This Cucumber and Onion Salad is a celebration of simplicity and fresh flavors. It’s a refreshing side dish that’s perfect for warm weather, potlucks, or any occasion where you need a light and flavorful accompaniment. Thinly sliced cucumbers and red onions provide a delightful crunch, while a simple vinegar-based dressing adds a bright and tangy element that brings all the flavors together.
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Why You’ll Love This Salad:
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Crisp and Refreshing: This salad is the epitome of refreshing, with a satisfying crunch in every bite. It’s perfect for those days when you crave something light and flavorful.
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Simple Yet Flavorful: Despite its simplicity, this salad is bursting with flavor. The combination of cucumbers, red onions, and a tangy dressing creates a harmonious balance that’s both satisfying and refreshing.
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Easy to Make: This recipe comes together in minutes, requiring minimal chopping and no cooking. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a last-minute side dish.
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Versatile Side Dish: This salad pairs well with a wide variety of main courses, from grilled meats and fish to hearty stews and sandwiches. It’s also a delicious addition to buffets and potlucks.
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Instructions:
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Prepare the cucumbers: Wash the cucumbers thoroughly and pat them dry. For a milder flavor and appealing color contrast, consider peeling every other stripe of cucumber skin. Thinly slice the cucumbers using a mandoline or a sharp knife.
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Tame the onion: Thinly slice the red onion. To soften its sharp bite and create a milder flavor, soak the slices in a bowl of ice water for about 10 minutes. Drain and pat dry before adding to the salad.
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Create the simple dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the white vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper. This simple vinaigrette adds a bright and tangy element that complements the fresh vegetables beautifully.
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Combine and chill: In a large bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers, drained red onion slices. Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to ensure everything is evenly coated.
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Rest and serve: For optimal flavor, cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the cucumbers to soak up the delicious dressing.
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Ingredients:
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2 medium cucumbers
1/2 red onion
2 tablespoons white vinegar
1 teaspoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
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Recipe Note: This recipe is a blank canvas for your culinary creativity! Feel free to add other fresh herbs like dill, parsley, mint, or chives. For a bit of textural intrigue, consider adding a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or chopped walnuts. You can also incorporate other vegetables like thinly sliced bell peppers or halved cherry tomatoes for added color and flavor.
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#cucumberandonionsalad #saladspiration #saladinspiration
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