Vintage Cucumber Salad

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook:
🍽 Serves: 4
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This Vintage Cucumber Salad is a nostalgic nod to the simple, fresh flavors of yesteryear. With its crisp cucumbers and tangy vinaigrette, it's the perfect side dish for warm weather meals.

Ingredients for Vintage Cucumber Salad

The star of the show is, of course, cucumbers. They bring a refreshing crunch that's essential for this salad. The red onion adds a mild, sweet sharpness, providing a lovely contrast. Our dressing features white vinegar for its bright, clean acidity, while olive oil lends a smooth richness. Sugar balances the tang, and salt enhances all the flavors. A dash of black pepper adds a gentle kick, and finally, fresh dill offers a fragrant, herby finish.

Tips & Tricks

  • For extra crunch, keep your cucumbers in the fridge until right before slicing.
  • Try using a mandoline for perfectly uniform slices of cucumber and onion.
  • If you find raw onion too strong, soak the slices in cold water for 10 minutes before adding them to the salad.

Serving Suggestions

This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, especially chicken or fish. It also makes a lovely addition to a picnic spread or alongside a quiche for brunch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use dried dill instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use dried dill, but use about one-third of the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated.
How long will this salad keep in the fridge?
It will stay fresh for up to 2 days, though it’s best enjoyed the same day for maximum crunch.

Vintage Cucumber Salad Recipe Walkthrough

Start by slicing your cucumbers. Aim for thin, even slices for the best texture. Then, move on to the red onion. A sharp knife will make this step easier and ensure your slices are nice and thin.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the white vinegar, olive oil, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until the sugar is completely dissolved, which shouldn't take long. This step ensures your dressing is smooth and well-combined.

Pour the vinaigrette over the cucumbers and onions. Use a large spoon to gently toss everything together. You want each piece to be well-coated with the dressing. Sprinkle the chopped dill over the top and give it another gentle toss.

Cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This chill time lets the flavors meld beautifully, so don't skip it unless you're in a real hurry.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare, even on busy days.
  • Refreshing and light, ideal for hot summer lunches.
  • Makes use of seasonal produce, celebrating the cucumber at its peak.
  • Perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and savory flavors.

Ingredients

2 large cucumbers, sliced
1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
1/4 cup white vinegar
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp sugar
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers and red onion.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the white vinegar, olive oil, sugar, salt, and black pepper until the sugar dissolves.
3. Pour the vinaigrette over the cucumber and onion mixture.
4. Toss gently to ensure all pieces are coated evenly.
5. Sprinkle fresh dill over the salad and toss again.
6. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

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