Refreshing Crunchy Cucumber Salad (Printable)

Crisp cucumbers and red onion marinated in bright vinegar dressing with fresh herbs for a cool, tangy crunch.

# What You'll Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 1 pound English cucumbers (about 2 large) or 3 Persian cucumbers, thinly sliced
02 - ½ medium red onion, very thinly sliced
03 - 1 small carrot, julienned (optional)
04 - ½ cup halved cherry tomatoes (optional)
05 - Thinly sliced jicama or watermelon radish (optional)

→ Herbs

06 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill or 1 tablespoon fresh mint, plus more for garnish

→ Dressing

07 - 2 tablespoons rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
08 - 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil or toasted sesame oil
09 - 1 teaspoon granulated sugar or honey
10 - ½ teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
11 - ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

→ Toppings

12 - 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds or chopped almonds (optional)

# How To Make It:

01 - 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.
02 - 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.
03 - 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.
04 - In a small bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, olive oil, sugar or honey, remaining ¼ teaspoon salt, and black pepper until smooth.
05 - In a large mixing bowl, add drained cucumbers, red onion, chopped dill or mint, and any optional add-ins including carrot, cherry tomatoes, jicama, radish, nuts, or seeds.
06 - Pour dressing over the mixture and toss gently until well coated. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
07 - Cover and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes to allow flavors to meld and cucumbers to chill. For best crunch, serve within 2 hours.
08 - 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.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • It takes almost no effort but tastes like you fussed over every slice.
  • The salad stays light and refreshing even when the rest of dinner feels heavy.
  • You can double or triple the batch without breaking a sweat.
  • Every bite delivers that satisfying crunch that makes you reach for another forkful.
02 -
  • Salting the cucumbers is not optional if you want them to stay crunchy instead of turning limp and watery in the dressing.
  • Do not dress the salad more than two hours before serving or the cucumbers will lose their snap and the whole thing will taste diluted.
  • If your cucumbers have thick or waxy skins, peel them first or the texture will feel tough and unpleasant.
03 -
  • Use a mandoline to slice the cucumbers paper-thin for the most delicate texture and fastest marinating time.
  • If you are making this ahead, keep the dressing separate and toss everything together just before serving so the cucumbers stay crisp.
  • Taste the dressing before you pour it over the salad because vinegar strength varies and you might need an extra pinch of sugar or salt to balance it.
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