Quick & Refreshing: 5-Ingredient Cucumber Salad Recipe
Cucumber salad is a classic dish, loved for its simplicity, refreshing taste, and versatility. It’s the perfect side for summer barbecues, a light lunch option, or a simple way to add some greens to your everyday meals. Forget complicated recipes with dozens of ingredients – this recipe focuses on speed and flavor, using only five key components (plus salt and pepper!). We’ll explore variations and tips to customize this dish to your liking. Get ready to enjoy a crisp, cool, and incredibly easy cucumber salad!
Why You’ll Love This Easy Cucumber Salad
* **Simple and Fast:** This recipe is ready in minutes, requiring minimal prep time.
* **Refreshing:** Cucumbers are naturally hydrating and cooling, making this salad perfect for hot days.
* **Versatile:** It pairs well with grilled meats, fish, or can be enjoyed on its own.
* **Customizable:** Easily adaptable with different herbs, dressings, and add-ins.
* **Healthy:** A light and nutritious way to enjoy vegetables.
* **Budget-Friendly:** Uses readily available and inexpensive ingredients.
The 5 Key Ingredients
1. **Cucumbers:** The star of the show! English cucumbers (also known as seedless cucumbers) are a great choice because they have thin skin and fewer seeds, meaning you don’t need to peel them. Regular cucumbers work too, but you might want to peel them and remove some of the seeds if they are large and bitter. Consider using Persian cucumbers for a slightly sweeter and crispier option.
2. **Red Onion:** Adds a sharp, slightly pungent flavor that complements the coolness of the cucumber. Red onion also brings a pop of color to the salad. If you find red onion too strong, you can soak it in cold water for 10-15 minutes to mellow the flavor.
3. **Fresh Dill:** This herb provides a bright, herbaceous flavor that’s classic in cucumber salad. If you don’t have fresh dill, you can use dried dill, but use about half the amount as the flavor is more concentrated.
4. **White Vinegar (or Apple Cider Vinegar):** Adds a tangy acidity that balances the other flavors. White vinegar provides a sharper tang, while apple cider vinegar offers a slightly sweeter and milder taste. You can also use rice vinegar for a more subtle flavor.
5. **Olive Oil:** Contributes richness and helps the dressing coat the cucumbers and other ingredients. Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor. You can substitute with other oils, such as avocado oil, but olive oil is highly recommended.
The Basic Cucumber Salad Recipe
**Yields:** 4 servings
**Prep time:** 10 minutes
**Total time:** 10 minutes
**Ingredients:**
* 2 English cucumbers, thinly sliced
* 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
* 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
* 2 tablespoons white vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* Salt and pepper to taste
**Equipment:**
* Cutting board
* Knife
* Large bowl
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Cucumbers:** Wash the cucumbers thoroughly. If using English cucumbers, there’s no need to peel them. If using regular cucumbers, peel them if desired, and you can remove some of the seeds if they are large. Thinly slice the cucumbers into rounds or half-moons. Aim for slices that are about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick.
2. **Prepare the Red Onion:** Peel the red onion and thinly slice it. If the red onion is too strong for your taste, soak the slices in a bowl of cold water for 10-15 minutes, then drain well. This will help to mellow the flavor.
3. **Combine Ingredients:** In a large bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers, red onion, and chopped fresh dill.
4. **Make the Dressing:** In a small bowl or directly over the cucumber mixture, whisk together the white vinegar (or apple cider vinegar) and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. **Toss and Serve:** Pour the dressing over the cucumber mixture and toss gently to combine. Make sure the cucumbers are evenly coated with the dressing.
6. **Chill (Optional):** While you can serve the salad immediately, it tastes even better if you chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and the cucumbers to become even crisper.
7. **Serve and Enjoy:** Serve the cucumber salad as a side dish, a light lunch, or a snack. It pairs well with grilled chicken, fish, or burgers. Garnish with extra dill if desired.
Tips for the Best Cucumber Salad
* **Use Fresh Ingredients:** The quality of your ingredients will greatly impact the flavor of the salad. Use fresh cucumbers, red onion, and dill for the best results.
* **Thinly Slice the Vegetables:** Thinly slicing the cucumbers and red onion helps them to absorb the dressing and creates a more pleasant texture.
* **Don’t Overdress:** Start with a small amount of dressing and add more to taste. Overdressing can make the salad soggy.
