Save This Refreshing Crunchy Cucumber Salad is the perfect cooling side dish, combining thinly sliced cucumbers, red onion, and fresh herbs in a bright vinegar dressing. After a short chill in the fridge, every bite offers a crisp, tangy, and lightly sweet experience—a refreshing crunch that complements any meal.
Save The secret to this salad's success is the simple technique of salting the cucumbers to remove excess water, ensuring they stay crunchy rather than soggy. With a mix of fresh dill or mint and a variety of optional toppings like toasted sesame seeds, it is as beautiful as it is delicious.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (about 2 large) English cucumbers or 3 Persian cucumbers, thinly sliced
- ½ medium red onion, very thinly sliced
- 1 small carrot, julienned (optional)
- ½ cup halved cherry tomatoes (optional)
- Thinly sliced jicama or watermelon radish (optional, for extra crunch)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill (or 1 tablespoon fresh mint), plus more for garnish
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil (or toasted sesame oil for Asian flavor)
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar or honey
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds or chopped almonds (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the cucumbers
- Wash and pat dry. If desired, remove seeds by cutting each cucumber in half lengthwise and scooping out the center with a spoon. Slice into 1/8-inch rounds.
- Salt the cucumbers
- Place cucumber slices in a colander set over a bowl or sink. Sprinkle with ¼ teaspoon salt and toss gently. Let drain for 10 minutes to remove excess water.
- Rinse and drain
- After 10 minutes, rinse cucumbers under cold water to remove surface salt. Shake off excess water and pat dry with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel.
- Make the dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, olive oil, sugar or honey, remaining ¼ teaspoon salt, and black pepper until smooth.
- Combine salad
- In a large mixing bowl, add drained cucumbers, red onion, chopped dill (or mint), and any optional add-ins such as carrot, cherry tomatoes, jicama, radish, nuts, or seeds.
- Dress the salad
- Pour dressing over the mixture and toss gently until well coated. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Chill
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes to allow flavors to meld and cucumbers to chill. For best crunch, serve within 2 hours.
- Serve
- Transfer to a serving platter or bowl. Garnish with extra dill or mint and a sprinkle of sesame seeds or nuts for added crunch and visual appeal.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To maintain the best texture, ensure you drain the cucumbers for the full 10 minutes after salting and pat them very dry before mixing with the dressing. For the maximum refreshing effect, chill the salad for at least 20 minutes and serve it within 2 hours of preparation.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For extra flavor and color, try adding thinly sliced jicama or watermelon radish. You can also swap the rice vinegar for lime juice and the olive oil for toasted sesame oil to give the salad a delicious Asian-inspired twist.
Serviervorschläge
This crunchy salad is a versatile side that pairs exceptionally well with grilled meats, fish tacos, or spicy noodle dishes. Its bright acidity and cooling nature make it an excellent counterpoint to rich or spicy main courses.
Save Enjoy this simple yet satisfying Refreshing Crunchy Cucumber Salad as a light meal or a crisp addition to your next dinner. With its vibrant herbs and zesty dressing, it is a healthy dish that never compromises on flavor.
Recipe FAQ Section
- → How can I ensure my cucumber salad stays crunchy and doesn't get watery?
The key to a crisp salad is to salt and drain your sliced cucumbers. Sprinkle them with a bit of kosher salt and let them sit in a colander for about 10 minutes. This draws out excess moisture. Be sure to rinse them thoroughly afterward to remove the surface salt, then pat them dry before adding them to the dressing.
- → What type of cucumbers work best for this dish?
English or Persian cucumbers are ideal as they have thin skins and fewer, smaller seeds, which means less preparation. If using standard slicing cucumbers, you might want to peel them and scoop out the seedy core before slicing.
- → Can I prepare this salad in advance?
While this salad is best enjoyed fresh for maximum crunch, you can prepare it up to 2 hours in advance and keep it chilled. For longer storage, it can last up to 24 hours in the refrigerator, but the cucumbers will soften over time. Drain any accumulated liquid before serving leftovers.
- → What are some ways to customize the dressing or add different flavors?
You can easily adapt the dressing! Try substituting apple cider vinegar or even fresh lime juice for the rice vinegar. For an Asian twist, use toasted sesame oil instead of olive oil. Experiment with different fresh herbs like mint, cilantro, or chives in place of or in addition to dill.
- → What dishes pair well with this refreshing cucumber salad?
This versatile salad is a fantastic accompaniment to a variety of meals. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats or fish, complements spicy dishes like tacos or noodle bowls, and acts as a light, refreshing side for sandwiches or wraps.