Refreshing Crunchy Cucumber Salad (Printable)

Crisp cucumbers, red onion, and fresh herbs in a tangy vinegar dressing for maximum crunch and refreshing flavor.

# What You Need:

→ Vegetables

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

→ Herbs

06 - 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped, plus more for garnish
07 - 1 tablespoon fresh mint (optional alternative to dill)

→ Dressing

08 - 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
09 - 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
10 - 1 teaspoon granulated sugar or honey
11 - 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
12 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

→ Toppings

13 - 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds or chopped almonds (optional)

# How-To Steps:

01 - Wash and pat cucumbers 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 1/4 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 1/4 teaspoon salt, and black pepper until smooth.
05 - In a large mixing bowl, add drained cucumbers, red onion, chopped dill, 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 skill but tastes like you put real thought into it.
  • The crunch stays honest and loud, not limp or sad after twenty minutes in the fridge.
  • You can double it without doubling the work or the cleanup.
02 -
  • Skipping the salting step leaves you with a puddle of cucumber water at the bottom of the bowl within an hour.
  • Slicing the onion paper thin is the difference between pleasant sharpness and overpowering bite.
  • This salad does not age well, make it the day you plan to eat it or the cucumbers turn soft and sad.
03 -
  • If your cucumbers are not crisp to begin with, no amount of salt or dressing will fix them, start with good produce.
  • Toast your sesame seeds or nuts in a dry pan for two minutes before sprinkling, it wakes up the flavor and makes the whole dish smell better.
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