MSG Free Classic Cucumber Salad

Total time45 min

Prep time15 min

Cook time0 min

4.6

(22)

Crisp, cool, and bursting with fresh flavor, this cucumber salad is the kind of side dish that disappears fast at any table. Thin-sliced English cucumbers get tossed with kosher salt to draw out excess moisture, which is the small but important step that keeps the whole thing from turning watery in the fridge. A simple dressing of white wine vinegar, olive oil, sugar, and black pepper comes together in seconds and delivers that bright, lightly pickled tang you want without relying on any packaged seasoning blends or flavor enhancers. Red onion adds a gentle bite, and a generous handful of fresh dill ties everything together with an herby, garden-fresh finish. Because every ingredient here is whole and unprocessed, you never have to second-guess what's in the bowl — no hidden additives, no store-bought shortcuts, just clean and honest flavors. It's equally at home alongside grilled proteins, tucked into a picnic spread, or eaten straight from the bowl while standing at the fridge.

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Ingredients

4 servings

2 large english cucumbers (about 2 lb total), thinly sliced
1 tsp kosher salt
½ small red onion, very thinly sliced
3 tbsp fresh dill, roughly chopped

For the dressing

3 tbsp white wine vinegar
1 tbsp granulated sugar
2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
¼ tsp black pepper

Instructions

1
Place the sliced cucumbers in a large bowl and toss with the kosher salt. Let stand for 10 minutes, then transfer to a clean kitchen towel or several layers of paper towels and pat firmly dry — the cucumbers should feel noticeably less wet.
2
In a small bowl, whisk together the white wine vinegar, sugar, olive oil, and black pepper until the sugar is fully dissolved.

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