There is something utterly refreshing and delightfully simple about the Cucumber Salad with Red Onion and Fresh Dill Recipe. This vibrant salad brings together crisp cucumbers, sharp red onions, and the fragrant brightness of fresh dill in a way that feels like summer captured in a bowl. The dressing, tangy with vinegar and gently balanced with a touch of honey, wraps every crunchy bite in a light, flavorful hug. Whether you want a quick side to brighten up a weeknight dinner or an elegant dish to impress guests, this salad offers that perfect combination of cool, crisp textures and zesty, herby notes.

Cucumber Salad with Red Onion and Fresh Dill Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are refreshingly straightforward yet essential for achieving the balance of flavors and textures that make this salad sing. Each component plays a star role—whether it’s the crispness of the cucumbers, the punch of the red onion, or the aromatic touch of fresh dill.

2 large cucumbers: Thinly sliced for maximum crunch and freshness, the foundation of this salad.
1 small red onion: Thinly sliced to add a subtle sharpness and vibrant purple color.
1/4 cup vinegar (or apple cider vinegar): Provides the perfect tang that awakens every ingredient.
1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a mellow richness to balance the acidity.
1 teaspoon honey or sugar (optional): A subtle sweetness that rounds out the dressing beautifully.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors without stealing the show.
1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Gives just the right touch of gentle spice.
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional): Adds a hint of savory depth without overpowering the salad.
1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill): The herbaceous heart of the dish, delivering freshness and aroma.
Fresh parsley or mint for garnish (optional): A final burst of color and flavor if you’d like to get creative.

How to Make Cucumber Salad with Red Onion and Fresh Dill Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

Start by thinly slicing your cucumbers, either with a sharp knife or a mandolin for the best results. Peeling is optional, based on your preference, but keeping the skin adds a lovely pop of green color and extra crunch. Then, carefully slice the red onion as thinly as possible. Thin slices help tame the onion’s sharpness while enhancing the salad’s delicate texture.

Step 2: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the vinegar, olive oil, and honey or sugar if you’re using it. Add in the salt, black pepper, and garlic powder if you want that little extra layer of flavor. Taste your dressing and adjust the seasoning as needed—it should be tangy with a subtle sweetness and a hint of savory warmth.

Step 3: Combine the Salad

Place your cucumber and red onion slices in a large bowl. Pour the dressing over the vegetables and gently toss everything together to make sure every slice is beautifully coated with that tangy, herby goodness.

Step 4: Chill and Garnish

Refrigerate your salad for 15 to 30 minutes. This chilling time allows all the flavors to meld and soften, making each bite even more harmonious. Just before serving, sprinkle the chopped fresh dill on top, and add some fresh parsley or mint if you’re feeling fancy. This final touch brings the Cucumber Salad with Red Onion and Fresh Dill Recipe to life.

How to Serve Cucumber Salad with Red Onion and Fresh Dill Recipe

Garnishes

Adding garnishes like fresh parsley, bright mint leaves, or even edible flowers instantly elevates this salad’s presentation and flavor. A light dusting of freshly cracked black pepper or a squeeze of lemon juice on top can also enhance its brightness just before serving.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats like chicken, steak, or fish, as it offers a refreshing contrast to smoky, savory flavors. It’s also a crowd-pleaser alongside creamy dips, sandwiches, or as part of a picnic spread, bringing crispness and tang to balance heartier dishes.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to get a little fancy, serve this cucumber salad in avocado halves or inside hollowed-out cucumbers to impress guests with both form and flavor. Another fun idea is layering the salad in clear glass jars for a beautiful, colorful display perfect for potlucks or packed lunches.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cucumber salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within 1 to 2 days to maintain that crisp texture and fresh flavor. The vegetables release water over time, so give it a gentle stir before serving again.

Freezing

Because cucumbers hold a lot of water, freezing this salad is not recommended. Freezing will cause the cucumbers and onions to become mushy once thawed, compromising the fresh texture that’s key to this recipe.

Reheating

This salad is designed to be served cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t necessary. If you want to serve it slightly warmer, just let it sit out for a few minutes to take the chill off rather than applying heat.

FAQs

Can I use dried dill instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Dried dill can be used, but use about one-third of the amount called for in fresh dill since dried herbs have a stronger flavor. It’s still delicious but fresh dill does give the salad a brighter aroma and taste.

What type of vinegar works best in this recipe?

Apple cider vinegar is a great choice because of its mild sweetness, but white vinegar or white wine vinegar work beautifully as well. Choose according to your taste preference and what you have on hand.

Is it possible to make this salad vegan?

Yes! The recipe is naturally vegan, especially if you leave out the optional honey or use a plant-based sweetener. It’s a fresh, light option perfect for anyone following a plant-based diet.

Can I add other vegetables to this salad?

Definitely—feel free to experiment by adding thinly sliced radishes, cherry tomatoes, or even bell peppers for added color and crunch. Just keep in mind the flavor balance so the dill and vinegar still shine through.

How long can I prepare the salad in advance?

For the best texture, try to prepare the salad no more than a few hours in advance. If you need to make it earlier, keep the dressing separate and toss them together just before serving to keep the cucumbers crisp.

Final Thoughts

This Cucumber Salad with Red Onion and Fresh Dill Recipe is a joyous celebration of simple ingredients coming together in perfect harmony. It’s quick to make, refreshingly tasty, and flexible enough to suit any meal or occasion. I truly can’t recommend it enough—give it a try, and I’m sure you’ll keep coming back to this fresh, vibrant salad whenever you need a little bright spot on your plate.

Cucumber Salad with Red Onion and Fresh Dill Recipe

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4 from 69 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Low Fat

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Description

A refreshing and easy-to-make cucumber salad featuring thinly sliced cucumbers and red onions tossed in a tangy vinegar and olive oil dressing, enhanced with fresh dill and optional herbs for garnish. Perfect as a light side dish or a healthy snack.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables

2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
1 small red onion, thinly sliced

Dressing

1/4 cup vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon honey or sugar (optional, for sweetness)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)

Garnish

Fresh parsley or mint for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Prepare the Vegetables: Slice cucumbers thinly using a knife or mandolin. Peel if desired to remove the skin for a milder texture.
Slice the Onion: Thinly slice the small red onion to add a crisp and slightly pungent flavor to the salad.
Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the vinegar, olive oil, honey or sugar if using, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder if using, until well combined.
Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning to your preference, adding more salt, pepper, or sweetener as needed.
Combine the Salad: In a large bowl, add the cucumber slices and red onion. Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss gently to coat all pieces evenly.
Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the salad for 15–30 minutes to let the flavors meld together and the salad chill.
Garnish: Before serving, sprinkle chopped fresh dill and optionally garnish with fresh parsley or mint for added aroma and color.

Notes

For a crisper texture, use cucumbers that are firm and fresh.
Adjust the sweetness level by varying the amount of honey or sugar based on your taste.
Optional garlic powder adds a subtle depth of flavor but can be omitted for a milder taste.
This salad can be prepared a few hours in advance and kept refrigerated to deepen the flavors.
Serve chilled as a side dish for grilled meats or light meals.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American