Cucumber and Onion Oasis

This refreshing salad features thinly sliced English cucumber and red onion, lightly dressed in a simple vinaigrette. Fresh mint adds a bright, herbaceous flavor, while the rice vinegar and olive oil create a balanced and flavorful dressing.

The inspiration for this recipe was a hot and muggy summer day. As I stood in the kitchen, wilting from the heat, I craved something cool, crisp, and refreshing. I started by thinly slicing an English cucumber and red onion, then added a handful of fresh mint. To dress the salad, I created a simple vinaigrette with rice vinegar and olive oil, adding a touch of salt and pepper for seasoning. The result was a light, tangy, and refreshing salad that was perfect for cooling off on a hot day.

Prep time: 10 | Cook time: 0 | Serves: 2

Ingredients

• 1 English cucumber, thinly sliced
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the cucumbers, onions, mint, rice vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
2. Toss to coat.
3. Serve immediately.

Why It Works

• **Thinly sliced vegetables:** Thinly slicing the cucumber and onion allows them to soak up the dressing more easily, resulting in a more flavorful salad.
• **Fresh mint:** The fresh mint adds a bright, herbaceous flavor that complements the sweetness of the cucumber and the sharpness of the onion.
• **Balanced dressing:** The rice vinegar and olive oil create a balanced and flavorful dressing that complements the vegetables without overpowering them.