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Fresh Sweet and Tangy Cucumber Onion Salad

fresh sweet and tangy cucumber onion salad - featured image

A quick and easy fresh cucumber and onion salad with a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors, ideal as a refreshing side dish for any meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 seedless cucumbers, thinly sliced (English cucumbers preferred)
  • 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced (sweet onions like Vidalia recommended)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
  • 1 to 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • Pinch of freshly ground black pepper (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill, finely chopped (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (extra virgin recommended)

Instructions

  1. Wash and dry the cucumbers thoroughly. Slice them thinly, about 1/8 inch (3 mm) thick.
  2. Peel and thinly slice the red onion into rings or half-moons, depending on preference.
  3. Place the sliced cucumbers and onions in a large mixing bowl and toss gently to mix.
  4. Sprinkle sugar and salt evenly over the vegetables.
  5. Pour in the fresh lemon juice and olive oil.
  6. Add freshly ground black pepper to taste, if using.
  7. Use a wooden spoon or silicone spatula to fold everything together gently, being careful not to mash the cucumbers.
  8. Cover the bowl and let the salad rest at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes to soften the onion’s sharpness and allow flavors to meld.
  9. Just before serving, sprinkle chopped fresh dill over the salad and give it a final gentle toss.
  10. Transfer to a serving dish and enjoy immediately, or chill briefly for a cooler option.

Notes

[‘Slice cucumbers and onions thinly but not too thin to avoid mushiness.’, ‘Use seedless or English cucumbers for best texture and flavor.’, ‘Do not skip the resting period to soften onions and meld flavors.’, ‘Adjust sugar and lemon juice to taste depending on lemon tartness.’, ‘Mix gently to avoid bruising cucumbers and making salad watery.’, ‘Chill before serving for enhanced refreshing crunch.’, ‘Drain excess liquid after resting if salad becomes watery.’, ‘For a spicy variation, add jalapeño or red pepper flakes.’, ‘Try herb swaps like mint or basil instead of dill.’, ‘Add seasonal fruits like strawberries or mango for a fruity twist.’, ‘For a creamy vegan version, stir in vegan yogurt or coconut cream.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: cucumber salad, onion salad, sweet and tangy salad, easy side dish, summer salad, fresh salad, quick salad, vegan salad, gluten-free salad