Cucumber Salad: the refreshing, healthy recipe for a classic German salad
This summer, serve this fast, healthy cucumber salad at your next barbecue or picnic. Made with cucumber and onions tossed in a lightly sweet yet tart vinaigrette, cucumber salad is a refreshing, easy-to-make side dish to serve at any get-together.
This easy cucumber salad has German origins. It's one of the two main versions of German cucumber salad. Gurkensalat is made with a vinaigrette, while the other type of German cucumber salad is creamy. Delicious with a satisfying crunch, you can throw this easy cucumber salad together in no time. It's a versatile dish that you can enjoy with just about any dish!
What is the Best Cucumber to Use for Salad?
English cucumbers are the best choice for this salad thanks to the fact they don't have seeds. You can leave the skin on or peel the cucumbers.
Persian cucumbers work, too, but they're a little smaller. They also tend to be less watery compared to English cucumbers, so if you did want to make this salad in advance, Persian cucumbers are the way to go.
Easy Cucumber Salad Ingredients
This ultra-refreshing cucumber salad recipe only calls for a handful of ingredients, and odds are you have most of them in your kitchen already!
For the salad itself, you'll need cucumbers and onions. Any color of onion works.
Use red onion for a sharper bite. If you prefer a milder flavor, opt for yellow or white onion.
For the vinaigrette, you'll need white wine vinegar, sugar, and water.
Fresh dill adds a delicious herbal note to the salad.
Finally, you'll need salt and pepper for seasoning.
How to Make Cucumber Salad
You'll love how simple it is to make this delicious cucumber salad. Start by putting the cucumber, onion, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Toss to combine. Grab a bowl and whisk the vinegar, water, and sugar until fully combined. Pour it over the salad, then toss it well. Top the salad with fresh dill and season with a dash of extra salt and pepper, and serve!
Tips for the Best Cucumber Salad
Instead of sugar, you can use sweetener, honey, or agave nectar.
Use red wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar, and balsamic vinegar instead of white wine vinegar.
To slice the cucumber and onion evenly, use a mandoline.
Jazz up your cucumber salad by adding extra ingredients like cherry tomatoes, olives, chopped toasted nuts, bell peppers, or crumbled cheese. Goat cheese and feta cheese are delicious choices.
Serve this healthy cucumber salad immediately to avoid soggy cucumbers.
What to Serve with Cucumber Salad
Because this healthy cucumber salad is so light and refreshing, it's perfect for any of your favorite summer dishes. Serve it with burgers, portobello burgers, grilled shrimp skewers, barbecue ribs, grilled or fried chicken, or pork chops.
It goes well with anything off the grill and makes an excellent addition to any picnic or barbecue. Cucumber salad is fantastic with pasta dishes, too!
How to Store Healthy Cucumber Salad
Cover and store your cucumber salad in the fridge for up to 3 days.
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Instructions
Place the cucumber and onion in a large salad bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Toss to combine.
In a small bowl, whisk white wine vinegar, water, and sugar to combine.
Drizzle over the cucumber mixture. Toss to combine.
Garnish with fresh dill and season with additional salt and pepper, if desired.
Notes
You can use yellow onion, red onion, or shallots instead of white onion to make your cucumber salad.
