Save My grandmother kept cucumbers growing on a trellis by her back porch, and on hot summer days she'd snap one off straight into a colander of cold water. The first time I made this salad for a July potluck, three people asked for the recipe before they even finished their plates. Something about that perfect balance of sharp vinegar and cool crunch makes people remember it.
Last summer my neighbor brought over a basket of Persian cucumbers from her garden, and we made this together on her back porch. She taught me to slice the onions paper thin and let everything sit while we caught up about our kids. Now whenever I see those diminutive cucumbers at the market, I think of that afternoon and how simple good food can be.
Ingredients
- English or Persian cucumbers: These varieties have thinner skins and fewer seeds, meaning less prep work and more consistent texture in every bite
- Red onion: The sharp bite mellows beautifully in the vinegar dressing, adding just enough kick without overwhelming the delicate vegetables
- Fresh dill or mint: Either herb brightens the entire dish, but dill leans classic while mint tips it toward something more unexpected and refreshing
- Rice vinegar: gentler than white vinegar but with enough acidity to cut through the oil and make all the vegetables sing
- Toasted sesame seeds: That tiny crunch and nutty finish makes each forkful feel complete, like the final period in a perfectly written sentence
Instructions
- Prep your cucumbers:
- Slice them as thin as you can manage, either with a sharp knife and steady hand or a mandoline if you have one tucked away in a drawer
- Salt and rest:
- Toss the slices with salt and let them drain in a colander for ten minutes, then rinse and pat completely dry with a clean kitchen towel
- Whisk the dressing:
- Combine the vinegar, oil, honey or sugar, salt, and pepper until the mixture looks smooth and unified
- Combine everything:
- Add the cucumbers, onion, herbs, and any optional vegetables to a large bowl, then pour the dressing over and toss until each piece is coated
- Give it time:
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least twenty minutes, letting the vinegar work its way into every nook and cranny
- Finish and serve:
- Scatter with extra herbs and those sesame seeds right before serving, while the crunch is still at its peak
Save My youngest daughter used to pick out all the red onion slices when she was little, but last summer she surprised me by asking for the recipe herself. Some dishes just need time to find their way into peoples hearts.
Making It Ahead
You can slice the vegetables and whisk the dressing separately up to a day in advance, keeping everything refrigerated in different containers. The cucumbers will thank you for not dressing them until you are ready to serve.
Switching Up The Crunch
Thin sliced radishes, jicama, or even bell peppers work beautifully here. The important thing is matching the thickness of your cuts so everything marinates evenly.
Serving Ideas That Work
This bright salad needs something rich to play against, anything that can stand up to all that vinegar and crunch. The contrast is what makes the whole meal feel complete.
- Pile it next to grilled salmon or whatever fish you have coming off the heat
- Serve alongside spicy Korean noodles or any dish with some heat
- Keep it simple with roasted chicken and let the salad do the heavy lifting for freshness
Save Somehow a bowl of cold vegetables can make the hottest day feel entirely manageable. That is the kind of kitchen magic worth holding onto.
Recipe Guide
- → How long can this dish be stored?
This cucumber creation is best enjoyed on the day it's made for optimal crispness. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Be sure to drain any excess liquid before serving again, as the cucumbers will soften over time.
- → Can I use other types of vinegar?
Absolutely! While rice vinegar provides a delicate tang, apple cider vinegar is an an excellent substitute for a similar profile. For a different twist, you could even try a squeeze of lime juice, especially if opting for toasted sesame oil in the dressing to create an Asian-inspired flavor.
- → What are some ways to enhance the crunch?
To maximize crunch, ensure you properly salt and drain the cucumbers before dressing. This step removes excess water. Additionally, consider adding thinly sliced jicama or watermelon radish to the mix. Toasted sesame seeds or chopped almonds also provide a delightful textural contrast.
- → What main dishes pair well with this side?
Its bright and refreshing profile makes it a versatile accompaniment. It pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, complementing their richness. It's also an excellent side for fish tacos or spicy noodle dishes, offering a cooling contrast to bolder flavors.
- → Is it possible to make this ahead of time?
You can prepare the cucumbers and dressing separately a few hours in advance. Combine them just before serving or no more than an hour or two beforehand to maintain the crispness. The initial 20-minute chilling period after dressing is recommended for flavors to meld properly.