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A refreshing and crisp cucumber salad featuring thinly sliced cucumbers tossed in a tangy and slightly sweet vinegar dressing with fresh dill and red onions. Perfect as a light and hydrating summer side dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 large English cucumbers or 4–5 Kirby cucumbers
  • 1–2 teaspoons kosher or sea salt
  • ½ medium red onion, thinly sliced
  • ¼ cup fresh dill, chopped
  • ¼ cup white vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional)

Instructions

  1. Slice cucumbers thinly (about 1/8 inch / 3 mm).
  2. Toss cucumber slices with 1–2 teaspoons kosher or sea salt in a large bowl and let sit 15 minutes to draw out moisture.
  3. Drain cucumbers in a colander and gently press to remove liquid; if no colander, pat dry with a clean kitchen towel.
  4. While cucumbers salt, thinly slice ½ medium red onion and chop ¼ cup fresh dill.
  5. Whisk together ¼ cup white vinegar, 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, freshly ground black pepper to taste, and 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional) until sugar dissolves.
  6. Return cucumbers to the large bowl and add the sliced onion, chopped dill, and dressing.
  7. Toss gently to coat all slices evenly.
  8. Chill the salad in the refrigerator at least 30 minutes before serving (15 minutes if short on time).

Notes

Never skip the salting step to keep cucumbers crunchy and prevent watery salad., Use fresh dill for the best flavor; dried dill is not recommended., Adjust sweetness and tang by modifying sugar and vinegar to your preference., Chilling the salad enhances the flavors; it can be made the night before., For extra texture, sprinkle toasted sunflower seeds or slivered almonds on top before serving., Sharp knives make thin slicing easier and prevent bruising the cucumbers or tearing up over onions., Variations include adding a spicy kick with red pepper flakes or jalapeños, swapping dill for fresh mint or basil, adding cherry tomatoes, feta and oregano for a Greek twist, avocado for creaminess, or fresh berries for sweetness.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cozyovenkitchen.com/ultimate-crisp-cucumber-salad-recipe-easy-refreshing-summer-side-dish/