Cucumber salad is a timeless, simple side dish that everyone seems to love, making it a staple in many households. This particular recipe is inspired by the type of cucumber salad you’d commonly find in New York delis. Its crisp cucumber slices, fresh dill, and tangy sweet vinegar brine make it the perfect accompaniment to a variety of meals, such as burgers, barbecued meats, grilled dishes, and sandwiches. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or just looking for a quick, refreshing side, cucumber salad is always a crowd-pleaser.
One of the great things about cucumber salad is how versatile it is—there are endless ways to make it, and every version offers its own unique twist. Some include creamy dressings, while others stick to simple vinaigrettes. But this particular version, with its fresh ingredients and clean flavors, is one that we come back to time and time again.
Table of Contents
Cucumber Salad Ingredients
Here are the ingredients you’ll need for this homemade cucumber salad recipe:
Dill: Dried dill enhances the overall flavor with its aromatic touch.
Cucumbers: Begin with four cucumbers, thinly sliced.
Onion: A thinly sliced white onion adds both flavor and texture.
Vinegar: One cup of white vinegar provides a tangy, refreshing taste.
Sugar: White sugar adds a touch of sweetness.
Water: You’ll need ½ cup of water for the brine.
What ingredients are in a cucumber salad?
Essential Ingredients for Cucumber Salad
- Cucumbers: Thin-skinned English cucumbers are ideal since they don’t require peeling or seeding.
- Onion: Red onion brings a vibrant color and a bold flavor to the salad.
- Vinegar: Choose from apple cider, white wine, or distilled vinegar, or experiment with your favorite type for marinating the cucumbers.
- Sugar: Adds a hint of sweetness to balance the tangy flavors.
- Dill: Fresh or dried dill elevates the flavor, adding a fragrant, herbaceous touch.
Can You Make Cucumber Salad Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Preparing the cucumber salad ahead of time allows the flavors to blend together, creating a more robust taste. You can make the salad up to two days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.
How to Store Cucumber Salad
Although the flavors will become more intense over time, the cucumbers will begin to lose their crunch after a couple of days. Leftovers can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for four to five days.
What is a good combination with cucumber?
Cucumbers bring a bright, refreshing taste that pairs beautifully with a wide variety of flavors, including the sweetness of pineapple, the tang of lemon, the juiciness of tomato, and the kick of chili oil. These versatile cucumber side dishes are perfect for catering to diverse tastes, offering both sweet and savory options. Whether you’re looking to add a light, crisp side to your meal or something with a bit more zing, cucumbers provide the perfect base. Best of all, these dishes are incredibly easy to prepare, requiring three steps or less, making them both quick and convenient for any occasion.
Notes
Seasoning the sliced cucumbers and onions before marinating is essential for enhancing their flavor. Be sure to let the sugar and vinegar mixture cool down before pouring it over the cucumbers to prevent them from becoming too soft. This salad actually improves after sitting in the fridge for a couple of days, and any leftovers can be stored for up to five days.
how to make cucumber salad
Step 1:
Using a mandoline or a sharp knife, thinly slice 4 large English cucumbers and 1 medium sweet onion. Finely chop 2 tablespoons of fresh dill.
Step 2:
Spread the sliced cucumbers and onion on a baking tray, then season with ¾ teaspoon of salt and ¼ teaspoon of white pepper. Let them sit for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to be absorbed.
Step 3:
In a saucepan over medium-high heat, combine 2 cups of white vinegar and 1 cup of sugar. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring until the sugar fully dissolves. Turn off the heat and stir in 1 cup of cold water to cool the mixture down.
Step 4:
Transfer the cucumbers and onions to a dish deep enough to hold them and the vinegar mixture. Pour the warm vinegar mixture over the cucumbers, add the chopped dill, and gently toss until everything is well combined. Cover the dish and refrigerate the salad for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, stirring gently halfway through. Serve chilled alongside sandwiches or your favorite main course, and enjoy!
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 99 kcal |
| Fat | 0 g |
| Carbohydrates | 25 g |
| Protein | 1 g |
Eliarecipes Community Tips and Praise
Isabella says, “This recipe is ideal for those hot summer days. It reminds me of the dinners I shared with my grandma years ago.”
“Charlotte-J exclaims, “This is by far the BEST cucumber salad recipe!. “The warm dressing imparts a rich flavor to the cucumbers while keeping their crisp texture intact. It’s a family favorite!”
Conclusion: Cucumber Salad
Cucumber salad is a crisp, refreshing, and adaptable dish, making it a perfect choice for any occasion. The combination of its simplicity and the vibrant, tangy flavors of the vinegar dressing makes it a favorite side dish for everything from summer barbecues to casual weeknight dinners. The crunchy cucumbers, paired with the mild sharpness of onions and the fresh flavor of dill, offer a perfect harmony of texture and taste. This salad is not only fast and simple to make, but it also develops richer flavors over time as the ingredients blend together.
This salad is perfect for anyone seeking a healthy, low-calorie side to pair with more substantial dishes like grilled meats, sandwiches, or burgers. Whether you’re seeking a dish that will please a crowd at a potluck or just want a light side to enjoy at home, cucumber salad is a timeless favorite. It provides ingredient flexibility, allowing you to customize it to your liking, and can easily be prepared ahead of time for added convenience. With its crisp, refreshing taste, cucumber salad is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection, bringing a fresh burst of flavor to any meal!
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