Cucumber Onion Summer Salad
This bright and tangy cucumber onion salad is the perfect way to showcase the best of summer produce. Diced English cucumber and thinly sliced red onion are tossed in a simple vinaigrette made with white vinegar, olive oil, fresh dill, and mint. A sprinkle of salt and pepper brings out the natural sweetness of the cucumbers while adding a touch of herbaceousness. Whether served immediately or chilled for later, this refreshing salad is sure to be a hit at your next summer gathering.
Cucumber onion salad is a staple of summer gatherings, and for good reason. It's crisp, refreshing, and simple to make, highlighting the best of summer produce. The origins of this salad are murky, but it's likely that some variation of it has been around for centuries. English cucumbers, with their crisp flesh and mild flavor, have a long history of cultivation in Europe, and red onions, with their sharp, pungent flavor, have been used in cooking for thousands of years. It's possible that a version of this salad was first created in the Middle Ages, when these two ingredients would have been readily available. Over time, the salad may have spread throughout Europe and eventually made its way to America. Today, it's a popular side dish at barbecues, picnics, and other summer gatherings.
Cucumber Onion Summer Salad Cucumber Onion Summer Salad Cucumber Onion Summer Salad Cucumber Onion Summer Salad
Prep time: 15 | Cook time: 0 | Serves: 4
Ingredients
  • 1 English cucumber, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup white vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. Combine the cucumber, onion, vinegar, olive oil, dill, and mint in a large bowl.
  2. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  3. Toss to coat.
  4. Serve immediately or chill for later.
Why It Works
  • The combination of cucumber and red onion is a classic for a reason: the crisp, refreshing cucumber perfectly complements the sharp, pungent flavor of the onion.
  • The simple vinaigrette, made with white vinegar, olive oil, fresh dill, and mint, adds a bright, tangy flavor to the salad without overpowering the natural flavors of the cucumbers and onions.
  • Seasoning the salad with salt and pepper helps to bring out the natural sweetness of the cucumbers and adds a touch of herbaceousness from the dill and mint.