Ugh, summer days can be SO brutal, right? The kind of hot where you just want to wilt into your chair. That’s exactly why I am obsessed with this Refreshing Cucumber Vinegar Salad Recipe For Summer Bliss. Seriously, it’s like a magic trick for beating the heat. It’s ridiculously easy, comes together faster than you can say “iced tea,” and it’s just… zingy! I remember one sweltering afternoon last year, I’d forgotten to plan for a side dish and felt totally overwhelmed. Then I remembered my grandma’s simple cucumber salad. A few minutes later, a bowl of pure, cool perfection was ready. It totally saved the day and my sanity!

Why You’ll Love This Refreshing Cucumber Vinegar Salad Recipe

This salad is seriously a lifesaver in the summer. Here’s why:

It’s crazy fast: You can have this ready in under 10 minutes, seriously!
Minimal ingredients: We’re talking stuff you probably already have hanging around.
Super versatile: It’s the perfect side for *everything* summer – think grilled chicken, burgers, or even just a nice sandwich.
Pure refreshment: It’s so cool and zesty, it’s like a little vacation for your taste buds on a hot day.

Ingredients for Your Refreshing Cucumber Vinegar Salad

Okay, so gathering your ingredients for this super refreshing cucumber vinegar salad is honestly the easiest part. You probably have most of it in your pantry or fridge right now! Here’s what you’ll need:

1 big cucumber, sliced up nice and thin.
Half a red onion, also sliced super thin. It adds just the right bite!
A quarter cup of white vinegar – this is where that lovely tang comes from.
2 tablespoons of good old olive oil.
Just 1 teaspoon of sugar to balance everything out.
Half a teaspoon of salt, or to your taste.
A little pinch of black pepper, ’cause every salad needs it!
And, if you’re feeling fancy, some fresh dill, chopped up. Trust me, it’s a game-changer!

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Your Cucumber Vinegar Salad

Honestly, putting this salad together is so easy, you’ll be wondering why you ever bought those sad, pre-made versions. It’s really just a few quick steps, and then you let time do the magic. Don’t worry, no complicated cooking here – just pure, simple deliciousness! It’s almost as quick to whip up as my super crunch salad!

Preparing the Vegetables

First things first, let’s get those veggies ready. Grab your cucumber and that red onion. You really want to slice them super thin – I mean, almost paper-thin. This makes sure every bite is perfectly coated with that yummy dressing and gives you the best texture. Trust me, thin is the way to go here!

Crafting the Tangy Vinegar Dressing

Now for the flavor bomb! Grab a little bowl and whisk together the white vinegar, olive oil, sugar, salt, and pepper. Give it a good swirl until it’s all combined. This simple dressing is what gives the salad its signature zing. It’s got that perfect sweet-and-tangy balance that just wakes everything up. It’s so simple, but so good. If you’re feeling bold, you could even add a tiny pinch of red pepper flakes here. Looking for other great dressing ideas? Check out my chimichurri recipe – so fresh!

Combining and Chilling Your Cucumber Vinegar Salad

Alright, time to bring it all together. Pour that amazing dressing right over your cucumber and onion slices in the main bowl. Toss *gently* – you don’t want to mush up those delicate slices! Once everything looks coated, stir in that fresh dill if you’re using it. Now, here’s the sneaky part: let it chill in the fridge for at least 15 minutes. This is crucial! It gives all those flavors time to get to know each other and really meld. Give it a quick taste before you chill it, just to make sure the salt and pepper are spot on for you.

Tips for the Perfect Refreshing Cucumber Vinegar Salad

Making this salad is pretty foolproof, but there are a few little tricks I’ve picked up that really make it sing. First off, the cucumber! You absolutely want fresh, firm cucumbers. Give them a little squeeze – they shouldn’t feel soft or mushy. And don’t peel them unless they have a really thick, waxy skin; that peel has got great nutrients and adds nice color. For the vinegar, white vinegar is classic, but feel free to play around! Red wine vinegar or even apple cider vinegar can give it a slightly different, delicious twist. And remember that thin slicing we talked about? That’s your secret weapon for perfect texture every single time. It’s the little things, you know? It reminds me a bit of getting my potato salad just right – all about the simple things done well!

