The Great British Refresh – Zesty Cucumber & Red Onion Salad
Craving a proper refreshing cucumber and onion salad? My zesty 'Great British Refresh' is easy, vibrant, and perfect for picnics or Sunday roasts. Get the secret to crisp, tangy flavour! ... Quick & Easy Weeknight Meals
Zingy Cucumber & Onion Salad: Your New Summer Best Mate!
Oh my gosh, you guys, let me tell you about a little hero that’s often overlooked in the grand scheme of side salad recipes .
Seriously, hands up if you've ever just craved something light, something zingy , something that makes your tastebuds do a happy little jig? for me, that’s almost every time the sun decides to show its face here in the uk.
And honestly, my go-to, my absolute ride-or-die for those moments, is this incredible cucumber and onion salad . it's a proper revelation, packed with that fresh, crisp flavour, a total british summer staple, you know?
This isn’t some faffy, complicated dish, by the way. this vinegar cucumber salad is a doddle. it comes from humble beginnings, probably popping up on picnic blankets and pub lunch buffets for decades across britain and beyond.
The beauty is in its simplicity: just lovely cucumbers and onions , thinly sliced and bathed in a wonderfully bright, subtly sweet dressing.
I remember the first time my nan made her version, i was a right skeptical kid, thinking 'salad, meh'. but one bite, and i was hooked! prep time? honestly, you’re looking at about 15 minutes of actual chopping and stirring.
The longest bit is just letting it chill, which is zero effort, making it a super easy cucumber salad recipe .
It serves 4-6 as a generous side, perfect for a family feast.
So, why bother with this specific sweet and sour cucumber salad ? well, apart from being utterly delicious, it's just so bloomin' good for you.
It’s incredibly hydrating, full of those watery veggies, which is just what you need on a hot day. it’s the quintessential summer side salad , cutting through the richness of a bbq sausage or a hearty roast like a dream.
Trust me, it makes everything else on your plate taste even better. it’s what makes this marinated cucumber and onion salad truly special – it takes simple ingredients and turns them into something really memorable.
Plus, it's a fantastic way to use up those garden cucumbers when they're suddenly everywhere , right? it’s light, vibrant, and honestly, it’s the definition of a refreshing cucumber salad .
Right, are you ready to dive into how to make this absolute gem? let’s talk about what you’ll need to get this dill cucumber onion salad on your table.
You won't believe how few bits and bobs are required...
Right then, chaps, let's dive into the nitty-gritty of what you'll need to whip up this absolute cracker of a cucumber and onion salad .
Honestly, getting the right bits and bobs is half the battle, and it makes all the difference to that lovely crunch and zing.
This isn't just any old side salad recipes contender; it's a proper star!
The Great British Refresh – Zesty Cucumber & Red Onion Salad Recipe Card
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts
Your Essential Kitchen Kit & Bits
First off, let's talk about the stars of the show – the ingredients! You want this cucumber and onion salad to sing, right?
The Main Players: Freshness is Key!
When it comes to this recipe, the quality of your fresh produce really shines through. We're talking cucumbers and onions here, so pick wisely!
- Cucumbers: You'll need 2 large English cucumbers (that's about 700-800g or 1.5-1.75 lbs ). If you can, get them firm, bright green, and unblemished. Avoid any that feel soft or look sad. I once tried making this with bendy cucumbers – what a flop! They just don't have that satisfying crispness. You want them to slice thin and curl nicely, almost like they don't have any backbone, really absorbing all that flavour.
- Red Onion: Just 1 medium red onion (around 150g or 5 oz ). Go for one that feels solid and heavy for its size. Thinly sliced is crucial for a delicate onion salad that doesn't overpower everything.
- Fresh Dill: About 2 tablespoons of finely chopped fresh dill. This is the secret weapon for that classic flavour. It's optional, but honestly, it adds so much! I once forgot the dill, and it just wasn't the same. It’s like fish and chips without salt and vinegar – just not quite right!
- Fine Sea Salt: You'll need 1 teaspoon (5g) for salting the cucumbers. This step is a game-changer; it stops your refreshing cucumber salad from becoming a watery mess later.
Dressing Up: Sweet, Sour, and Zingy!
This is where the magic happens for our vinegar cucumber salad ! The dressing transforms simple veg into a tantalising sweet and sour cucumber salad .
- White Wine Vinegar or Apple Cider Vinegar: ½ cup (120ml) . Either works a treat! I usually have white wine vinegar on hand, but apple cider gives it a lovely, slightly fruitier tang.
- Cold Water: ¼ cup (60ml) . Keeps things light and helps dissolve the sugar.
