Creamy Cucumber side dish

This simple side dish gives a cool note to summer suppers and works well with salmon or lamb. I prefer the crisp crunch of an English cucumber to the waxy ones that require peeling. You may substitute sour cream for the yogurt. Any mild-flavored vinegar can be used in this warm weather recipe. Sweet onions tend to run large so a half will do.

Serves 4

• 1 organic English cucumber (about one lb-sized)
• 1/2 Vidalia onion, peeled
• 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon organic cane sugar
• 1/2 cup best quality Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
• zest of one Meyer lemon

1. Slice the cucumber and onion as thinly as possible. Place slices in a colander, sprinkle with the salt, stir and seat the colander over a bowl to catch the released liquid. Refrigerate for one hour.
2. Discard the extra liquid and now rinse the salt from the cucumber and onion. Drain well and pat the slices dry using kitchen towels.
3. Turn the cucumber and onion into a medium-sized bowl and add the sugar and vinegar, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Fold in the yogurt, dill and lemon zest. Chill for an hour, stir again (juices will have settled) and serve.