Ingredient Variations and Substitutions

You know, the beauty of this refreshing cucumber vinegar salad is how easy it is to switch things up! Don’t have white vinegar? No worries! Red wine vinegar works like a charm, or even apple cider vinegar adds a lovely depth. If you’re not a dill fan, try some fresh parsley or even a little mint for a different kind of cool. And if you want to bulk it up, a few thin slices of bell pepper or even some radishes can add a nice crunch and color. It’s all about making it *your* perfect summer side!

Serving Suggestions for Your Summer Salad

This refreshing cucumber vinegar salad is seriously the *ultimate* sidekick for all your summer eats! I just love it alongside some juicy garlic herb grilled shrimp – the cool cucumber cuts through the richness perfectly. It’s also amazing with any kind of barbecue staple, like burgers or pulled pork. And if you’re having a lighter meal, say a grilled chicken breast or even a simple sandwich, this salad just brightens it all up. I even think it goes surprisingly well with something like sweet and sour chicken! It’s that pop of freshness you didn’t know you needed!

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

This cucumber vinegar salad is actually fantastic made ahead of time! Seriously, you can whip it up a few hours before your meal, or even the night before. Just keep it in an airtight container in the fridge. Now, to keep it super crisp, I always try to add the dressing right before I’m ready to serve it, or at least only a few hours out. This helps keep those cucumbers from getting too watery. If it looks a little sad after sitting in the fridge, just give it a good stir – it usually perks right up!

Frequently Asked Questions About Refreshing Cucumber Vinegar Salad

Got questions about this super simple, super refreshing cucumber salad? I’ve got answers!

Can I use a different type of vinegar?

Absolutely! While white vinegar is my go-to for that classic clean tang, feel free to swap it out. Red wine vinegar adds a beautiful subtle fruity note, and apple cider vinegar gives it a slightly sweeter, more complex flavor. Just use the same amount!

How long does this salad last?

This salad is definitely best when it’s fresh, but it holds up surprisingly well! I like to eat it within 2-3 days. Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge. If it gets a little watery after a day or two, just give it a really good stir; it usually comes back to life!

Can I add other vegetables to this cucumber vinegar salad?

Oh, definitely! This recipe is so forgiving. Thinly sliced bell peppers (any color!), some sliced radishes for a bit of peppery crunch, or even some sweet corn kernels can be lovely additions. Just chop them up small so they mingle nicely with the cucumbers and onions.

My cucumbers seem watery. What did I do wrong?

Sometimes cucumbers can release a lot of water, especially if they’re very ripe. If you notice this happening, a little trick is to lightly salt the sliced cucumbers in a colander for about 15-20 minutes before you rinse them really well and pat them dry. This draws out some of that excess moisture and keeps your salad nice and crisp!

Estimated Nutritional Information

Just a quick note, the nutritional info can bounce around a bit depending on exactly what you use, but generally, this refreshing cucumber vinegar salad is pretty light! For one serving, you’re looking at roughly 75 calories, with about 5 grams of fat, 1 gram of protein, and 5 grams of carbs. It’s a great way to add some flavor without adding a lot of guilt, perfect for those hot summer days when you want something delicious and guilt-free!

Refreshing Cucumber Vinegar Salad

Author: jekof.com
Total Time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A simple and refreshing cucumber salad with a tangy vinegar dressing, perfect for summer meals.

Ingredients

Scale

1 large cucumber, thinly sliced
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
1/4 cup white vinegar
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Fresh dill, chopped (optional)

Instructions

In a medium bowl, combine the sliced cucumber and red onion.
In a small bowl, whisk together the white vinegar, olive oil, sugar, salt, and pepper.
Pour the dressing over the cucumber and onion mixture.
Toss gently to coat.
If using, stir in fresh dill.
Chill for at least 15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Notes

For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing.
You can substitute red wine vinegar for white vinegar for a different flavor profile.
This salad is best served cold.

Prep Time: 10 min
Cook Time: 0 min
Category: Side Dish
Method: No Cook
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
Calories: 75
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 300mg
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 5g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: cucumber salad, vinegar salad, summer salad, refreshing salad, easy salad, side dish