Tangy Cucumber Dill Salad

Name: Tangy Cucumber Dill Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 large cucumbers (sliced thin); 1 small red onion (thinly sliced); 1/4 cup white vinegar; 1/4 cup water; 1 tablespoon sugar; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon fresh dill (chopped)

🕒 Prep: 15 min

🔥 Cook:

🍽 Serves: 8

Looking for a refreshing side dish that hits all the right notes? This Tangy Cucumber Dill Salad is crisp, vibrant, and perfect for a light lunch or a barbecue accompaniment. With its zesty dressing and aromatic dill, it's a quick and satisfying way to elevate your meal.

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Why You'll Love This Recipe

Light and Refreshing: Perfect for warm weather or as a palate cleanser.
Quick to Prepare: Ready in under an hour, including chilling time.
Simple Ingredients: No hard-to-find items, just fresh pantry staples.
Customizable: Easy to adjust to your taste or dietary needs.

Ingredients

2 large cucumbers (sliced thin)

1 small red onion (thinly sliced)

1/4 cup white vinegar

1/4 cup water

1 tablespoon sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1 tablespoon fresh dill (chopped)

Ingredients Explained

Cucumbers are the star of this salad, offering a crisp texture and a mild flavor that pairs well with the tangy dressing. Opt for large cucumbers for more substantial slices.

Red onion adds a sharp, slightly sweet contrast to the cucumber. When sliced thinly, it offers just enough bite without overpowering the other flavors.

White vinegar provides the essential tanginess that makes this salad so refreshing. It balances the sweetness and adds a bit of zing.

Water helps to mellow out the vinegar, ensuring the dressing isn't too sharp.

Sugar is used sparingly to balance the acidity of the vinegar, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.

Salt enhances the natural flavors of the vegetables and brings out their freshness.

Black pepper adds a subtle kick that complements the other ingredients.

Fresh dill is the herb that ties everything together, lending an aromatic and slightly anise-like flavor that feels summery and bright.

Tips & Tricks

For extra crunch, consider adding a handful of sliced radishes.
If you prefer a less pungent onion flavor, soak the red onion slices in cold water for about 10 minutes before adding them to the salad.
Double the recipe for larger gatherings. It scales up easily!

Detailed Instructions

Start by whisking together the dressing: in a small bowl, combine the white vinegar, water, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until the sugar is completely dissolved. This ensures that the dressing is smooth and well-combined.

Next, in a large bowl, toss together the sliced cucumbers, red onion, and fresh dill. Make sure everything is mixed evenly so that each bite has a bit of everything.

Pour the dressing over the cucumber mixture. Use tongs or a large spoon to toss everything together, ensuring that the dressing coats all the ingredients. This will help the flavors meld together.

Cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap, and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time is crucial because it allows all the flavors to develop and blend into a cohesive dish.

When ready to serve, give the salad a quick stir, and if you like, garnish with a little extra dill for a fresh, aromatic touch.

Simplified Instructions

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the white vinegar, water, sugar, salt, and black pepper until the sugar dissolves.

2. In a large bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers, red onion, and dill.

3. Pour the vinegar mixture over the cucumber mixture and toss to coat evenly.

4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

5. Stir before serving and garnish with additional fresh dill if desired.

Serving Suggestions

This salad is a great companion to grilled meats like chicken or fish. Alternatively, serve it alongside a creamy pasta dish to balance the richness. It also pairs beautifully with a simple sandwich for lunch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use dried dill instead of fresh?: Yes, but use only about 1 teaspoon as dried herbs have a more concentrated flavor.
How long will this salad keep in the fridge?: It will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator, though the cucumbers may lose some crispness over time.
Can I add other vegetables?: Absolutely! Cherry tomatoes or bell peppers would be delicious additions.

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