Description
This quick cucumber onion salad is a crisp, tangy side dish that comes together in just 15 minutes. Perfect for busy nights, it pairs with almost anything and is a crowd-pleaser at potlucks and barbecues.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 large English cucumbers (or 3 medium garden cucumbers)
- 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup white vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt (for salting cucumbers), plus more to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped (optional)
- Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes or 1 clove minced garlic
Instructions
- Wash and slice the cucumbers into rounds about 1/4-inch thick. Leave skin on for English cucumbers; peel garden cucumbers if skin is thick.
- Place sliced cucumbers in a colander set over a bowl. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon salt and toss gently. Let sit for 10 minutes to draw out moisture.
- While cucumbers rest, slice the red onion into thin half-moons. For milder flavor, soak slices in cold water for 5 minutes, then drain.
- In a small bowl, whisk together white vinegar, olive oil, sugar, and black pepper until sugar dissolves.
- Rinse salted cucumbers under cold water to remove excess salt. Pat dry with a clean towel or paper towels.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cucumbers, sliced onions, and fresh dill (if using). Pour dressing over and toss gently to coat.
- Let salad rest at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before serving for best flavor (optional but recommended).
- Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. Serve immediately.
Notes
Salting the cucumbers is key to preventing a watery salad. For best flavor, let the salad rest 5-10 minutes before serving. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, but cucumbers will soften over time. For make-ahead, store dressing separately and toss just before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1 c
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 290
- Fat: 7
- Saturated Fat: 1
- Carbohydrates: 7
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 1
Keywords: cucumber onion salad, quick salad, easy side dish, 15-minute recipe, vinegar salad, summer salad, no-cook recipe