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Fresh cucumber salad with dill and a tangy vinaigrette dressing.

Crisp Cucumber Salad Recipe: Quick-Pickled Onion Twist!

This refreshing cucumber salad features a unique quick-pickled red onion twist, mellowing the onion's sharpness and adding a tangy-sweet complexity. Easy to prepare and perfect as a vibrant side dish, it elevates a classic recipe for a more balanced flavor.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Side Dish
Calories: 80
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 2 Tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp granulated sugar (for dressing)
  • ½ tsp dried dill
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 large cucumber
  • ¼ red onion
  • ¼ cup white vinegar (for quick-pickling onion)
  • ¼ tsp granulated sugar (for quick-pickling onion)

Equipment

  • Medium bowl
  • Sharp knife
  • Mandoline (optional)
  • Small bowl
  • Large bowl

Method
 

Prepare the Creamy Dressing
  1. In a medium bowl, combine the ½ cup of sour cream, 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice, 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar, ½ teaspoon of dried dill, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Whisk these ingredients together until they are well combined and smooth, forming a creamy, fragrant dressing. Set this aside to allow the flavors to meld.
Slice the Vegetables
  1. First, decide if you'd like to peel your large cucumber; slice the cucumber into thin, uniform rounds using a sharp knife or a mandoline.
  2. Take your ¼ red onion and slice it as thinly as possible. Place the slices in a small bowl and pour over about ¼ cup of white vinegar (or apple cider vinegar) and a pinch (about ¼ teaspoon) of granulated sugar. Let it sit for just 10-15 minutes, then drain thoroughly before adding to your salad.
Combine and Serve
  1. In a large bowl, gently combine the sliced cucumber and the drained, quick-pickled red onion with the prepared creamy dressing. Stir everything until the vegetables are evenly coated in the dressing.
  2. Let the salad sit for just 5-10 minutes. This short rest allows the flavors to truly come together. Give it another gentle stir, then it’s ready to serve!

Notes

For the best crispness, enjoy this salad fresh within a few hours. It can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days, draining any excess liquid before serving. Not suitable for freezing. Remember to adjust seasonings to your taste before serving for perfect flavor balance.
Nutrition information is estimated based on common ingredients and serving sizes and may vary.