Refreshing Cucumber Dill Salad with Red Onion

A bowl of cucumber salad with sliced cucumbers, red onions, and fresh dill, dressed lightly and served on a white plate.

Refreshing Cucumber Dill Salad with Red Onion

Need a light and tangy side that goes with almost anything? This refreshing cucumber dill salad with red onion is crisp, creamy, and full of flavor. Thinly sliced creamy cucumber salad with red onion is tossed in a simple vinegar dressing with plenty of fresh dill for that cool, herby finish. It’s the perfect side dish for grilled meats, potlucks, or any warm-weather meal.

Course Salad, Salads

Cuisine American, International

Keyword black pepper, cucumber, cucumber dill salad, cucumber salad, cucumber salad recipe, dill, fresh dill, garlic, peel, red onion, salad recipe, side dish, slice, sour cream, tangy, thinly, toss, vinegar, wine vinegar

Prep Time 5

Chill Time 20

Servings Servings

Calories 9kcal

Author Zuzana Paar

Equipment

Ingredients

2 Pieces English Cucumbers thinly sliced
½ Piece Red Onion sliced extra thin
1 Tablespoon Simple Syrup
¼ Cup Apple Cider Vinegar
1 teaspoon Salt
2 Tablespoons Fresh Dill chopped
Black Pepper freshly cracked
Extra Dill for Garnish optional

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Start by collecting all your ingredients: cucumbers, red onion, apple cider vinegar, simple syrup, sea salt, fresh dill, and black pepper. Rinse the vegetables thoroughly and pat them dry with a clean towel. Grab a roomy mixing bowl where you’ll bring it all together.
Thinly slice the cucumbers into rounds and do the same with the red onion. Aim for even slices so they soak up the marinade evenly. Chop the dill finely and keep a bit aside if you'd like to garnish at the end.
Place the sliced cucumbers and onions into your mixing bowl. Add the vinegar, sweetener, and salt, then gently stir to coat the vegetables without mashing them. You want everything to be evenly dressed while keeping the textures crisp.
Pop the salad into the fridge for at least 20 minutes to let the flavors blend. Once chilled, drain off any extra liquid and move the salad to a serving dish. Top with the reserved dill and a touch of freshly ground black pepper before serving.

Notes

Use thinly sliced cucumbers for the best texture: A mandoline slicer or sharp knife helps keep the slices even and crisp. Thinner slices absorb the dressing better and stay crunchy.
Salt the cucumbers before mixing: Sprinkle a bit of salt and let them sit for 10 minutes. Then, pat them dry to remove excess water. This prevents the salad from getting soggy later.
Chill the salad before serving: Allowing it to sit in the fridge for 30 minutes enhances the flavor. The dill and onion meld beautifully with the vinegar dressing.
Use fresh dill for the most flavor: Dried dill can be used as a substitute, but fresh dill offers a brighter, more intense flavor. A little goes a long way, so chop it finely before adding.

Nutrition