Xanthan Gum Free Classic Cucumber Salad
Crisp, tangy, and loaded with fresh dill, this cucumber salad is the kind of side dish that disappears fast at any table. The dressing comes together with just white wine vinegar, olive oil, sugar, and black pepper — no thickeners, no stabilizers, nothing that doesn't belong. That makes it a natural fit for anyone avoiding xanthan gum, since every single ingredient here is clean and straightforward by nature. The salting step is a small but smart move: drawing out excess moisture from the cucumbers first means the dressing actually clings instead of pooling at the bottom of the bowl. Thin-sliced red onion and a generous handful of fresh dill round out the flavor with a little sharpness and herby brightness. After a quick chill in the fridge, the cucumbers take on a lightly pickled quality that makes the whole thing taste like it came from a deli counter — in the best possible way.
About FigFig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
Learn more →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.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!