately or chilled for later.
If you don't usually have red onion or fresh dill at home, you might need to pick them up at the supermarket. Red onion adds a mild, sweet flavor and a pop of color, while fresh dill provides a unique, aromatic taste that elevates the salad.

Ingredients For Cucumber Salad Recipe
Cucumbers: The main ingredient, providing a refreshing crunch.
Red onion: Adds a mild, sweet flavor and vibrant color.
Vinegar: Either white or apple cider, it gives a tangy taste to the dressing.
Olive oil: Adds a rich, smooth texture to the dressing.
Sugar: Balances the acidity of the vinegar with a touch of sweetness.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the salad.
Black pepper: Adds a hint of spice to the dressing.
Fresh dill: Provides a unique, aromatic flavor that complements the cucumbers.
Technique Tip for Making This Salad
When slicing the cucumbers, use a mandoline for uniform thickness, ensuring even absorption of the dressing. This technique also speeds up the preparation process and enhances the overall presentation of the salad.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
cucumbers - Substitute with zucchini: Zucchini has a similar texture and mild flavor, making it a good alternative in salads.
red onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots offer a milder and slightly sweeter taste, which can complement the salad well.
white vinegar - Substitute with rice vinegar: Rice vinegar has a mild and slightly sweet flavor that works well in salads.
apple cider vinegar - Substitute with lemon juice: Lemon juice provides a similar acidity and a fresh citrus flavor.
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a neutral flavor and similar health benefits, making it a good alternative.
sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey adds a natural sweetness and a bit of complexity to the flavor profile.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds a salty flavor along with a bit of umami, enhancing the overall taste.
black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a similar heat but a slightly different flavor profile, which can add a unique twist.
fresh dill - Substitute with fresh parsley: Fresh parsley provides a bright, slightly peppery flavor that can complement the other ingredients well.
Other Alternative Recipes Similar to This Salad
How to Store or Freeze This Salad
- To store your cucumber salad, transfer it to an airtight container. This helps maintain its crispness and prevents it from absorbing other odors in the fridge.
- Place the container in the refrigerator. The cucumber salad will stay fresh for up to 2-3 days. Beyond this period, the cucumbers may start to lose their crunch and become soggy.
- If you plan to make the salad ahead of time, consider storing the dressing separately. Combine the cucumbers and red onions in one container and the vinegar mixture in another. Mix them together just before serving to keep the vegetables crisp.
- For an extra burst of flavor, add the fresh dill just before serving. This ensures the herb retains its vibrant taste and doesn't wilt.
- Freezing cucumber salad is not recommended. The high water content in cucumbers causes them to become mushy and lose their texture when thawed. If you must freeze, consider freezing only the dressing and preparing fresh cucumbers and red onions when ready to serve.
- If you have leftover dressing, store it in a small jar or container with a tight-fitting lid. It can be refrigerated for up to a week and used for other salads or as a marinade for grilled vegetables or meat.
- Always use clean utensils when handling the cucumber salad to prevent contamination and extend its shelf life.
How to Reheat Leftovers
While cucumber salad is best enjoyed fresh, if you must reheat it, follow these steps:
Microwave Method:
- Place the cucumber salad in a microwave-safe dish.
- Cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent.
- Heat on medium power for 30 seconds to 1 minute. Stir halfway through to ensure even heating.
- Be cautious not to overheat, as cucumbers can become mushy.
Stovetop Method:
- Transfer the cucumber salad to a non-stick skillet.
- Heat over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- Warm for about 2-3 minutes, just until the salad is slightly warmed through.
- Avoid high heat to prevent the cucumbers from losing their crunch.
Oven Method:
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
- Spread the cucumber salad evenly on a baking sheet.
- Cover with aluminum foil to retain moisture.
- Heat for about 5-7 minutes, checking frequently to ensure the cucumbers do not overcook.
Pro Tip:
- If you prefer to keep the cucumber salad cold but want to refresh its flavors, consider adding a splash of vinegar or a sprinkle of fresh dill before serving.
Best Tools for Making This Salad
Mixing bowl: A large bowl used to combine the sliced cucumbers and red onion.
Small bowl: A smaller bowl used to whisk together the vinegar, olive oil, sugar, salt, and black pepper.
Whisk: A utensil used to blend the dressing ingredients smoothly.
Knife: A sharp tool used to slice the cucumbers and red onion.
Cutting board: A surface used to safely chop and slice the vegetables.
Measuring cups: Tools used to measure the vinegar and olive oil accurately.
Measuring spoons: Tools used to measure the sugar, salt, and black pepper accurately.
Serving spoon: A utensil used to toss the salad and serve it.
Refrigerator: An appliance used to chill the salad if you choose to refrigerate it for later.
How to Save Time on Making This Salad
Pre-slice vegetables: Slice the cucumbers and red onion ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator.
Use a mandoline: A mandoline slicer can quickly and uniformly slice your cucumbers and onions.
Make dressing in bulk: Prepare a larger batch of the vinegar and olive oil dressing to use for multiple salads.
Chop herbs in advance: Chop the fresh dill ahead of time and store it in an airtight container.
Mix in a large bowl: Use a large mixing bowl to combine ingredients quickly and evenly.

Cucumber Salad Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 large Cucumbers sliced
- ¼ cup Red Onion thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons Vinegar white or apple cider
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
- 1 teaspoon Sugar
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Dill chopped
Instructions
- 1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers and red onion.
- 2. In a small bowl, whisk together the vinegar, olive oil, sugar, salt, and black pepper.
- 3. Pour the dressing over the cucumber and onion mixture. Toss to coat evenly.
- 4. Sprinkle with fresh dill and toss again. Serve immediately or refrigerate for later.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
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