* **Taste and Adjust Seasoning:** After tossing the salad with the dressing, taste it and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may need to add more salt, pepper, or vinegar to balance the flavors.
* **Chill Before Serving:** Chilling the salad allows the flavors to meld together and the cucumbers to become crisper.
* **Don’t Store for Too Long:** Cucumber salad is best eaten fresh. The cucumbers can become watery if stored for too long. It’s best to consume it within 1-2 days.
* **Salting Cucumbers (Optional):** If you have time, you can salt the sliced cucumbers before making the salad. This helps to draw out excess moisture and prevent the salad from becoming too watery. To do this, place the sliced cucumbers in a colander, sprinkle with salt, and let them sit for 30 minutes. Then, rinse them with cold water and pat them dry before adding them to the salad.
Variations and Add-Ins
This cucumber salad recipe is a great base for experimentation. Here are some variations and add-ins to try:
* **Greek Cucumber Salad:** Add crumbled feta cheese, Kalamata olives, and a pinch of dried oregano for a Greek-inspired twist. You can also use red wine vinegar instead of white vinegar.
* **Creamy Cucumber Salad:** Add a dollop of sour cream, Greek yogurt, or mayonnaise to the dressing for a creamy version. You can also add a touch of sugar or honey to balance the acidity.
* **Spicy Cucumber Salad:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a thinly sliced chili pepper for a spicy kick. You can also use a spicy vinegar or chili oil in the dressing.
* **Asian Cucumber Salad:** Use rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and a pinch of sugar in the dressing. Add some toasted sesame seeds and a sprinkle of chopped green onions for garnish.
* **Tomato Cucumber Salad:** Add chopped tomatoes for a classic combination. Cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes work well.
* **Avocado Cucumber Salad:** Add diced avocado for a creamy and healthy addition. Be sure to add the avocado just before serving to prevent it from browning.
* **Bell Pepper Cucumber Salad:** Add thinly sliced bell peppers for extra crunch and flavor. Red, yellow, or orange bell peppers work well.
* **Radish Cucumber Salad:** Add thinly sliced radishes for a peppery bite.
* **Other Herbs:** Experiment with different herbs like mint, parsley, or chives. Each herb will add a unique flavor to the salad.
* **Garlic:** Add a minced clove of garlic to the dressing for a bolder flavor. Be careful not to add too much, as garlic can be overpowering.
* **Lemon Juice:** Substitute some of the vinegar with lemon juice for a brighter, citrusy flavor.
* **Sugar/Honey:** Add a touch of sugar or honey to the dressing to balance the acidity, especially if you are using a strong vinegar.
Serving Suggestions
Cucumber salad is a versatile dish that can be served in many ways:
* **Side Dish:** Serve it as a side dish with grilled meats, fish, chicken, or tofu.
* **Lunch:** Enjoy it as a light and refreshing lunch on its own or with a piece of crusty bread.
* **Snack:** A healthy and satisfying snack between meals.
* **Taco Topping:** Use it as a topping for tacos or wraps.
* **Sandwich Filling:** Add it to sandwiches or wraps for extra flavor and moisture.
* **Appetizer:** Serve it as an appetizer at a party or gathering.
* **With Dips:** Offer it as a crudité alongside various dips, such as hummus or tzatziki.
Health Benefits of Cucumber Salad
Cucumber salad is not only delicious but also packed with health benefits:
* **Hydration:** Cucumbers are about 96% water, making them an excellent source of hydration.
* **Low in Calories:** Cucumber salad is low in calories, making it a great option for weight management.
* **Rich in Nutrients:** Cucumbers contain vitamins and minerals, including vitamin K, vitamin C, and potassium.
* **Antioxidants:** Cucumbers contain antioxidants that help protect your cells from damage.
* **Digestive Health:** Cucumbers contain fiber, which promotes healthy digestion.
* **Anti-inflammatory Properties:** Cucumbers have anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce inflammation in the body.
Storing Cucumber Salad
Cucumber salad is best eaten fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days. Keep in mind that the cucumbers may release more water as they sit, making the salad slightly watery. You can drain off any excess liquid before serving. It’s best to avoid freezing cucumber salad, as the cucumbers will become mushy when thawed.
Conclusion
This easy cucumber salad recipe is a winner because it’s quick, refreshing, and adaptable to your personal tastes. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a delicious and healthy side dish that everyone will love. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, a refreshing snack, or a versatile side dish, this cucumber salad is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a crisp, cool, and incredibly easy cucumber salad!