Cucumber Salad Recipe

There’s just something magical about a bowl of Cucumber Salad: it’s crisp, tangy, and oh-so-refreshing, making it the dish I reach for every time summer arrives or I need a quick, healthy side. With its vibrant green color, satisfying crunch, and punchy burst of flavor from vinegar and fresh dill, this salad is always a hit at picnics and family tables alike. Whether you’re aiming for a light lunch, a zesty barbecue companion, or a palate-cleansing bite between heavier courses, this simple recipe delivers big on both taste and versatility.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Cucumber Salad proves that the simplest dishes can shine with just a handful of thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each brings something special: crispness, tang, a hint of sweetness, or a fresh herbal note—together, they balance each other beautifully for a salad everyone will love.

• 2 large cucumbers: Provide that cool, crisp bite that’s the foundation of this salad; opt for English or Persian for fewer seeds and extra crunch.
• 1/4 small red onion: Adds subtle sharpness and a lovely pop of color—slice it thin for a gentle, sweet onion presence.
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar or white vinegar: Gives the salad its bright, tangy backbone—rice vinegar is slightly milder, while white vinegar offers more zing.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: Lends a silky texture and rounds out the acidity with a hint of richness.
• 1 teaspoon sugar: Just a touch takes the edge off the vinegar and brings the flavors into harmony.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances every component and pulls moisture from the cucumbers for extra juiciness.
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a mild kick that lingers pleasantly on the palate.
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill (optional): The finishing herb for an aromatic, summery lift—try it, and you just might never go back.

How to Make Cucumber Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Dressing

Begin by grabbing a large salad bowl—this will soon be filled with all the goodness! Pour in the vinegar and olive oil first, then add the sugar, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until that little pile of sugar is completely dissolved. You’re building the tangy-sweet base that turns simple cucumbers into something crave-worthy.

Step 2: Slice and Add the Vegetables

Now for the star players! Thinly slice your cucumbers—you can use a sharp knife or a mandoline for extra-elegant, even slices. Do the same with the red onion, keeping the slices delicate so their flavor mingles gently with the rest. Toss both into the dressing, and give the salad a really good mix to ensure every slice is glistening with flavor.

Step 3: Let the Flavors Marinate

Here’s where the magic happens. Let your dressed Cucumber Salad sit for at least 15 to 20 minutes. This quick marinating time allows the cucumbers to soften slightly and soak up the dressing, while the onions mellow their bite. If you have time, letting it chill even longer makes the flavors pop even more.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Right before serving, sprinkle the chopped fresh dill on top for that unmistakable, fragrant finish. Give everything one last gentle toss, then serve either chilled or at room temperature. Enjoy the crunch, the brightness, and the pure refreshment in every bite!

How to Serve Cucumber Salad

Garnishes

There are so many ways to make your Cucumber Salad look and taste even more special! Besides the classic fresh dill, try a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or a twist of lemon zest for extra brightness. A handful of toasted sesame seeds or a little crumbled feta cheese can also add fabulous flavor, making your salad look festival-ready for any table.

Side Dishes

This vibrant salad plays beautifully alongside grilled proteins like chicken, steak, or salmon, and it’s the perfect contrast to heartier mains at summer cookouts. I especially love serving it with spicy dishes, where the coolness of the cucumbers offers a refreshing break, or as part of a larger mezze platter with hummus, olives, and pita bread.

Creative Ways to Present

Why not try something fun with your presentation? Serve the Cucumber Salad in individual mason jars for portable picnics, scoop it onto crostini as a crunchy appetizer, or layer it in a glass bowl to show off its vivid green and purple stripes. You can even tuck it into wraps or sandwiches to add crunch and a burst of flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (it happens, though not often in my house!), transfer the salad to an airtight container and keep it in the fridge. It stays crisp and tasty for up to two days, though the cucumbers may soften a bit as they marinate further—some folks actually prefer it this way!

Freezing

Freezing isn’t recommended for Cucumber Salad, as cucumbers hold a lot of water and tend to lose their signature crunch when thawed. For best taste and texture, enjoy this salad fresh or within a couple of days of making it.

Reheating

Luckily, there’s no need (or reason) to reheat Cucumber Salad at all! It shines when served chilled or at room temperature, so just give it a quick stir after taking it out of the fridge, and dig in.

FAQs

What kind of cucumbers work best for this salad?

English cucumbers or Persian cucumbers are my top picks. They have thin skins, fewer seeds, and maintain a wonderful crispness after marinating. If you use standard cucumbers, it’s a good idea to peel them and scoop out the seeds so the texture stays just right.

Can I make Cucumber Salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the salad a few hours in advance and keep it chilled in the fridge. Doing this even intensifies the flavors as everything melds together. Just wait to add any delicate garnishes until right before serving for the freshest look.

What can I use instead of dill?

If you’re not a fan of dill or simply out of it, try substituting fresh mint, parsley, or even a little basil. Each herb will lend a unique vibe to the salad—mint for cooling, parsley for grassy freshness, and basil for a sweet, peppery twist.

How can I make this recipe spicier?

Love a little heat? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes, a scattering of thinly-sliced fresh chili, or even a dash of hot sauce to your Cucumber Salad dressing. The mild crunch of cucumber pairs fantastically with a pop of spice.

Is Cucumber Salad healthy?

This salad is wonderfully light and nutritious. Packed with hydration thanks to the cucumbers, and low in calories and carbs, it fits into nearly any healthy eating plan, including vegan, gluten-free, and low-carb diets. Plus, making it yourself lets you control the sodium and sugar content.

Final Thoughts

If you haven’t tried making Cucumber Salad yet, you owe it to yourself to whip up a bowl—it comes together in minutes, brightens up any meal, and might just become your go-to side for every gathering. Share it with friends and family, or savor every crunchy, tangy bite yourself; either way, you’re in for something fresh and delicious!

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