Description
A crisp, refreshing, and tangy cucumber salad with fresh dill and a vinegar dressing. This gluten-free side dish is lightning fast to prepare and stays crunchy thanks to a simple salting technique.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 large English cucumbers (seedless)
- 1/2 cup fresh dill, chopped
- 1/3 cup white vinegar
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2–3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt (plus extra for salting cucumbers)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly cracked
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
- 1 clove garlic, minced (optional)
Instructions
- Wash cucumbers and slice them into thin half-moons or ribbons. If using standard cucumbers, peel and scoop out seeds first.
- Place sliced cucumbers in a large bowl, sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of salt, and toss to coat. Let sit for 10-15 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
- Drain the cucumbers in a colander and rinse quickly under cold water to remove excess salt. Pat dry with a clean towel or paper towels until damp but not soaking wet.
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the white vinegar, olive oil, sugar, remaining salt, and black pepper until the sugar is completely dissolved and the dressing is emulsified.
- Return the drained cucumbers to the large bowl. Add the red onion and minced garlic (if using).
- Pour the dressing over the cucumbers and toss gently to coat evenly.
- Add the chopped fresh dill and give one final toss.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 10 minutes, ideally 30-60 minutes, to allow flavors to meld. Serve cold.
Notes
The salting step is non-negotiable to prevent a watery salad. Thin slices provide more surface area for the dressing. Fresh dill is essential for the best flavor; dried dill lacks the necessary brightness. Adjust sugar to taste based on preference for sweet vs. tangy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 45
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 150
- Fat: 2
- Carbohydrates: 6
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 1
Keywords: cucumber salad, dill salad, summer side dish, gluten-free, quick salad, tangy cucumber, fresh dill, healthy side