Cucumber Salad Recipe

I adore making easy but tasty dishes, and my recipe for cucumber salad is a prime example. It pairs the refreshing crunch of super-thin cucumber slices (work hard for that uniformity; you want it here) with the sharpness of red onion.

Fresh dill is a great aromatic touch here (and arguably essential), partner it with a little white vinegar for sharpness, and a drizzle of olive oil gives you a nice, smooth mouthfeel. A touch of sugar balances the acidity, and apart from that, you season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Not only is this all come together in under 15 minutes, but it is also pretty much a salad that is zero on the calorie count.

Ingredients

Cucumbers:
Quenching and scant in calories; furnish roughage and nutrients.

Red Onion:
Imparts a strong, delicious taste; high in antioxidants.

Fresh Dill:
Provides an aromatic herbal note; includes vital nutrients.

White Vinegar:
Yields a biting, biting, sour flavor; helps with digestion.

Olive Oil:
Fats that are healthy for the heart; improves taste and nutrient absorption.

Sugar:
Counteracts acidity by adding a hint of sweetness.

Ingredient Quantities

• 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
• 1/4 cup white vinegar
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. In a big mixing bowl, mix the cucumbers, cut into very thin slices, with the red onion.

2. In another small bowl, combine white vinegar, olive oil, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Whisk these ingredients together until the sugar dissolves.

3. In the large bowl, mix the vinegar with cucumber and onion slices.

4. Add the chopped fresh dill to the salad.

5. Combine the components until the onions and cucumbers are thoroughly covered in the dressing.

6. Wrap the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or use a lid to cover it, and refrigerate for at least 15 to 30 minutes so that the flavors can blend together.

7. Before serving, mix the salad once more to distribute the dressing throughout.

8. Adjust seasoning with extra salt or pepper, if necessary, to suit your taste.

9. Move the cucumber salad to a dish for serving.

10. Chilling the dish makes it serve as a side dish that is refreshing and light.

Equipment Needed

1. Large mixing bowl
2. Small mixing bowl
3. Whisk
4. Sharp knife
5. Cutting board
6. Measuring cups
7. Measuring spoons
8. Plastic wrap or bowl lid
9. Serving dish

FAQ

• Q:May I substitute other types of vinegar in the cucumber salad? A: You may use apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar to impart a slightly different taste.
• Q:How do I prevent the cucumbers from becoming too watery?
  To prevent extra water from being in the ingredients, you can lightly salt the cucumbers after slicing them and allow them to sit in a colander for around 15 minutes. After that, rinse the cucumbers and combine them with the other ingredients.
• Q:Q: Is there a substitute for fresh dill? A: If fresh dill is not available, you can use 1 tablespoon of dried dill as a substitute, though fresh offers the best flavor.
• Q:How long can I store this cucumber salad?
  This salad has a storage life of 3 days in the refrigerator, kept in an airtight container.
• Q:Is it permissible to include additional vegetables in this salad? A: Yes, it is permissible to increase the color and flavor quotient by including either thinly sliced bell peppers or tomatoes.
• Q:This recipe—can a person make it without sugar? A: Try Stevia, or leave the sugar out entirely; if you do go sans sugar, you’ll find the resultant salad has a pleasantly tangy flavor, as the recipe’s authors do not recommend any sweeteners.

Substitutions and Variations

Red onion:
If you want a milder flavor, thinly slice shallots or sweet onions and use them instead.
Fresh dill:
Use parsley or mint that is freshly picked for a different herbal note.
White vinegar:
Use apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar instead, and you’ll get a different flavor profile altogether—but not a bad one!
Olive oil:
Substitute with sunflower oil or avocado oil as a neutral alternative.
Sugar:
Use honey or maple syrup for an all-natural sweetening experience.