- Granulated Sugar: 2 tablespoons (25g) . Caster sugar dissolves super fast, which is brilliant. This balances the tang from the vinegar, creating that addictive sweet and sour vibe that makes it a true marinated cucumber and onion salad .
- Black Pepper: ½ teaspoon (2.5g) , freshly ground if you can. It just adds a subtle warmth.
- Red Pepper Flakes: A tiny pinch is optional, for a subtle kick. Don't go mad unless you love a bit of heat!
Kit Essentials: No Fuss, Just Fun!
You won't need a professional kitchen for this easy cucumber salad recipe . Most of these bits you'll already have knocking about!
- Large Mixing Bowl: Essential for tossing everything together.
- Sharp Chef's Knife & Cutting Board: For slicing. A sharp knife is safer, honestly. My nan always said a blunt knife is more dangerous than a sharp one!
- Colander: For draining those salted cucumbers. Couldn't live without mine for this.
- Whisk or Fork: To mix your dressing until the sugar dissolves.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Pretty self-explanatory for getting those measurements spot on.
- Clean Kitchen Towel or Paper Towels: Crucial for squeezing out excess water from the cucumbers. Don't skip this, it's what makes the dill cucumber onion salad nice and crisp.
- Airtight Container: For chilling your summer side salad . The longer it chills, the better it tastes, trust me.
See? Nothing too fancy, just good honest gear for a truly smashing result.
Alright, chaps! chef here, ready to spill the beans on a proper classic that’s as refreshing as a stroll through a summer garden.
Honestly, when it comes to side salad recipes , nothing quite hits the spot like a good old cucumber and onion salad .
It's the unsung hero of any barbecue or sunday roast, a cracking summer side salad that just screams 'refreshing'! did you know that the average brit eats over 100 cucumbers a year? that’s a lot of potential for deliciousness, eh?
Getting Ready: Your Game Plan for Salad Greatness
First things first, let's talk about getting organised. this is your "mise en place" moment, which sounds fancy but just means getting all your bits and bobs ready.
Trust me, i've had my share of scrambling for the dill mid-chop. so, lay out your 2 large english cucumbers, 1 medium red onion, that all-important salt, and your dressing bits.
A good sharp chef's knife and a cutting board are key. and a quick safety reminder: watch those fingers! if you're using a mandoline, treat it with respect, those things are ridiculously sharp.
Whipping Up That Perfect Refreshing Cucumber Salad
Okay, let's get cracking on this easy cucumber salad recipe .
- Cucumber Prep: Wash and trim your cucumbers. I usually leave some skin on for colour, but you do you. Now, slice them thinly. A mandoline makes this super quick, but a sharp knife works a treat too. Pop them into a large mixing bowl.
- Salt 'em Up: Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of fine sea salt over the slices. Give 'em a good toss. Let them hang out for 30 minutes . This draws out excess water, stopping your salad from being watery. It’s like magic, truly!
- Onion Action: While the cucumbers are doing their thing, peel and halve your red onion. Slice it super thin into half-moons. The thinner, the better for that delicate crunch in your Onion Salad .
- Drain & Squeeze: After 30 minutes , you’ll see a pool of liquid in the bowl. That's all the water you don't want! Tip the cucumbers into a colander and rinse them quickly under cold water to get rid of the extra salt. This is vital! Then, squeeze out as much water as you can. I usually press them between kitchen towels. Return the squeezed Cucumbers And Onions to a clean bowl.
- Dress to Impress: In a separate jug, whisk together 1/2 cup white wine vinegar, 1/4 cup cold water, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Whisk until the sugar's dissolved. This is your classic Vinegar cucumber salad dressing.
- Combine & Chill: Pour the dressing over the cucumbers and onion. Add about 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh dill. Oh my gosh, that dill just makes it a proper Dill cucumber onion salad ! Toss gently. Cover and pop it in the fridge for at least 1 hour , ideally 2- 3 hours . This chilling time is where the magic happens and flavours truly meld for that perfect Marinated cucumber and onion salad .
Top Tips for a Cracking Sweet and Sour Cucumber Salad
Right, here are my secret weapons. firstly, never skip the salting and draining. honestly, it's the difference between a sad, soggy salad and a crisp, refreshing cucumber salad .
Secondly, slice those veggies as thinly as you possibly can. it makes a huge difference to the texture. lastly, make ahead! this salad tastes even better the next day, so it’s perfect for picnics or when you need an easy side.
Just don't let it sit out too long, as it likes to stay chilled. enjoy, you lovely lot!
