Everyone loves a refreshing and crisp salad. Whether you're looking for a light lunch or a side for dinner, a cucumber salad takes little preparation and is perfect for almost any occasion. With minimal effort, you can easily impress your guests with vibrant and crunchy greens tossed in a refreshing, zesty dressing.
How to Make a Refreshing Cucumber Salad
This cucumber salad isn't only a culinary delight, but it adds visual appeal to your dinner table. It makes 6 servings.
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Pinch salt
- Pinch freshly ground black pepper
- Pinch red pepper flakes
- 2 cucumbers, sliced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the red wine vinegar, olive oil, sugar, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Mix with a wire whisk until blended.
- Put the cucumbers in a bowl. Add the vinaigrette and toss.
- Garnish with the chopped, fresh dill.
- Serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate for a few hours before serving. Store the salad covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
If you can't find fresh dill, you can use ¼ teaspoon dried dill. Rub the dried dill between your fingers briefly to release the aroma.
Make Your Salad Eye-Catching
While the salad is refreshing on its own, you can also add other vegetables to give your salad a pop of color (and flavor). Here are some of our suggestions
- Red onions
- Lemon zest
- Fresh dill
- Cherry tomatoes
- Feta cheese
- Roasted chickpeas
Fancier Cucumber Cuts
If you want to make your salad look fancier, peel several lengthwise strips or turn your cucumbers into gorgeous flowers. To make a flower, make V-shaped cuts into your cucumbers until you have 5 around your cucumber, then slice your cucumber into ⅛"-thick slices.
Crisp Cucumber Salad for Every Occasion
Whether you're hosting a summer picnic or a dinner gathering with the family, this cucumber salad won't disappoint. It's delicious and light enough to eat or toss together to serve as a side. Never leave your dinner entrée unaccompanied again.
