There’s a certain charm in simple, refreshing dishes that can brighten up any meal. This Easy Cucumber Salad is one such recipe, offering a delightful combination of crisp cucumbers, tangy vinegar, and aromatic dill. It reminds me of a summer spent in my grandmother’s garden, where we would pick fresh cucumbers and herbs to create quick, delicious dishes for family gatherings. This salad is perfect for picnics, barbecues, or as a light side dish, bringing a burst of freshness to your table.
What I love about this recipe is its versatility. You can easily adjust the flavors to suit your taste. If you prefer a bit more sweetness, you can increase the sugar slightly. For those who enjoy a more tart flavor, a splash of lemon juice can add an extra zing. The red onion adds a nice bite, but you could also try using sweet Vidalia onions for a milder taste. Fresh herbs are a must in this salad; while dill is traditional, you could experiment with mint or basil for a different twist. The key is to let the cucumbers sit with the salt to draw out the moisture, ensuring a crunchy texture in every bite.
During my travels through Europe, I found variations of this salad in many countries, each adding its own local touch. In Germany, a similar salad often includes a bit of sour cream, making it creamy and rich. In Scandinavian countries, it’s common to find it paired with smoked salmon, a combination that is both elegant and delicious.
When making this salad, I suggest using English cucumbers as they are less watery and have fewer seeds, resulting in a better texture. Thinly slicing the cucumbers and onions ensures they absorb the flavors of the vinegar mixture well. The process is straightforward: sprinkle the cucumbers with salt, let them sit, then combine with onions and pour over the tangy, sweet vinegar dressing. After a short chill in the refrigerator, the salad is ready to serve.
This Easy Cucumber Salad is more than just a recipe; it’s a celebration of fresh ingredients and simple preparation. It’s a dish that brings people together, whether you’re sharing it at a family gathering or enjoying it on a quiet evening at home. Give it a try, and I’m sure it will become a favorite in your household as it has in mine.
Making the Easy Cucumber Salad
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Ingredients
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 medium red onion (thinly sliced)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh dill
- 2 medium English cucumbers (thinly sliced)
- 1/2 cup water
Directions
- In a large bowl, sprinkle salt over the cucumber slices and let them sit for an hour to draw out excess moisture.
- Drain the cucumbers, ensuring not to rinse them. Add the thinly sliced red onions to the bowl.
- In a small saucepan, mix together the white vinegar, water, and sugar. Heat over high, stirring constantly, until the sugar fully dissolves and the mixture becomes clear, which takes about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Pour the vinegar mixture over the cucumber and onion slices. Add the minced dill and mix thoroughly.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for one hour. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
FAQs:
Can I use regular cucumbers instead of English cucumbers?
Yes, you can use regular cucumbers, but it’s best to peel them first as their skin is thicker and can be bitter compared to English cucumbers.
How long can I store this cucumber salad?
This cucumber salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors may become more intense over time.
What can I substitute for white vinegar?
You can substitute white vinegar with apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar. Each will impart a slightly different flavor, but both work well in this recipe.
Can I add other vegetables to this salad?
Absolutely! Thinly sliced radishes, bell peppers, or carrots can add color and extra crunch to this cucumber salad.
Why do I need to let the cucumbers sit with salt?
Salting the cucumbers draws out excess water, which helps keep the salad crisp and prevents it from becoming too watery once the dressing is added.
Is there a way to make this salad sugar-free?
Yes, you can use a sugar substitute like stevia or erythritol. Adjust the quantity to taste, as these sweeteners can be more or less sweet than sugar.
Easy Cucumber Salad
Ingredients
- 2 medium English cucumbers thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 medium red onion thinly sliced
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill minced
Instructions
- Sprinkle cucumber slices with salt in a large bowl and allow them to sit for 1 hour to release moisture.
- Drain the liquid from the cucumbers but do not rinse them. Add the sliced onions to the cucumbers.
- In a small saucepan, combine white vinegar, water, and sugar over high heat. Stir constantly until the sugar dissolves completely and the liquid becomes clear, which should take about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Pour the vinegar mixture over the cucumbers and onions. Add the minced dill and mix well. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
