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Easy Cucumber Onion Salad with Dill: 15-Minute Side

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This easy cucumber onion salad with dill and vinegar is ready in 15 minutes and stays incredibly crisp by dressing it right before serving. It’s the perfect summer side dish for barbecues, potlucks, and quick weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large English cucumbers (or 3 medium garden cucumbers)
  • 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
  • 3 tablespoons white vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 small clove garlic, minced (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prep the cucumbers: Wash cucumbers thoroughly. If using English cucumbers, leave skin on. For garden cucumbers, peel in alternating strips. Slice off both ends, cut cucumbers in half crosswise, then slice into thin rounds about 1/8 inch thick.
  2. Slice the onion: Cut red onion in half through root end, peel, and slice crosswise into thin half-rings.
  3. Combine vegetables: Place sliced cucumbers and onions in a mixing bowl and gently toss.
  4. Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together white vinegar, olive oil, sugar, salt, and pepper until sugar dissolves. If using garlic, whisk it in now.
  5. Add the dill: Sprinkle chopped fresh dill over cucumbers and onions, then gently toss.
  6. Dress the salad: Pour dressing over vegetables and toss gently to coat evenly.
  7. Serve immediately: Transfer to a serving bowl, spoon any remaining dressing over top, and garnish with extra dill if desired.
  8. Optional resting step: Let salad sit for 10 minutes for a slightly mellow flavor, but do not let it sit longer than 30 minutes to avoid watery salad.

Notes

For best texture, dress the salad right before serving. If cucumbers taste bitter, trim the stem end. To prevent watery salad, salt cucumber slices and let sit in a colander for 15 minutes, then pat dry. For milder onions, soak sliced rings in ice water for 10-15 minutes before adding. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; revive with a splash of fresh vinegar and olive oil.

Nutrition

Keywords: cucumber salad, onion salad, dill salad, vinegar salad, easy side dish, summer salad, quick salad, 15-minute recipe

Find it online: https://siennaspoon.com/easy-cucumber-onion-salad-with-dill-15-minute-side/