Alright, my lovely lot! so, you’ve just whipped up a batch of that glorious cucumber and onion salad , haven't you? honestly, it’s one of those side salad recipes that just screams summer, doesn't it? it’s not just an easy cucumber salad recipe ; it's a bit of a lifesaver when you need something bright and zingy.
I mean, who knew cucumbers and onions could be such a dream team? let's chat about getting the most out of your new favourite refreshing cucumber salad .
Getting the Most from Your Marvellous Salad
Serving It Up!
Plating up this vinegar cucumber salad is a doddle. i often spoon it into a pretty glass bowl. it really shows off those lovely colours! sometimes, i pop a sprig of fresh dill on top.
Or maybe a few thin rounds of red radish for an extra pop. it just looks so inviting, especially for a summer side salad .
This salad, for me, is the ultimate mate for anything hot off the grill. think sausages, burgers, or even a nice bit of grilled halloumi.
It’s also just perfect with a classic fish and chips. seriously, it cuts through the richness like a dream.
Keeping it Fresh
Now, for storage, this marinated cucumber and onion salad is a proper trooper. once it's all made, just pop it into an airtight container.
Keep it in the fridge. it’ll stay super fresh for up to 3-4 days . honestly, sometimes it tastes even better the next day, after all those flavours have really had a good natter together.
Freezing? nah, i wouldn't bother. cucumbers go all mushy when frozen and thawed. trust me on this, i learned that the hard way once! just scoop out what you need.
No reheating needed, it's a cold salad, remember?
Playing with Flavours (Variations!)
This isn't just an onion salad ; it’s a blank canvas! if you fancy a change, try swapping out the white wine vinegar for apple cider vinegar.
Or, for a slightly different take on the sweet and sour cucumber salad , you could add a tiny dash of maple syrup instead of sugar.
For a creamy twist, whisk in a tablespoon of greek yogurt to the dressing. it makes it wonderfully rich. if you’re not a dill fan, (gasp!), a bit of fresh mint or parsley works too.
You can totally make this dill cucumber onion salad your own!
A Little Bit About Goodness
Honestly, this cucumber and onion salad is pretty darn good for you. cucumbers are mostly water, so they're super hydrating.
And onions? they're packed with good stuff. this salad is really light on calories. it’s great for a balanced meal.
It helps you feel full without being heavy. plus, all those fresh ingredients? brilliant! it’s a win-win.
So there you have it! Don’t be shy about experimenting. This refreshing cucumber salad is just waiting for your personal touch. Happy munching!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why on earth do I need to salt the cucumbers for this cucumber and onion salad recipe?
Ah, the magic of salting, guv'nor! It's not just for seasoning. This clever little trick draws out excess water from the cucumbers, which stops your cucumber and onion salad from turning into a watery puddle after a short while. It also helps them stay wonderfully crisp, ensuring every bite has that delightful crunch we're after, rather than going all soggy like a forgotten digestive biscuit.
My red onion always tastes a bit too 'punchy' – any tips for a milder flavour in this salad?
Absolutely! Red onions can be a bit zealous sometimes. To tame their fire, try soaking the thinly sliced onion in a bowl of ice water for about 10-15 minutes before adding them to the salad. This mellows their strong flavour beautifully without losing their essential crunch. Alternatively, choosing a sweeter onion variety, like a Vidalia, can also do the trick.
How long can I keep this zesty cucumber and onion salad in the fridge, and can I make it ahead for a picnic?
This smashing salad is best enjoyed within 2-3 days when stored in an airtight container in the fridge. Making it ahead is definitely a winner, especially for picnics or Sunday lunches! Ideally, prepare it 2-3 hours before serving to let the flavours properly mingle and chill, but certainly no more than 24 hours in advance to keep the cucumbers at their crispest.
I fancy a change! Are there any easy tweaks or variations to this classic cucumber and onion salad recipe?
You're in luck, old bean! This recipe is wonderfully versatile. For a creamy take, whisk in a dollop or two of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt into the dressing, transforming it into a lovely, richer side. You could also experiment with other fresh herbs like mint or parsley alongside the dill, or even toss in some thinly sliced radishes for an extra peppery bite and splash of colour.
Is this Cucumber and Onion Salad a healthy option, and what should I keep in mind nutritionally?
Right, health-wise, this cucumber and onion salad is a cracking choice! It's naturally low in calories and fat, making it a brilliant, hydrating side dish, especially on a warmer day. Do keep an eye on the sugar content in the dressing if you're watching your intake, but otherwise, it's packed with hydrating veggies and a good source of fibre.
