This refreshing cucumber salad is the perfect side dish for warm summer days! With crisp cucumbers, zesty lemon, and a sprinkle of herbs, it’s light and tasty.
Honestly, I love how easy it is to throw together. Just chop, mix, and chill! You can enjoy it with grilled meats or all on its own. Perfect for lazy summer afternoons! 🥒☀️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cucumbers: Fresh cucumbers are the star of this salad! I like to use English cucumbers since they have fewer seeds and a thinner skin. If you can’t find them, regular cucumbers work just fine. Just peel or leave the skin on as you prefer!
Red Onion: Red onions add a nice crunch and a bit of sharpness. If you’d like a milder taste, you can use green onions or sweet onions like Vidalia instead. Just remember to slice them thinly for even flavor distribution.
Dill: Fresh dill brings a bright flavor. If you don’t have fresh dill, dried dill can work too, just use a smaller amount (about a teaspoon). Other herbs like parsley or mint can also give a different spin to the salad!
Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice is the best for flavor, but if you’re in a pinch, bottled juice will do. Lime juice can also be a great alternative if you want something a bit different.
How Do I Make the Dressing Perfectly Balanced?
The dressing is what pulls everything together, and it’s super simple! The key is balancing the acidity with sweetness and oil. Start by whisking together the lemon juice, vinegar, and sugar until the sugar dissolves. This helps blend the flavors.
- Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking to emulsify the dressing.
- Taste the dressing before adding it to the salad. Adjust with a pinch more sugar if it’s too tangy or a splash of vinegar if it’s too sweet!
Remember, you want the dressing to enhance the fresh flavors of the cucumbers, not overpower them. Keep it light!
Refreshing Cucumber Salad for Summer
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This refreshing cucumber salad takes about 10 minutes to prepare and at least 30 minutes to chill in the refrigerator. So overall, give yourself about 40 minutes, including prep and chill time, before enjoying this delicious side dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Vegetables:
Start by washing your cucumbers. Then, slice them thinly using a sharp knife or a mandoline for even cuts. Next, take your red onion and slice it thin as well—this will add a nice crunch and flavor to the salad. Lastly, chop the fresh dill and set everything aside in a large mixing bowl.
2. Mix the Dressing:
In a small bowl, combine the fresh lemon juice, white vinegar, sugar, olive oil, and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Whisk everything together until the sugar dissolves completely and the dressing is well blended. This should only take a minute or two!
3. Combine and Toss:
Pour the dressing over the cucumber mixture in the large bowl. Gently toss everything together with a spoon or spatula, ensuring that all the cucumbers and onions are evenly coated with the dressing. This is where the flavors start to meld!
4. Chill the Salad:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to develop and gives the salad a refreshing chill, perfect for summer!
5. Final Touches and Serve:
Just before serving, take the salad out and give it a quick toss to redistribute the dressing. Taste it and adjust the seasoning if needed—maybe a bit more salt or a touch more lemon juice, depending on your preference. Serve this salad cold as a delightful side dish to your summer meals!
Can I Use Other Types of Onions?
Absolutely! While red onions add a nice color and mild flavor, you can substitute them with sweet onions like Vidalia for a gentler taste. Green onions can also work well if you want a milder alternative!
How Can I Make This Salad Vegan?
This salad is already vegan-friendly! All the ingredients used, including the dressing, are plant-based. Enjoy it as is, or get creative by adding more veggies or plant-based proteins!
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes! This cucumber salad can be made up to a day in advance. Just prepare it as directed, cover, and store it in the fridge. The flavors will develop even more as it sits, just give it a toss before serving!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The salad is best enjoyed within 2-3 days for optimal freshness. Note that cucumbers may release some water, so you might want to drain excess liquid before serving again.
