Creating this salad is as straightforward as the ingredients list suggests. Here’s how you can bring a taste of my childhood into your kitchen:

1. Start by washing your cucumbers thoroughly. Mama Lou always taught us that the key to a good salad is clean, fresh produce.
2. Slice the cucumbers and red onion as thinly as possible. For a more visually appealing dish, use a mandoline slicer if you have one. I remember the thrill of using Mama Lou’s old mandoline, feeling all grown up.
3. In a medium bowl, combine the white vinegar, water, and sugar. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved. This step always reminded me of making potions with Ouma in the kitchen, giggling as we concocted our ‘magic’ mixtures.
4. Add the sliced cucumbers and onion to the vinegar mixture. Gently toss to ensure every slice is well coated.
5. Sprinkle in the salt, pepper, and dill, and give everything another good toss.
6. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. If you’re in a hurry, a quick 10-minute chill will do, but the longer you let it sit, the better it gets.

Whenever I make this salad, I think of those moments with Mama Lou, waiting impatiently for the flavors to come together, and the joy of finally digging in.