Description
This refreshing Cucumber Onion Salad features thinly sliced English cucumbers and sweet onions marinated in a tangy vinegar and sugar solution. Chilled for a few hours to let the flavors meld, this crisp and light salad is perfect as a side dish for summer meals or anytime you crave a cool, zesty crunch.
Ingredients
Scale
Pickling Solution
- ½ cup white vinegar
- ¾ cup water
- 1 and ½ tsp. salt
- 1 Tbsp. + 2 tsp. sugar
Salad
- 1 large English cucumber, sliced into ¼-inch coins
- ¼ sweet onion, sliced thin
- 1 Tbsp. chopped fresh dill (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pickling Mixture: In a medium bowl, stir together the white vinegar, water, salt, and sugar until the salt and sugar are fully dissolved. Transfer this mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish to create the base for marinating.
- Add Vegetables and Marinate: Add the sliced cucumbers and onions to the baking dish with the vinegar mixture. Toss gently to coat all slices evenly, then spread them out with minimal overlap for even marination. Cover the dish and refrigerate for 1½ to 2 hours to allow flavors to develop.
- Remove from Refrigerator: After the marination time, remove the baking dish from the refrigerator and uncover it, preparing the salad for serving.
- Transfer to Serving Bowl: Using a slotted spoon, carefully lift the cucumbers and onions from the liquid and transfer them into a serving bowl to avoid excess liquid.
- Finish and Garnish: Drizzle a few tablespoons of the reserved vinegar mixture over the salad for added tang and moisture. If desired, sprinkle chopped fresh dill on top for a fragrant and flavorful garnish before serving.
Notes
- For a crisper texture, use English cucumbers or Persian cucumbers as they have fewer seeds and thinner skin.
- Fresh dill is optional but adds a lovely herbal note; substitute with fresh parsley if preferred.
- You can adjust the sugar and salt amounts to taste for a sweeter or saltier salad.
- This salad keeps well refrigerated for up to 2 days but is best enjoyed fresh.
- To reduce some liquid in the salad before serving, drain cucumbers and onions on paper towels after marinating.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: cucumber salad, onion salad, easy salad, summer salad, refrigerator salad, marinated cucumbers
