Cucumber Onion Salad
A crisp, refreshing salad with thinly sliced cucumbers and red onions, tossed in a zesty lemon and herb dressing. It's a perfect light side dish ready in minutes.
For 1 serving
Combine the salad ingredients
- In a medium bowl, add the thinly sliced cucumber and red onion.
- Drizzle with fresh lemon juice and sprinkle with salt and black pepper.
- Add the chopped cilantro and toss gently until everything is well combined.
- Serve immediately for the best crunch, or chill for 10 minutes before serving.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For a milder onion flavor, soak the sliced onions in cold water for 10 minutes, then drain well before adding to the salad.
- 2Use a mandoline slicer for perfectly thin and uniform slices of cucumber and onion.
- 3English or Persian cucumbers work best as they have thinner skin and fewer seeds.
- 4This salad is best served fresh as the cucumber will release water over time, making it less crisp.
Adapt it for your goals.
Quick
Add a pinch of chaat masala for an extra tangy, savory kick without adding calories.
healthyHealthy
Add a tablespoon of chopped mint leaves along with the cilantro for added freshness and nutrients.
kid friendlyKid friendly
Reduce the amount of onion and add some finely diced sweet bell pepper for color and a milder flavor.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent for Hydration
Cucumbers are about 95% water, making this salad a delicious way to help you stay hydrated.
Low in Calories
With no oil and only fresh vegetables, this salad is incredibly low in calories, supporting weight management goals.
Rich in Antioxidants
Onions and lemon juice are good sources of antioxidants like quercetin and vitamin C, which help protect your cells from damage.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is very healthy. It's extremely low in calories, hydrating due to the high water content of cucumbers, and provides vitamins and antioxidants from the fresh vegetables and lemon juice.
