Print

Fresh Easy Cucumber Salad Recipe 5-Minute No-Cook Refreshing Side Dish

fresh easy cucumber salad - featured image

A quick and refreshing cucumber salad with a perfect balance of crisp, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors. Ready in just 5 minutes, this no-cook side dish is perfect for summer meals and pairs well with grilled meats or sandwiches.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 medium English cucumbers, thinly sliced
  • ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
  • 3 tablespoons white vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
  • Black pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional)

Instructions

  1. Wash and dry the cucumbers thoroughly. Using a mandoline or sharp knife, slice them thinly—about 1/8 inch thick (3 mm). Set aside in a large mixing bowl.
  2. Peel and thinly slice half a small red onion. If desired, soak the slices in cold water for 5 minutes to mellow the bite, then drain well.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons white vinegar, 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, ½ teaspoon salt, and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil if using. Whisk until sugar and salt dissolve completely.
  4. Pour the dressing over the sliced cucumbers and onions. Add 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill. Gently toss everything together to coat evenly without bruising the cucumbers.
  5. Let the salad sit for 10-15 minutes at room temperature to develop flavor. Taste and adjust salt or pepper as needed. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

For best results, slice cucumbers thinly to maintain crispness. Soak red onion slices in cold water to reduce sharpness if desired. Add fresh dill just before serving if preparing ahead to keep flavor bright. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; stir before serving again. Optional olive oil adds silkiness but can be omitted for a traditional version.

Nutrition

Keywords: cucumber salad, easy cucumber salad, no-cook salad, summer side dish, quick salad, refreshing salad, healthy salad