This Cucumber Salad comes together in about 30 minutes, and with no cooking involved, it’s perfect for a quick and easy side dish that your family will absolutely love! Seriously, this salad is a fantastic addition to any meal!
Ingredients Breakdown
Before you dive in, let me break down the ingredients you’ll need to whip up this delicious Cucumber Salad. You might already have most of these in your pantry or fridge, bonus!
- 2 English cucumbers (very thinly sliced): I love using English cucumbers because they have fewer seeds and a thinner skin, which means no peeling required! But if you have regular cucumbers, go for it.
- ½ large red onion (very thinly sliced): The red onion adds a delightful crunch and a bit of sweetness, which pairs beautifully with the cucumbers.
- ¼ cup white wine vinegar: This gives a tangy flavor that’s simply irresistible, but you could swap it out for apple cider vinegar if that’s what you have.
- 1 tablespoon honey or agave nectar: Just a touch of sweetness! You can adjust this based on your preference. If you’re feeling adventurous, try maple syrup, yum!
- 1 teaspoon sea salt: A couple pinches of salt can really bring out the flavors in the salad.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill: Dill is what makes this dish pop! Fresh is best, but dried could work in a pinch (just use a bit less).
- Chopped fresh chives (optional, for garnish): They add a nice color and flavor, and who doesn’t love a little extra green?
- Freshly ground black pepper: Always add a couple grinds for that wonderful depth of flavor.
How to Make This Cucumber Salad
Let’s get cooking! This Cucumber Salad is super easy, and you’ll have this bright, vibrant dish on your table in no time. Follow these step-by-step instructions for success:
Prepare the vegetables (5 minutes): Start by slicing your cucumbers and red onion. You want those slices to be as thin as possible. I usually use a mandoline for this, but a sharp knife works just fine. Trust me, the thinner, the better!
Toss it all together (5 minutes): In a large bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers and red onion. Add the white wine vinegar, honey, and salt, and give everything a gentle toss. You’ll want to be a bit gentle here to keep those cucumber slices intact.
Let it chill (20 minutes): Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge. This is the part where the magic happens, let the flavors meld together and make the salad even more delicious.
Finish it off (5 minutes): Once it’s chilled, transfer the salad to a serving bowl, leaving any excess water behind. Sprinkle the freshly chopped dill and chives on top, add a couple grinds of black pepper, and give it one last gentle stir.
Dig in: Serve right away, or let it sit for a bit to really let those flavors shine through.
If you loved this Cucumber Salad, be sure to check out my Mediterranean Bean Salad, my Broccoli Salad, or my Steakhouse Potato Salad!
Why This Cucumber Salad works
Quick & Easy
This recipe literally comes together in under 30 minutes. It’s a lifesaver during those hectic weeknight dinners when you don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen yet want something delicious and healthy.
Budget-Friendly
Using simple ingredients, this salad is kind to your wallet. Plus, since cucumbers are generally inexpensive, you can serve this vibrant dish often without breaking the bank.
Customizable
One of the things I absolutely love about this Cucumber Salad is that you can use whatever ingredients you have on hand, making it as flexible as your schedule. Feeling adventurous? Add some diced bell peppers or even a sprinkle of chili flakes if you like a little heat.
Serving Suggestions
So, what should you serve this with? It pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, fish tacos, or as a refreshing side with burgers! It adds such a light touch that balances heavier meals perfectly.
Storage and Reheating
Once you’ve made it, this Cucumber Salad can last up to 3-5 days in the refrigerator, making it great for meal prep. Just keep it in an airtight container. As for reheating? There’s really no need—this salad is meant to be enjoyed cold!
Freezer Friendly? Unfortunately, no. Fresh veggies don’t thaw well, so it’s best enjoyed as fresh as possible.
And remember, if you want to keep leftovers fresh, just be sure to eliminate any excess water before storing. This keeps it from getting soggy.
I can’t express enough how delightful this salad is! You could even bring it to potlucks or family gatherings where people often expect a heavier side. Trust me; your friends and family will thank you! It’s that kind of dish that just works when you need something to “wow” the crowd without pouring hours into prep.
Also, a funny story, last week when I made this for dinner, my young son, who usually turns his nose up at vegetables, went for seconds! He said it was “like eating crunchy juice.” Kids, right? Their honest little comments can really brighten your day!
So there you have it, my friends! A quick and easy Cucumber Salad that I hope you add to your rotation. The blend of flavors and textures is honestly addictive! Enjoy.
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Easy Cucumber Salad
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing Cucumber Salad that comes together in about 30 minutes with no cooking, making it a perfect side dish for any meal.
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, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables: Slice the cucumbers and red onion as thinly as possible.
- Toss it all together: In a large bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers and red onion with the white wine vinegar, honey, and salt.
- Let it chill: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 20 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Finish it off: Transfer the salad to a serving bowl, add dill and chives, sprinkle with black pepper, and gently stir.
- Dig in: Serve immediately or let it sit for a bit to enhance the flavors.
Notes
Customize with other ingredients like tomatoes, feta cheese, or avocado for added flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg