Basically a quick pickle, this old-fashioned cucumber onion salad is a delicious low-calorie salad that can be made ahead. It’s perfect for summer barbecues, picnics, and family gatherings. The crisp cucumbers and sharp onions marry beautifully in a tangy vinegar dressing, making this dish both refreshing and versatile. Enjoy it as a side or even as a topping on your favorite sandwiches!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With only 15 minutes of prep time, you can whip up this salad in no time.
- Make Ahead: This cucumber onion salad can be prepared in advance, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Low Calorie: At just 42 calories per serving, it’s a guilt-free addition to any meal.
- Versatile: Serve it as a side dish or use it as a zesty topping for sandwiches and burgers.
- Fresh Flavors: The combination of cucumbers, onions, and fresh dill delivers a delightful crunch and taste.
Tools and Preparation
To make your cucumber onion salad efficiently, having the right tools is essential. Here’s what you’ll need:
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Refrigerator-safe container
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A large bowl allows ample space to combine ingredients without spills.
- Whisk: Perfect for ensuring that the vinegar mixture is well combined before adding the vegetables.
- Knife: A sharp knife makes slicing the cucumber and onion easy and safe.
Ingredients
Ingredients for Cucumber Onion Salad:
– ½ cup distilled white vinegar
– ¼ cup water
– 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
– 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
– ¼ teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
– 1 large English cucumber, thinly sliced (about 1 pound)
– ½ red or sweet onion, cut into quarters and very thinly sliced (about ⅛-inch thick)
– 2 tablespoons minced fresh dill
How to Make Cucumber Onion Salad
Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
- In a large bowl, whisk together vinegar, water, sugar, salt, and pepper until salt and sugar are mostly dissolved.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
- Add the cucumber and onion to the dressing.
- Stir gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
Step 3: Chill the Salad
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer it to a refrigerator-safe container.
- Refrigerate for at least 60 minutes, stirring once or twice during chilling.
Step 4: Serve
- When ready to serve, drain excess liquid from the salad.
- Stir in the minced dill just before serving for added freshness.
Enjoy your refreshing cucumber onion salad as a delightful side dish or topping!
How to Serve Cucumber Onion Salad
Cucumber onion salad is a versatile dish that pairs well with many meals. Its refreshing taste and crunchy texture make it an ideal accompaniment for various occasions.
As a Side Dish
- Serve alongside grilled meats for a refreshing contrast to smoky flavors.
- Pair with sandwiches, adding a cool crunch that complements rich ingredients.
On Tacos or Burritos
- Use the salad as a topping on tacos to enhance the flavors with its tangy vinegar dressing.
- Add to burritos for extra crunch and freshness, balancing heavier fillings.
In a Wrap
- Incorporate cucumber onion salad into wraps for added flavor and texture, making every bite exciting.
- Combine with proteins like chicken or turkey for a satisfying meal.
With Chips
- Serve as a dip with tortilla chips; the salad’s acidity cuts through the richness of the chips.
- It can also be enjoyed with pita chips for an extra layer of crunch.
How to Perfect Cucumber Onion Salad
To achieve the best flavor and texture in your cucumber onion salad, follow these helpful tips.
- Choose fresh cucumbers: Select firm, unblemished cucumbers for the best crunch and flavor.
- Slice thinly: Cut cucumbers and onions very thinly to allow them to absorb the pickling liquid better.
- Let it marinate: Allowing the salad to sit in the refrigerator enhances its flavors. Aim for at least 60 minutes.
- Adjust sweetness: Feel free to modify the sugar amount based on your taste preference; try honey for a different sweetness level.
- Add more herbs: Experiment with additional herbs like parsley or mint for extra freshness and flavor depth.
Best Side Dishes for Cucumber Onion Salad
Cucumber onion salad pairs nicely with various side dishes, enhancing your meal experience. Here are some great options:
- Grilled Chicken: Tender and juicy chicken brings out the salad’s bright flavors.
- Quinoa Pilaf: A nutty quinoa dish provides a hearty base that complements the refreshing salad.
- Potato Wedges: Crispy baked potato wedges add a satisfying crunch alongside the light cucumber onion salad.
- Roasted Vegetables: Colorful roasted veggies introduce warmth and earthiness, balancing the acidity of the salad.
- Coleslaw: This classic side adds creaminess and texture, pairing beautifully with cucumber onion salad.
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn offers an irresistible bite-size treat that works well with tangy dishes like this salad.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Cucumber Onion Salad can be simple, but some common mistakes can affect the final taste. Here are a few to watch out for:
Over-soaking the vegetables: Leaving the cucumber and onion in the vinegar mixture for too long can make them overly soft. Aim for about 60 minutes in the fridge for the best texture.
Using too much salt: Adding too much salt will overpower the salad’s flavor. Stick to the recipe’s measurements to maintain balance.
Skipping fresh dill: Fresh dill adds a wonderful flavor that is essential for this salad. Don’t skip it; opt for fresh rather than dried if possible.
Not stirring enough: Failing to stir the mixture occasionally while it chills can lead to uneven flavors. Make sure to give it a gentle stir once or twice during refrigeration.
Ignoring quality of ingredients: Using lower-quality cucumbers or onions can diminish taste. Choose fresh, firm vegetables for the best results.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Cucumber onion salad will last up to 3 days in the fridge.
- Keep it refrigerated at all times.
Freezing Cucumber Onion Salad
- Freezing is not recommended due to texture changes when thawed.
- If necessary, you can freeze without dressing and add dressing upon thawing.
Reheating Cucumber Onion Salad
- Oven: Not recommended; this salad is best enjoyed cold.
- Microwave: Not suitable; avoid heating as it alters the texture.
- Stovetop: Not applicable; serve cold for optimal taste.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Cucumber Onion Salad:
How do I cut cucumbers for Cucumber Onion Salad?
For best results, thinly slice your cucumbers into rounds or half-moons. This shape allows them to soak up more dressing and enhances texture.
Can I customize my Cucumber Onion Salad?
Absolutely! You can add other vegetables like bell peppers or even cherry tomatoes for extra flavor and color.
What type of vinegar should I use?
Distilled white vinegar is traditional; however, apple cider vinegar can also add a unique taste if you prefer a different flavor profile.
How long does Cucumber Onion Salad last?
When stored properly in an airtight container, it lasts up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Final Thoughts
This Cucumber Onion Salad is not just a delightful dish but also incredibly versatile. Whether served as a refreshing side or on sandwiches, its crispness and tangy flavor make it a perfect companion for many meals. Feel free to customize it with your favorite herbs or additional veggies!
Cucumber Onion Salad
If you’re looking for a light and refreshing dish that’s perfect for summer gatherings, look no further than this Cucumber Onion Salad. Bursting with crisp cucumbers and zesty onions, all tossed in a tangy vinegar dressing, this salad is not only delicious but also low in calories. At just 42 calories per serving, it’s an ideal complement to grilled meats, sandwiches, or even as a topping for tacos. Whip up this easy recipe in under 15 minutes and let it chill to enhance the flavors. This versatile dish can be enjoyed on its own or as a vibrant addition to any meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: None
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- ½ cup distilled white vinegar
- ¼ cup water
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 large English cucumber, thinly sliced
- ½ red or sweet onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh dill
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together vinegar, water, sugar, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Add the cucumber slices and onion to the dressing; stir gently to coat.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 60 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Before serving, drain excess liquid and stir in fresh dill.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 42
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 360mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
