Simple Cucumber Salad
Crisp, cool cucumber slices tossed with thinly sliced onion in a light, tangy vinegar dressing. This simple side dish comes together in minutes and is the perfect refreshing companion to grilled meats, sandwiches, or any summer meal.
For 4 servings
- prep · ~5 min
Slice the cucumber and onion.
1.Wash and dry the cucumbers. Trim off both ends.2.Thinly slice the cucumbers into rounds, about ⅛ inch thick.3.Peel the onion half and slice it as thinly as possible into half-moons. - mix · ~1 min
Make the dressing.
1.In a small bowl, whisk together the white vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper.2.Stir until the sugar and salt dissolve completely, about 30 seconds. - mix · ~1 min
Toss the salad together.
1.In a large bowl, combine the sliced cucumber and onion.2.Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss gently to coat evenly.3.Sprinkle with fresh chopped dill and give it one final light toss. - rest · ~5 min
Let the salad rest before serving.
Let the salad sit at room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes so the cucumbers can absorb the tangy dressing. Toss once more just before serving.
TIPDon't skip the rest — it softens the onion bite and lets the flavors come together.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Slice cucumbers uniformly thin — a mandoline makes quick work of it and ensures even marination.
- 2Salt the cucumber slices and let them sit 5 minutes, then pat dry to prevent a watery salad.
- 3For milder onion flavor, soak sliced onion in ice water for 10 minutes before adding.
- 4Let the dressed salad rest 10 minutes before serving — the cucumbers absorb the tangy dressing best.
- 5Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days; drain excess liquid before serving again.
- 6Fresh dill is key — dried dill won't give the same bright, herbaceous finish.
Adapt it for your goals.
Creamy herb
Replace the vinegar dressing with 2 tablespoons sour cream or Greek yogurt mixed with lemon juice and dill — for a richer, tangy-creamy salad.
spicy AsianSpicy Asian
Swap white vinegar for rice vinegar, add 1 teaspoon sesame oil and a pinch of red pepper flakes — gives the salad a savory, mildly spicy twist.
no sugarNo-sugar
Omit the sugar or replace with a pinch of stevia or monk fruit sweetener — for a low-carb or keto-friendly version without losing the tang.
Greek inspiredGreek-inspired
Add crumbled feta cheese and a few sliced Kalamata olives — turns the salad into a briny, Mediterranean side dish.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Low Calorie & Hydrating
Cucumbers are over 95% water, making this salad very low in calories and a great way to stay hydrated, especially in warm weather.
Contains Vitamin K & C
Fresh cucumbers and dill contribute vitamin K for bone health and vitamin C for immune support.
Digestive Aid from Vinegar
The acetic acid in white vinegar can help support healthy digestion and may help moderate blood sugar response when eaten with a meal.
Low in Fat & Sodium
This salad uses minimal salt and no added oil, making it a heart-friendly, light side dish.
Frequently asked questions
Yes — English cucumbers have thinner skin and fewer seeds, so you can skip peeling and they stay extra crisp.



