Are you craving a light, crisp, and absolutely irresistible summer side dish that's not only delicious but also gluten-free? Look no further! This Simple Gluten-Free Cucumber Salad is about to become your new go-to recipe that will impress everyone from health-conscious friends to picky eaters. With just a few fresh ingredients and minimal preparation time, you'll create a mouthwatering dish that's both incredibly easy to make and bursting with fresh, tangy flavors.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: Gluten Free
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 large cucumbers, sliced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh dill for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Wash the cucumbers thoroughly under cool running water to remove any dirt or residue. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel.
- Slice the cucumbers into thin rounds. Aim for uniform thickness to ensure even marination and a pleasing texture. You can use a sharp knife or a mandoline for consistent slices.
- Next, take the red onion and slice it thinly. If you find the taste of raw onion too strong, you can soak the slices in cold water for a few minutes to mellow the flavor.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers and red onion. Toss them gently to mix the ingredients evenly.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the apple cider vinegar and olive oil. This will be your dressing. Adjust the proportions if you prefer a tangier or milder flavor.
- Pour the dressing over the cucumber and onion mixture. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste. Toss everything gently to ensure the cucumbers and onions are well-coated with the dressing.
- Let the salad sit for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This will also help the cucumbers soften slightly and absorb the dressing.
- Before serving, give the salad another gentle toss. Garnish with fresh dill on top for added flavor and a pop of color.
- Serve the cucumber salad immediately as a refreshing side dish or appetizer. Enjoy your simple gluten-free cucumber salad!
Tips
- Choose Fresh Cucumbers: Select firm, bright green cucumbers without any soft spots for the best texture and flavor.
- Slice Consistently: Use a mandoline or sharp knife to create uniform cucumber slices, ensuring even marination and a professional look.
- Tame Raw Onion Bite: Soak sliced red onions in cold water for a few minutes to reduce their sharp flavor if you find raw onions too intense.
- Adjust Dressing to Taste: Feel free to experiment with the vinegar-to-oil ratio to suit your personal preference for tanginess.
- Let It Marinate: Allowing the salad to sit for 5-10 minutes before serving helps the flavors meld and softens the cucumbers slightly.
- Garnish Creatively: Fresh dill is classic, but you can also try other herbs like chives or parsley for variation.
- Serve Chilled: This salad is best enjoyed cold, so refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving for maximum refreshment.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 30kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 1g
Fat: 2g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
