Refreshing Cucumber Vinegar Salad

Discover the simplicity and vibrant flavor of our Refreshing Cucumber Vinegar Salad, a quick and easy recipe perfect for any occasion. This salad is not just a delicious accompaniment, but a fantastic way to add a touch of freshness to your meals without a lot of fuss.

Key Ingredients for Refreshing Cucumber Vinegar Salad

• 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced (about 4 cups)
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (or to taste)
• 1 teaspoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1/2 teaspoon dried dill)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground

How to Make Refreshing Cucumber Vinegar Salad

This Refreshing Cucumber Vinegar Salad is a testament to how minimal ingredients can create maximum flavor. Its beauty lies in its simplicity; thinly sliced cucumbers and red onion are tossed in a light, tangy vinaigrette. The preparation is incredibly quick, making it an ideal last-minute addition to your meal, with a total active preparation time of just 15 minutes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Cucumbers: Wash the cucumbers thoroughly. Using a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer, carefully cut the cucumbers into thin, uniform slices, about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick. Place the sliced cucumbers into a medium-sized mixing bowl. If your cucumbers have large seeds, you can scoop them out with a spoon before slicing to avoid a watery salad.
2. Prepare the Red Onion: Peel and thinly slice the red onion. Aim for slices that are comparable in thickness to your cucumber slices. Add the red onion to the bowl with the cucumbers.
3. Make the Vinaigrette: In a small bowl or a jar with a lid, combine the apple cider vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, granulated sugar, chopped fresh dill (or dried dill), salt, and black pepper. Whisk or shake vigorously until the sugar and salt are fully dissolved and the dressing is well emulsified. Taste the dressing and adjust seasoning if necessary – you might want a touch more sugar for sweetness, vinegar for tang, or salt for flavor.
4. Combine and Marinate: Pour the prepared vinaigrette over the cucumber and red onion mixture in the larger bowl. Gently toss everything together to ensure that all the cucumber and onion slices are evenly coated with the dressing.
5. Chill and Serve: For the best flavor, cover the bowl and refrigerate the Refreshing Cucumber Vinegar Salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the cucumbers to slightly soften and absorb the tangy dressing. Before serving, give the salad another gentle toss. Serve chilled as a refreshing side dish.

Why You’ll Love This Refreshing Cucumber Vinegar Salad

You’ll absolutely adore this Refreshing Cucumber Vinegar Salad for its incredible lightness and bright, zesty flavor that instantly elevates any meal. Its main feature is the delightful crispness of the cucumbers, perfectly complemented by the sharp tang of apple cider vinegar and the subtle sweetness of sugar, creating a taste sensation that’s both invigorating and utterly delicious. Unlike more complex salads, making this at home is incredibly cost-effective, transforming simple pantry staples into a gourmet side dish that rivals any restaurant offering. The addition of fresh dill adds an aromatic, herbaceous note that truly makes it sing, offering a flavor profile that’s a refreshing departure from heavier, cream-based salads you might be considering.

This salad is more than just a side; it’s a palate cleanser, a refreshing counterpoint to rich meats or spicy dishes. Imagine serving this alongside grilled chicken or a hearty stew, and experiencing how its vibrant simplicity cuts through the richness, leaving your taste buds feeling refreshed and satisfied. So, before you reach for another predictable side, consider the sheer delight and ease of this Refreshing Cucumber Vinegar Salad. Give it a try tonight and taste the difference that fresh, simple ingredients can make!

Storing and Reheating Tips

This Refreshing Cucumber Vinegar Salad is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored.

• Refrigeration: Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 2–3 days. The cucumbers will continue to absorb the dressing, so the texture may become slightly softer over time.
• Freezing: It is not recommended to freeze this salad, as the watery texture of the cucumbers will not hold up well to thawing.

Final Thoughts

This Refreshing Cucumber Vinegar Salad is a triumph of simplicity, offering bright, clean flavors that are incredibly satisfying. We encourage you to whip up this easy recipe tonight and experience its delightful freshness for yourself!