If you’re looking for a light, crisp, and flavorful side dish, cucumber and onion salad is a perfect choice. This classic salad combines the cool crunch of cucumbers with the mild bite of onions, all tossed in a tangy, sweet vinegar dressing. It’s easy to make, refreshing, and ideal for summer meals, cookouts, or potlucks. Let’s dive into how you can make this delightful cucumber and onion salad at home!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a simple list of ingredients for a classic cucumber and onion salad:
– Cucumbers (1 large or 2 medium, peeled or unpeeled depending on preference)
– Sweet onion (1 large, thinly sliced)
– White vinegar or white wine vinegar (about 1/2 to 3/4 cup)
– Sugar (2 tablespoons, adjust to taste)
– Salt (kosher salt works well)
– Water (about 1/2 to 3/4 cup)
– Fresh dill (optional, for a fragrant touch)
– Black pepper or red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)
These ingredients create a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Cucumbers and Onions
Start by washing your cucumbers. Peel them if you prefer, though leaving the skin on adds color and nutrients. Slice the cucumbers thinly—about 1/4 inch thick works well. For uniform slices, a mandoline slicer is handy but be careful!
Next, peel and thinly slice your onion. Sweet onions like Vidalia or red onions work best because they add mildness without overpowering the salad.
2. Salt the Cucumbers
Place the cucumber slices in a large bowl and sprinkle with kosher salt. Toss them well to coat evenly. This step draws out excess moisture from the cucumbers, making them crunchier and preventing the salad from becoming watery.
Let the salted cucumbers sit for about 30 minutes. Then rinse them thoroughly under cold water to remove excess salt, and pat dry with paper towels.
3. Make the Dressing
In a separate bowl, whisk together the vinegar, sugar, and water until the sugar dissolves. This sweet and tangy dressing is the heart of the salad.
If you like, add a dash of fresh dill for an herbal note and a pinch of black pepper or red pepper flakes for some heat.
4. Combine and Chill
Add the drained cucumbers and sliced onions to a serving bowl. Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss gently until everything is well coated.
Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 2 hours, or overnight if possible. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making the salad even tastier.
Tips for the Best Cucumber and Onion Salad
– Don’t skip salting the cucumbers: It’s key to achieving a crisp texture and enhancing flavor.
– Rinse well after salting: To avoid an overly salty salad, rinse and dry the cucumbers thoroughly.
– Use fresh dill if you can: It adds a lovely aroma and fresh taste.
– Adjust sweetness and acidity: Feel free to tweak the amount of sugar and vinegar to suit your taste.
– Make it ahead: This salad tastes better the next day, making it a great make-ahead side.
– Customize your crunch: If you’re not a fan of onions, substitute with thinly sliced sweet peppers or celery for a different texture.
Variations to Try
– Add a sprinkle of celery seed for a subtle earthy flavor.
– Use red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar instead of white vinegar for a different tang.
– Mix in chopped fresh herbs like parsley or mint for extra freshness.
– For a spicy twist, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes.
Why You’ll Love This Salad
This cucumber and onion salad is:
– Quick and easy to prepare, requiring minimal ingredients and time.
– Refreshing and light, perfect for hot days or as a palate cleanser.
– Versatile, pairing well with grilled meats, sandwiches, or as a standalone snack.
– Budget-friendly, using simple pantry staples and fresh produce.
Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or just want a healthy side dish, this cucumber and onion salad fits the bill perfectly.
Enjoy the crisp, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors that make this salad a timeless favorite!
Fresh, simple, and delicious — that’s how you make cucumber and onions.