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Easy Homemade Crispy Cucumber Vinegar Salad Recipe

cucumber vinegar salad - featured image

A quick and easy cucumber salad with a tangy, savory dressing that stays perfectly crispy for days. Perfect for summer barbecues, potlucks, or a light side dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large English cucumbers (or 4 Persian cucumbers)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 cup rice vinegar (unseasoned preferred)
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons thinly sliced red onion (optional)

Instructions

  1. Slice the cucumbers into thin rounds, about 1/8-inch thick.
  2. Place sliced cucumbers in a large bowl, sprinkle with salt, and toss to coat. Let sit for 10 minutes.
  3. Transfer cucumbers to a colander, rinse briefly under cold water, and shake well to remove excess water. Gently press with a clean towel to dry.
  4. In a small bowl or jar, combine rice vinegar, sugar, sesame oil, and minced garlic. Whisk or shake until sugar dissolves.
  5. Return dried cucumbers to the bowl, pour dressing over them, and toss to coat. Add red onion or red pepper flakes if using.
  6. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (1 hour is ideal).
  7. Just before serving, sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and toss again. Serve cold or at room temperature.

Notes

Don’t skip salting and rinsing the cucumbers—it’s the key to keeping them crispy. For best flavor, let the salad chill for at least an hour before serving. If using regular cucumbers, peel and seed them first.

Nutrition

Keywords: cucumber salad, vinegar salad, crispy cucumber, easy side dish, summer salad, quick recipe, healthy salad, gluten-free, dairy-free