Cucumber Salad with Red Onion and Fresh Dill Recipe
If you’re craving a refreshingly crisp and vibrant dish that wakes up your taste buds and delights your senses, this Cucumber Salad with Red Onion and Fresh Dill Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a perfectly balanced salad combining the cool crunch of cucumbers, the sharp zing of red onion, and the aromatic brightness of fresh dill, all tied together with a tangy, lightly sweet dressing. Whether you’re looking to brighten up your weeknight meals or add a knockout side to your barbecue spread, this salad is a go-to that never disappoints.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting ready to whip up this Cucumber Salad with Red Onion and Fresh Dill Recipe is a breeze thanks to its simple, wholesome ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role, adding layers of texture, flavor, and color that make the salad truly shine.
- Cucumbers: Use large, fresh cucumbers sliced thinly for that perfect crisp bite and hydrating freshness.
- Red onion: Thin slices provide a sharp contrast with a subtle sweetness when marinated.
- Vinegar (or apple cider vinegar): Adds a pleasant tang that brightens the entire salad.
- Olive oil: Brings a silky richness that balances the acidity.
- Honey or sugar (optional): Just a touch to mellow out the tartness and blend the flavors.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing the natural flavors.
- Black pepper: Adds a gentle warmth and depth.
- Garlic powder (optional): A subtle hint of garlic that elevates the overall taste.
- Fresh dill: The star herb that imparts a fragrant, herbal lift unique to this salad.
- Fresh parsley or mint (optional garnish): Bright green freshness for a final flourish.
How to Make Cucumber Salad with Red Onion and Fresh Dill Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Start by slicing both the cucumbers and the red onion thinly, either with a sharp knife or a mandolin for extra uniformity. Peeling cucumbers is optional, but doing so can enhance the salad’s tender texture. The thin slices allow the dressing to soak in beautifully while ensuring every bite delivers a light crunch.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
Whisk together vinegar, olive oil, honey or sugar if you prefer a hint of sweetness, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. This simple dressing is the magic behind the salad’s bright flavor profile, harmonizing acidity with a smooth, subtle sweetness and just a pinch of savory garlic.
Step 3: Combine the Ingredients
Place the sliced cucumbers and red onion in a large mixing bowl, then pour the dressing over them. Toss everything gently yet thoroughly so every slice is beautifully coated. This ensures the fresh dill and other flavors will permeate the salad evenly.
Step 4: Chill and Let Flavors Meld
Refrigerate the salad for at least 15 to 30 minutes before serving. This chilling step is essential as it allows the cucumbers and onions to soak up the dressing, melding the flavors into a refreshing, harmonious dish.
Step 5: Add Fresh Dill and Garnish
Finally, sprinkle the chopped fresh dill generously on top. If you like, add some fresh parsley or mint leaves as a vibrant garnish, enhancing both the presentation and the aromatic profile of the salad.
How to Serve Cucumber Salad with Red Onion and Fresh Dill Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs really make a difference with this salad. Besides fresh dill, try garnishing with parsley or mint for an extra pop of green and a subtle flavor twist. A few sprigs on top make the dish look inviting and elevate the herbal freshness.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with a wide range of dishes. Serve it alongside grilled chicken, roasted fish, or barbecued meats for a cool and tangy contrast. It’s also a fantastic side for hearty sandwiches or as part of a picnic spread, offering a fresh counterpoint to richer foods.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming touch, serve the salad in individual glass bowls or on a platter garnished with dill sprigs and slices of lemon. For a casual gathering, placing it in a large rustic bowl with colorful serving utensils can invite guests to dive in freely. You can also layer it in a mason jar for a portable lunch option that stays crisp and delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This cucumber salad holds up well in the fridge for a day or two if stored in an airtight container. Because cucumbers release some water, you might notice a little liquid pooling; simply drain excess before serving again. The flavors deepen nicely as it rests, making leftovers sometimes even better.
Freezing
Freezing cucumber salad is not recommended since cucumbers have high water content and become mushy when thawed. For best texture and flavor, enjoy this salad fresh or chilled, but not frozen.
Reheating
This salad is best served cold or at room temperature, so reheating is not needed. If you prefer, take it out of the fridge 10 minutes before serving to soften the chill slightly without losing that refreshing bite.
FAQs
Can I use dried dill instead of fresh?
Yes, you can substitute dried dill if fresh is unavailable. Use about one teaspoon of dried dill, but fresh dill is highly recommended for the bright, fragrant qualities it brings.
How can I make the salad less tangy?
If you prefer a milder taste, reduce the amount of vinegar slightly or add a bit more honey or sugar to balance the acidity. You can always adjust seasoning after mixing the dressing to suit your palate.
Can I add other vegetables to this salad?
Absolutely! Thinly sliced radishes or cherry tomatoes can add color and flavor contrast. Keep in mind, adding watery vegetables may affect the salad’s texture and shelf life.
Is this salad vegan and gluten-free?
Yes, this Cucumber Salad with Red Onion and Fresh Dill Recipe is naturally vegan and gluten-free, making it a perfect light dish for many dietary preferences.
How long does the salad last once prepared?
For the best crunch and flavor, consume within 1 to 2 days after preparation. Beyond that, cucumbers may become softer and lose their crispness.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’ll find this Cucumber Salad with Red Onion and Fresh Dill Recipe as refreshing and delightful as I do. It’s one of those dishes that feels effortless yet impresses every time you serve it, perfect for sharing with family or friends on any occasion. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and enjoy the cool, crisp, and herbaceous goodness in this simple, beautiful salad.
Print
Cucumber Salad with Red Onion and Fresh Dill Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A refreshing and simple cucumber salad featuring thinly sliced cucumbers and red onions tossed in a tangy vinegar dressing with a hint of sweetness and aromatic dill. Perfect as a light side dish or a cool appetizer during warm weather.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
Dressing
- 1/4 cup vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon honey or sugar (optional, for sweetness)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
Garnish
- Fresh parsley or mint for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: Slice cucumbers thinly using a knife or mandolin. Peel if desired to remove the skin.
- Slice the Onion: Thinly slice the red onion to create delicate rings that will blend well with the cucumbers.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together vinegar, olive oil, honey or sugar (if using), salt, black pepper, and garlic powder (if using) until well combined.
- Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Sample the dressing and modify the sweetness or saltiness as needed to suit your preference.
- Combine the Salad: In a large bowl, mix the sliced cucumbers and red onions thoroughly.
- Dress the Salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the vegetables and toss gently to ensure even coating.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the salad for 15 to 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill.
- Garnish and Present: Before serving, sprinkle with fresh dill and optionally garnish with fresh parsley or mint for added color and aroma.
Notes
- For the best texture, slice the cucumbers as thinly and evenly as possible using a mandolin or sharp knife.
- The dressing can be adjusted for sweetness or acidity according to taste preferences.
- Chilling the salad not only enhances flavor blending but also improves its crisp, refreshing quality.
- Optional ingredients like garlic powder and fresh herbs elevate the flavor profile but can be omitted if desired.
- This salad pairs well with grilled meats or as a light side dish during summer meals.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
