Simple Cucumber Salad with Vinegar Dressing

It's a hot summer afternoon, and you're looking for something cool, crisp, and refreshing to complement your meal. That's where cucumber salad with vinegar dressing comes in! This classic dish is light, tangy, and incredibly easy to prepare. 

Packed with crunchy cucumbers, zesty vinegar, and a touch of sweetness, this dish balances flavors beautifully. Plus, it's low in calories, hydrating, and full of nutrients—making it the perfect guilt-free addition to any meal. Now, let'sdive into the recipe! 

How to Make a Cucumber Salad?

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 5 minutes

Servings: 4-5

Ingredients

For the Cucumber Salad:

• • • 3 medium cucumbers, thinly sliced
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • 1 red onion, thinly sliced
    • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
    • Black pepper to taste

For the Vinegar Dressing:

• • • ½ cup white vinegar
    • ¼ cup water
    • ¼ cup granulated sugar

Instructions

1. Place the sliced cucumbers in a large bowl and sprinkle with salt. Toss well and let them sit for about 1 hour to draw out excess moisture. This step ensures that the cucumbers remain crisp and absorb the dressing better.

2. In a small saucepan, combine vinegar, water, and sugar. Stir over medium heat until the sugar dissolves completely (about 5 minutes). Remove from heat and let it cool.

3. After an hour, strain the cucumbers to remove excess liquid. Pat them dry with a paper towel to maintain their crunch.

4. In the same bowl, add the sliced red onion, fresh dill, black pepper, and the cooled vinegar dressing. Toss everything gently to combine.

5. Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together. Serve chilled and enjoy!

Tips and Variations for Cucumber Salad

• Want a richer, creamier version of cucumber salad? Add 2 tablespoons of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the dressing. This will give the salad a smooth, velvety texture while balancing the tanginess of the vinegar. 
• For an extra crunch and a pop of color, toss in some thinly sliced radishes or bell peppers. You can mix red, yellow, or orange bell peppers to make the salad visually appealing and flavorful.
• If you find white vinegar too sharp, swap it with apple cider vinegar. Apple cider vinegar has a milder acidity and a subtle natural sweetness, making it a great alternative. It also comes with additional health benefits, such as aiding digestion and promoting gut health. 
• If you want to avoid refined sugar, replace it with honey or maple syrup. These natural sweeteners not only add a delicate sweetness but also offer additional nutrients. Honey has antioxidant and antibacterial properties, while maple syrup contains minerals like zinc and manganese. 
• If you love a bit of heat, sprinkle in a pinch of red pepper flakes. The subtle spiciness balances the acidity of the vinegar and the coolness of the cucumbers, creating a more dynamic flavor profile.

Health Benefits of Cucumber Salad

1. Hydrating and Refreshing

Did you know that cucumbers are made up of 96% water? This makes cucumber salad an incredibly refreshing dish, especially on hot summer days. Staying hydrated is essential for maintaining energy levels, keeping skin healthy, and supporting overall bodily functions. If you struggle to drink enough water daily, eating water-rich foods like cucumbers is a delicious way to stay hydrated without even trying.

2. Low in Calories 

If you're looking for a light and healthy side dish, cucumber salad is a fantastic choice. With only about 45 calories per serving, it’s perfect for those watching their calorie intake. The high water content and fiber in cucumbers help keep you full longer, reducing the chances of overeating. 

3. Supports Digestion and Gut Health

Cucumbers are rich in fiber, particularly in the skin, which aids digestion and promotes gut health. Fiber helps keep things moving smoothly in the digestive tract, preventing constipation and promoting healthy bowel movements. Additionally, vinegar in the dressing contains probiotics that support good gut bacteria, which is essential for improving digestion and overall well-being.

4. Packed with Antioxidants to Fight Inflammation

Dill and red onions contain compounds that help reduce inflammation and protect cells from oxidative stress. Antioxidants play a crucial role in boosting the immune system, improving skin health, and lowering the risk of chronic diseases. Including more antioxidant-rich foods in your diet can help your body combat everyday environmental stressors.

5. Supports Heart Health and Blood Sugar Control

Vinegar is more than just a tangy addition to this salad—it also offers important heart-health benefits. Studies suggest that vinegar may help lower blood sugar levels after meals, making it beneficial for those managing diabetes. Additionally, vinegar has been linked to improving cholesterol levels and supporting heart health by reducing bad cholesterol (LDL) and increasing good cholesterol (HDL).

Make Your Cucumber Salad Today!

If there’s one thing that gets me, it’s this cucumber salad. Simple, fresh, and so ridiculously easy that you could probably make it in your sleep (but, like, don’t because of knives). It’s got that perfect crunch, that tangy vinegar bite, and a little herby magic from the dill—because life is too short for boring salads.

This isn’t one of those overcomplicated, try-too-hard salads. No exotic ingredients. No fancy dressings. Just cucumbers, onions, and a perfectly balanced vinegar dressing that does not miss. And listen—this salad doesn’t need anything, but if you’re feeling fancy, throw in some feta, maybe a handful of cherry tomatoes. Or just keep it classic. Either way, it’shere for you!

Kitchen Tools You Need

• Rotary Grater– For perfectly thin cucumber slices.
• Mixing Bowls – Ideal for tossing salads effortlessly.
• Whisk – Helps blend the vinegar dressing smoothly.

You can shop all these kitchen tools at Zulay Kitchen and level up your kitchen game!

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Frequently Asked Questions About Cucumber Salad

Can I use a different type of vinegar?

Yes! While white vinegar gives this salad its classic tangy taste, you can substitute it with apple cider vinegar, red wine vinegar, or rice vinegar for a slightly different flavor. Each type of vinegar brings a unique depth to the dressing.

How long does cucumber salad last in the fridge?

This cucumber salad stays fresh for up to 2-3 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. However, the cucumbers will continue to release moisture, so it's best enjoyed within the first 24 hours for maximum crunch.

Can I make cucumber salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! If preparing ahead, keep the dressing separate and mix it with the cucumbers just before serving. Thisprevents the cucumbers from becoming too soft.

Can I add other vegetables?

Yes! Feel free to add cherry tomatoes, radishes, or bell peppers to enhance both the flavor and texture. This salad is highly customizable based on your preferences.

Is cucumber salad keto-friendly?

Yes, but with a small adjustment. Swap granulated sugar with a keto-friendly sweetener like stevia, monk fruit, or erythritol. This keeps it low-carb while retaining its delicious taste.

What’s the best way to slice cucumbers for salad?

Using a sharp knife or a rotary grater ensures even, thin slices. Thinner slices absorb the dressing better and make the salad more flavorful.

Can I use dried dill instead of fresh dill?

Yes! If you don’t have fresh dill, you can use 1 teaspoon of dried dill as a substitute. However, fresh dill provides a more vibrant and aromatic flavor.