Description
This refreshing Cucumber Salad is a quick and easy dish made with crisp cucumbers, red onion, fresh herbs, and a zesty dressing combining lemon juice, olive oil, and apple cider vinegar (natural). Perfect as a light snack or side dish, it offers a vibrant blend of plant-based flavors with a crisp, hydrating texture. Customizable with added herbs, veggies, or plant-based cheese, this salad brightens any meal with freshness and color.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 2 large crisp cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp fresh dill or mint, finely chopped
Dressing
- 3 tbsp lemon juice (natural)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 1 small garlic clove (natural), finely minced
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Pinch of natural gelling agent (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cucumbers: Wash fresh cucumbers thoroughly, peel if desired, then slice them thinly using a knife or mandoline for uniform pieces that absorb the dressing well.
- Slice the Red Onion and Herbs: Thinly slice the red onion for sharpness and color, then finely chop the fresh dill or mint to add an aromatic, garden-fresh flavor.
- Whisk the Dressing: In a small bowl, combine lemon juice (natural), olive oil, apple cider vinegar (natural), minced garlic (natural), salt, and black pepper. Whisk thoroughly until emulsified. Add a pinch of natural gelling agent if you prefer a slightly thicker dressing.
- Toss Everything Together: In a large bowl, combine cucumbers, red onion, and herbs. Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat all slices evenly. Let sit for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature for the best refreshing taste and texture.
Notes
- Use fresh, firm cucumbers for the best crunch.
- Slice cucumbers and onions thinly for optimal flavor absorption.
- Chill the salad before serving to enhance crispness and flavor blending.
- Adjust lemon juice and apple cider vinegar (natural) for your preferred level of tanginess.
- Fresh herbs like dill or mint significantly elevate the salad’s aroma and taste.
- Optional add-ins: chopped chilies for heat, toasted pumpkin or sunflower seeds for crunch, natural maple syrup (natural) for sweetness, plant-based feta (plant-based) for creaminess, or fresh veggies like radishes and cherry tomatoes for extra color.
- Keep leftovers refrigerated in an airtight container up to 2 days for best freshness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No Cook
- Cuisine: International
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: cucumber salad, fresh salad, plant-based salad, quick salad, healthy appetizer, vegan salad