Easy Cucumber Salad with Red Wine Vinaigrette

My grandmother, bless her heart, wasn’t much of a fancy cook. But she had a knack for simple, fresh flavors that just sang of summer. I remember countless picnics with her, the checkered blanket spread beneath a sprawling oak tree, and her crisp cucumber salad was always the star. The tangy red wine vinaigrette, the cool cucumbers, the slight bite of red onion – it was pure sunshine on a plate. Even now, one bite instantly transports me back to those carefree afternoons, filled with laughter and the sweet scent of freshly cut grass.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes (plus chilling time)
• Servings: 6-8
• Dietary Type: Vegan, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

• 2 cucumbers, peeled and sliced into half circles
• 1 medium tomato, coarsely chopped
• ½ red onion, sliced
• ¼ cup red wine vinegar
• ¼ cup canola oil
• 1 tablespoon garlic salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Equipment Needed

• Large bowl or flat Tupperware container

Instructions

1. Prepare your vegetables: Begin by peeling the cucumbers. Once peeled, slice them into half circles. This shape allows the vinaigrette to cling nicely.
2. Next, coarsely chop the tomato. You don’t want the pieces too small; larger chunks provide a better texture contrast.
3. Thinly slice the red onion. Slicing it thinly is crucial – you want the flavor without it being overpowering. If you’re sensitive to raw onion, you can soak the slices in cold water for 10 minutes to mellow their bite.
4. In a large bowl or a flat Tupperware container, combine the sliced cucumbers, chopped tomato, and sliced red onion.
5. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the red wine vinegar, canola oil, garlic salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. This creates your vibrant red wine vinaigrette. Make sure the garlic salt is evenly distributed.
6. Pour the red wine vinaigrette over the vegetables in the bowl or container.
7. Mix all the ingredients thoroughly until everything is well coated with the dressing. Use a gentle hand to avoid bruising the tomatoes.
8. Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Longer chilling times (up to a few hours) are even better!
9. Before serving, give the salad another gentle mix. This will redistribute the vinaigrette, which may have settled at the bottom.
10. The leftover marinade can be used to dress another batch of salad, or even as a marinade for grilled chicken or fish!

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Customize the vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables you enjoy. Bell peppers (diced), celery (thinly sliced), or even Kalamata olives would be delicious additions.
• Mellow the onion: If the red onion is too strong for your liking, try soaking the slices in ice water for about 10-15 minutes before adding them to the salad. This helps to reduce its sharpness.
• Enhance the vinaigrette: For an extra layer of flavor, add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the vinaigrette.
• Make it ahead: This salad is perfect for making ahead of time. In fact, it tastes even better after the flavors have had a chance to meld together in the refrigerator for a few hours.
• Prevent soggy cucumbers: If you plan to make the salad significantly in advance, consider lightly salting the cucumber slices and allowing them to sit in a colander for 30 minutes. This draws out excess moisture, preventing a watery salad. Rinse the cucumbers thoroughly before adding them to the other ingredients.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This cucumber salad is best served chilled. It makes a fantastic side dish for grilled meats, fish, or vegetarian entrees. It’s also a refreshing addition to picnics and potlucks.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The salad will keep for up to 3 days, but the cucumbers may become slightly softer over time. The vinaigrette will continue to marinate the vegetables, so the flavor may intensify. While the salad is safe to eat after 3 days, the texture may not be as appealing. It is not recommended to freeze this salad, as the cucumbers will become mushy upon thawing.

Nutritional Information

Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving:

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	104 kcal	5%
Total Fat	9.2g	14%
Saturated Fat	0.7g	4%
Cholesterol	0mg	0%
Sodium	3.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate	5.6g	2%
Dietary Fiber	1g	4%
Sugars	2.6g	N/A
Protein	1g	2%

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Variations & Substitutions

• Vinegar variations: If you don’t have red wine vinegar, you can substitute it with white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar. The flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious.
• Oil variations: Canola oil can be replaced with olive oil for a richer flavor.
• Herb variations: Experiment with different herbs! Fresh dill, parsley, or mint would all be lovely additions. Just remember to use fresh herbs sparingly, as their flavors can be quite potent.
• Spicy kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the vinaigrette for a spicy twist.
• Dairy-free creamy version: While this recipe is inherently dairy-free, you can add a creamy element by whisking in a tablespoon or two of tahini or vegan mayonnaise to the vinaigrette.
• Add cheese: For non-vegan variations, feta cheese or crumbled goat cheese would be delicious additions.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use English cucumbers instead of regular cucumbers?
A: Yes, English cucumbers (also known as seedless cucumbers) work perfectly in this salad. They have a thinner skin and fewer seeds, so you don’t even need to peel them!

Q: How long will this salad last in the refrigerator?
A: This salad will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The cucumbers may become slightly softer over time, but the flavor will still be delicious.

Q: Can I freeze this cucumber salad?
A: Freezing is not recommended, as the cucumbers will become mushy and watery when thawed.

Q: Can I use dried Italian seasoning instead of fresh herbs?
A: Yes, dried Italian seasoning is a convenient option. If using fresh herbs, use about 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh herbs instead of 1 teaspoon of dried seasoning.

Q: Can I add other vegetables to this salad?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to customize the salad with your favorite vegetables, such as bell peppers, celery, or olives.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Cucumber Salad with Red Wine Vinaigrette is a testament to the fact that simple ingredients, when combined with care, can create something truly extraordinary. I urge you to try this recipe and experience the refreshing flavors for yourself. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations to make it your own. And if you do, please share your feedback – I’d love to hear how it turns out! This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, fish, or even a simple veggie burger. Enjoy!