Cucumber Salad Recipe

Ingredients Alternatives

Here are some ingredients to use in place of the ones listed above:

• Dijon mustard: Use spicy brown mustard for a similar texture. Whole-grain mustard is also a fantastic swap; it will give you extra tanginess and more texture.
• Fresh dill: Fresh parsley, fennel, and tarragon are all decent substitutes for fresh dill. 
• White wine vinegar: For a similar pleasing acidity, use apple cider or rice wine vinegar. Lime or lemon juice will also give a decent bright acidity.

More Ingredients To Try

You can punch up the simple recipe’s flavors with additional ingredients:

• Chilli flakes: Add ½ teaspoon of chilli flakes to the mustard dressing for a good kick of heat if you would love an Asian  spicy cucumber salad.
• Shallots or onions: Add these for extra crunch. Marinate them in lemon juice or vinegar to reduce their biting sharpness andenhance their sweetness.

Note: The extra ingredients are optional and not part of the original recipe.

Preparation Tools

• 2 bowls (medium and small)
• Colander
• Knife and chopping board
• Measuring spoons
• A large spoon for mixing
• Paper towels

How To Make a Cucumber Salad: Step-by-Step Guide

Preparation Steps

1. Gather all the tools and ingredients.
2. Wash, peel, slice, and de-seed the cucumbers.
3. Place the cucumber pieces in a colander, add the salt, and mix gently with your hands. Let them rest for 1 hour.
4. Chop the dill.

For the Mustard Dressing

1. Add the vinegar to a bowl.
2. Add sugar to the vinegar and stir to dissolve.
3. Add mustard to the solution and mix thoroughly.
4. Add olive oil and mix gently to maintain an emulsified dressing. 
5. Season with black pepper.

Assemble the Salad

1. Remove the cucumber slices from the colander and place on the paper towels. Pat dry.
2. Place the dry cucumber slices in a bowl. Add the dressing and dill. Mix and serve.

Quick Pro Tips

• For an aesthetic appeal, DO NOT slice the cucumbers straight across. Make ¾ inch slices at an angle. The resulting shapes are strangely good-looking.
• Be careful not to add too much salt to the cucumber slices. We only want to draw excess moisture from the cucumber while maintaining a crunch with a giving resistance. If you add too much salt, you will be forced to rinse the cucumber, which will detract from the process.

Storage 

• Refrigeration: Store the leftover cucumber salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Do Not freeze the salad. It loses its crunchiness when it thaws.

Final Thoughts

My simple cucumber salad recipe yields a textural bowl full of flavor. The mustard dressing is perfectly subliminal, neither sweet nor tangy, and the dill adds a fresh herbaceous flavor. It goes well with meats and fish and is also a fine dish eaten by itself. The ingredients are simple pantry basics that you can put together in less than 20 minutes. 

Try the fresh, creamy cucumber salad and share the results in the comments below or on my socials. 

Other Recipes To Try

Here are delicious recipes to serve with the easy cucumber salad:

• Grilled Wagyu Tomahawk Steak
• Charcoal Grilled Steak

FAQs

Why soak cucumbers in salt water before making cucumber salad?

Soaking in salt water or sprinkling salt over the cucumber slices draws out moisture from the cucumber so that it releases less water into other ingredients you add to the salad.

Can I use pickled cucumbers to make cucumber salad?

Yes, you can substitute fresh cucumbers with pickled cucumber if you want to skip the salting process. Pickled cucumbers are especially good for smashed cucumber salad.

Is a cucumber vinegar salad good for weight loss?

Cucumber salad is a superfood with few calories. It is a fantastic option to add to a healthy calorie-restricted diet for weight loss.