Looking for the ultimate summer refreshment? This Cucumber Salad is light, crunchy, and bursting with vibrant flavor-truly the very best you'll taste! Imagine crisp cucumber slices mingling with a zesty, slightly sweet dressing, tossed with fresh herbs that wake up your palate.
What makes this recipe a must-try? It's honestly one of the easiest salads you'll ever whip up, taking just minutes from start to finish. It's a go-to for last-minute gatherings, backyard barbecues, and healthy meal prep alike.
Inspired by my family's summer picnics, this salad is always a crowd favorite-simple, beautiful, and oh-so-satisfying. Serve it as a side at your next cookout or enjoy it solo as a quick, refreshing snack!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Ready in under 15 minutes, with zero cooking required
- Delivers crisp, cool flavors that are perfect for hot days
- Versatile side that pairs well with almost any main dish
- Naturally vegan, gluten-free, and low-calorie
- Easy to customize with your favorite fresh herbs
Key Ingredients for Cucumber Salad
See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.Cucumbers
Cucumbers are the star of this salad, providing a cool crunch and refreshing juiciness. For the best texture, use firm, seedless cucumbers like English or Persian varieties. They're less watery and have tender skins, so you can skip peeling if you like. If using standard cucumbers, consider peeling and scooping out excess seeds for a cleaner bite.
Red Onion
A thinly sliced red onion brings mild sharpness and vibrant color to the salad. Soak the slices briefly in ice water if you want to mellow their bite even more. Shallots or sweet onions are great alternatives for a gentler flavor.
Fresh Dill
Dill's fragrant, grassy notes are classic in cucumber salads. Use fresh dill if you can for maximum flavor, but a teaspoon of dried dill works in a pinch. Swap in fresh mint or parsley for a different herbal twist.
Vinegar
A splash of vinegar gives the salad its signature tang. Rice vinegar is mild and slightly sweet, but you can use white wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or even lemon juice if you prefer. Each option brings its own subtle difference-taste and adjust to your liking!
Sugar
Just a touch of sugar balances the acidity and enhances the cucumbers' natural sweetness. Honey or agave syrup are easy substitutes for a different flavor profile, or skip it if you prefer a more savory salad.
Instructions for Cucumber Salad
See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.Slice the Cucumbers and Onion
Grab your sharpest knife or a mandoline and slice the cucumbers into thin rounds. The thinner, the better for soaking up the dressing. Slice the red onion as thinly as possible-paper-thin slices blend best with the cucumbers and won't overpower.
Prepare the Dressing
In a large bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, olive oil, sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely. Taste and tweak: a dash more vinegar for tang, a pinch more sugar for sweetness-make it your own!
Toss Everything Together
Add the sliced cucumbers, red onion, and chopped fresh dill right into the bowl with the dressing. Toss gently with your hands or salad tongs until the vegetables are evenly coated and glistening.
Chill and Serve
If you've got the time, pop the salad in the fridge for 10-15 minutes. Chilling lets the flavors meld beautifully and makes everything extra refreshing. Give it a quick toss just before serving, and garnish with a bit more fresh dill if you like!
Recipe Variations
Give It a Kick
Spice it up by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or thinly sliced fresh jalapeño. Sriracha or a dash of hot sauce in the dressing will also give your cucumber salad a bold twist!
Creamy Cucumber Salad
For a richer spin, swap the vinaigrette for a creamy dressing by mixing in a couple of tablespoons of Greek yogurt or sour cream. Add a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.
Asian-Inspired Flavor
Replace dill with fresh cilantro and use rice vinegar, a splash of soy sauce, and toasted sesame oil instead of olive oil. Top with a sprinkle of sesame seeds for extra crunch.
Mediterranean Touch
Add crumbled feta cheese, a handful of sliced cherry tomatoes, and some Kalamata olives. This transforms your cucumber salad into a vibrant Greek-style side.
Make It Keto or Sugar-Free
Simply omit the sugar or use your favorite sugar substitute. The salad will remain tangy, crisp, and ultra-refreshing!
Serving Suggestions
Cucumber Salad pairs beautifully with grilled meats like chicken, steak, or fish, and is the ultimate side for summer barbecues and picnics. Try serving it alongside veggie burgers, falafel, or sandwiches for a light, crunchy contrast. Garnish with extra dill, cracked black pepper, or even a squeeze of lemon for a citrusy pop.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover cucumber salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The cucumbers may release extra liquid as they sit, so give the salad a gentle toss before serving. This salad is best enjoyed cold-no reheating needed. Freezing is not recommended, as the cucumbers will lose their crisp texture.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cucumber Salad (FAQ)
Q: Can I make cucumber salad ahead of time?A: Absolutely! Prepare the salad up to one day in advance, but for best texture, keep the dressing separate and toss just before serving.
Q: What type of cucumbers is best for this salad?A: English or Persian cucumbers are ideal because they're seedless and have thin, tender skins. Standard cucumbers work too; just peel and remove seeds for best results.
Q: How can I prevent my cucumber salad from getting watery?A: If you want to reduce excess liquid, sprinkle sliced cucumbers with a little salt and let them drain in a colander for 10-15 minutes before tossing in the salad.
If you're craving a dish that's as easy as it is delicious, you can't go wrong with this Cucumber Salad. I hope you give this crisp, refreshing recipe a try-don't forget to leave a comment or rating below and let me know how you enjoyed it!
Ingredients
- 2 large English cucumbers (or 4-5 Persian cucumbers), thinly sliced
- ¼ small red onion, very thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
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1Slice cucumbers and red onion as thinly as possible.
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2In a large bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, olive oil, sugar, salt, and pepper until well combined and the sugar is dissolved.
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3Add sliced cucumbers, red onion, and chopped dill to the bowl.
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4Toss everything together gently until the cucumber and onion are well coated with the dressing.
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5Chill in the fridge for 10-15 minutes for best flavor, then garnish with extra dill and serve.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
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