Easy cucumber salad in a white bowl with thin cucumber slices, red onion, and fresh dill
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Easy Cucumber Salad: The Perfect Refreshing Summer Side

Bydmrvisionaryai@gmail.com

This easy cucumber salad recipe combines crisp, cool cucumbers with a tangy dressing for a refreshing side dish that comes together in minutes. Perfect for hot summer days, barbecues, or anytime you need a light and flavorful accompaniment to your meal. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you’ll create a salad that’s both deliciously fresh and incredibly versatile.

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Why You’ll Love This Easy Cucumber Salad

This cucumber salad has become a staple in my kitchen for so many reasons. It’s the perfect balance of simplicity and flavor that makes it ideal for both everyday meals and special occasions. Here’s why this recipe deserves a spot in your regular rotation:

  • Quick and simple: Ready in just 5 minutes with minimal prep work
  • Refreshing taste: Cool, crisp cucumbers with a perfect balance of tangy and sweet
  • Versatile: Works as a side dish, sandwich topping, or light snack
  • Make-ahead friendly: Can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator
  • Customizable: Easy to adapt with different herbs, spices, and add-ins
Cucumber salad ingredients laid out on a cutting board including fresh cucumbers, red onion, dill, and vinegar

Key Ingredients for Perfect Cucumber Salad

Close-up of thinly sliced cucumbers being prepared for easy cucumber salad

The beauty of this easy cucumber salad lies in its simplicity. With just a handful of fresh ingredients, you can create a dish that’s bursting with flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Cucumbers: English or Persian cucumbers work best as they have thinner skins and fewer seeds. Their crisp texture and mild flavor make them perfect for this salad.
  • Red onion: Adds a pop of color and sharp flavor that balances the cool cucumber. If you find raw onion too strong, soak slices in ice water for 10 minutes to mellow the flavor.
  • Vinegar: Rice vinegar, white wine vinegar, or apple cider vinegar all work beautifully. Each brings a slightly different flavor profile to the dressing.
  • Sweetener: A touch of honey or sugar balances the acidity of the vinegar and enhances the natural sweetness of the cucumbers.
  • Fresh herbs: Dill is traditional and pairs perfectly with cucumber, but fresh basil, mint, or chives are excellent alternatives.
  • Salt and pepper: Essential for bringing out the flavors and adding depth to this simple salad.

For the best results, use the freshest ingredients you can find. If you’re lucky enough to have garden-fresh cucumbers, this salad is the perfect way to showcase their crisp texture and clean flavor.

Easy Cucumber Salad Recipe

Step-by-step preparation of easy cucumber salad showing slicing and mixing

Easy Cucumber Salad

A refreshing, crisp salad that’s perfect for hot summer days or as a light side dish year-round.

Ingredients:

  • 2 English cucumbers (or 4-5 Persian cucumbers)
  • 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
  • 2-3 tablespoons rice vinegar or white wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon honey or sugar
  • 1-2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Optional: 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes for heat

Preparation Time:

  • Prep: 5 minutes
  • Chill: 20 minutes (optional)
  • Total: 5-25 minutes
  • Servings: 4-6

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the cucumbers: If using English cucumbers, you don’t need to peel them as they have thin skins. For regular cucumbers, you may want to peel them and remove the seeds. Slice the cucumbers thinly (about 1/8-inch thick) using a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer.
  2. Slice the onion: Thinly slice the red onion. If you find raw onion too strong, soak the slices in ice water for 10 minutes, then drain and pat dry.
  3. Make the dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together the vinegar, honey or sugar, salt, and pepper until well combined.
  4. Combine ingredients: Add the cucumber slices, red onion, and chopped dill to the bowl with the dressing. Toss gently to coat all the vegetables evenly.
  5. Serve or chill: You can serve the salad immediately, but for best flavor, cover and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. The longer it sits, the more pickle-like the cucumbers will become.
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Tips for the Perfect Cucumber Salad

Cucumber Selection and Preparation

The right cucumber and proper preparation make all the difference in this simple salad:

  • Choose the right cucumbers: English or Persian cucumbers are ideal as they have fewer seeds and thinner skins. If using regular garden cucumbers, peel them if the skin is thick and consider removing the seeds.
  • Slice uniformly: For even flavor distribution and the best texture, try to slice your cucumbers to a consistent thickness. A mandoline slicer makes this task quick and easy.
  • Salt technique: For a less watery salad, you can salt the cucumber slices and let them sit for 20-30 minutes in a colander. This draws out excess moisture, resulting in a crisper salad. Just be sure to rinse and pat dry before mixing with other ingredients.
Different types of cucumbers suitable for easy cucumber salad

Delicious Variations

Asian-Inspired

Asian-inspired cucumber salad with sesame seeds and rice vinegar

Add a touch of Eastern flavor with these simple additions:

  • Use rice vinegar as your base
  • Add 1/2 teaspoon of toasted sesame oil
  • Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds
  • Include thinly sliced red chili for heat
  • Garnish with chopped green onions

Mediterranean Style

Mediterranean cucumber salad with feta cheese, olives and tomatoes

Transform your salad with these Mediterranean ingredients:

  • Use white wine vinegar or lemon juice
  • Add extra virgin olive oil
  • Mix in crumbled feta cheese
  • Include halved cherry tomatoes
  • Add sliced kalamata olives
  • Garnish with fresh oregano

Creamy Version

Creamy cucumber salad with dill and sour cream dressing

For a richer, creamier take on cucumber salad:

  • Replace vinegar with sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • Add a splash of lemon juice for brightness
  • Mix in extra fresh dill
  • Include a minced garlic clove
  • Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of sugar
  • Chill thoroughly before serving

Serving Suggestions

This versatile cucumber salad pairs beautifully with a wide range of main dishes. Here are some perfect pairings to consider:

Grilled Mains

Cucumber salad served alongside grilled chicken on a summer table setting

The cool, crisp cucumber salad provides the perfect contrast to smoky grilled flavors:

  • Grilled chicken breasts or thighs
  • Barbecued ribs or pulled pork
  • Grilled salmon or shrimp skewers
  • Hamburgers and hot dogs
  • Grilled vegetable skewers

Sandwiches & Wraps

Cucumber salad being used as a sandwich topping or side

Use cucumber salad as a refreshing topping or side:

  • Falafel wraps or pitas
  • Turkey or chicken sandwiches
  • Tuna salad sandwiches
  • Veggie wraps
  • Gyros or shawarma

Hearty Mains

Cucumber salad served with a hearty main dish like roast chicken

The light, refreshing nature of cucumber salad balances rich, hearty dishes:

  • Roast chicken or turkey
  • Beef or lamb stew
  • Fried chicken
  • Meatloaf
  • Hearty pasta dishes

Looking for the Perfect Kitchen Tools?

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Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Cucumber salad being stored in glass containers in a refrigerator

While cucumber salad is best enjoyed fresh, there are several ways to prepare it ahead of time or store leftovers:

Make-Ahead Options:

  • Prepare components separately: Slice cucumbers and onions and store them in separate containers. Mix the dressing in another container. Combine everything just before serving.
  • Short-term marinating: For the best flavor and texture balance, make the salad 1-2 hours before serving and refrigerate. This allows flavors to meld while maintaining crispness.

Storage Guidelines:

  • Refrigeration: Store leftover cucumber salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The cucumbers will continue to soften and become more pickle-like over time.
  • Not freezer-friendly: Cucumber salad does not freeze well as the cucumbers will become mushy when thawed.
  • Drain before serving: If your stored salad has released excess liquid, drain it off or serve with a slotted spoon.

Pro Tip: As cucumber salad sits, it transforms! The first day it’s a crisp, fresh salad. By day two or three, it becomes more like quick pickles – still delicious but with a different texture and more intense flavor. Try using these “cucumber pickles” as a topping for sandwiches, burgers, or tacos!

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to peel cucumbers for cucumber salad?

It depends on the type of cucumber you’re using. English or Persian cucumbers have thin, tender skins that don’t need to be peeled. Regular garden cucumbers often have thicker, waxier skins that can be bitter, so peeling is recommended. If you’re unsure, take a small bite of the cucumber with the skin on – if it tastes bitter or the texture is tough, go ahead and peel it.

How can I prevent my cucumber salad from getting watery?

To prevent excess water in your cucumber salad, you can salt the cucumber slices before assembling the salad. Place sliced cucumbers in a colander, sprinkle with about 1 teaspoon of salt, and let sit for 20-30 minutes. The salt draws out moisture from the cucumbers. Rinse the salt off, pat the cucumbers dry with paper towels, and then proceed with the recipe. Another option is to use seedless cucumbers like English or Persian varieties, as the seeds contain much of the moisture.

What’s the best vinegar to use for cucumber salad?

The best vinegar depends on your taste preferences. Rice vinegar offers a mild, slightly sweet flavor that works beautifully with cucumbers. White wine vinegar provides a clean, crisp taste. Apple cider vinegar adds a fruity note. Red wine vinegar has a bolder flavor that pairs well with Mediterranean-style variations. Feel free to experiment with different vinegars to find your favorite!

Can I make cucumber salad without onions?

Absolutely! While red onions add flavor and color, the salad is still delicious without them. You can simply omit the onions or substitute with milder alternatives like sliced scallions (green onions) or chives for a subtle onion flavor. Some people also enjoy adding thinly sliced shallots, which have a milder, sweeter taste than regular onions.

Ready to Make Your Own Easy Cucumber Salad?

This easy cucumber salad recipe is the perfect way to enjoy fresh cucumbers at their peak. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish at your next barbecue, adding it to sandwiches, or simply enjoying it as a light, refreshing snack, this versatile salad is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and adaptability. Feel free to experiment with different vinegars, herbs, and add-ins to create your own signature version. And remember, while it’s delicious immediately after preparation, it develops even more flavor as it sits in the refrigerator.

We’d love to see your cucumber salad creations! Take a photo of your finished dish and share it on Pinterest with the hashtag #EasyCucumberSalad. Your refreshing creation might just inspire others to try this simple yet delicious recipe!

Final plated easy cucumber salad garnished with fresh dill in a serving bowl

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