Cucumber salad is a chilled, refreshing dish featuring fresh cucumbers, tangy dressings, and vibrant herbs. It’s a popular summer staple, perfect for barbecues, picnics, or light meals.
For a unique flavor pairing, consider serving it alongside the crispy chicken caesar salad with focaccia croutons for an elevated lunch combo.
What You’ll Need for a Cool, Crisp Veggie Bowl
You can easily customize a cucumber salad, but these are your go-to ingredients:
- Cucumbers: Use English, Persian, or garden cucumbers
- Fresh Herbs: Dill, parsley, cilantro, or mint
- Dressings:
- Vinegar-based (apple cider, rice vinegar)
- Creamy (sour cream, yogurt)
- Oil-based (olive oil with lemon juice)
- Add-ins:
- Red onions, cherry tomatoes, radishes
- Avocado, chickpeas, feta cheese
- Flavor Boosters:
- Minced garlic, lemon zest, chili flakes, sesame seeds
Basic Cucumber Salad Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 large English cucumbers, thinly sliced
- ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill
Instructions:
- Thinly slice cucumbers and red onions.
- Salt the cucumbers lightly and let sit for 10 minutes to remove excess water
- Mix vinegar, olive oil, sugar, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Rinse cucumbers, pat dry, and toss with dressing and dill.
- Chill for 20 minutes before serving.
Must-Try Cucumber Salad Variations
Spicy Cucumber Salad
- Add chili oil, garlic, and crushed red pepper
- Ideal for those who like a kick in their salad
Creamy Avocado Cucumber Salad
- Combine avocado chunks, lime juice, and cilantro
- Creamy texture without dairy
Vegan & Dairy-Free Options
- Use olive oil, lemon juice, and nut-based creams
- Still flavorful without any animal products
What to Serve with Cucumber Salad
This salad is the ultimate side dish for many meals. Consider pairing it with:
- BBQ meats like ribs or grilled chicken
- Vegetarian mains like falafel or tofu stir-fry
- Picnic classics like sandwiches, wraps, or quiches
How to Store Cucumber Salad
- Use an airtight container to maintain freshness
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days
- Avoid creamy dressings if making ahead, they separate quickly
- Keep cucumbers separate from dressing until just before serving for max crunch
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not salting cucumbers before mixing (they get soggy)
- Using too much vinegar without balancing with sweetness
- Skipping herbs, fresh herbs are essential
- Leaving salad out too long, especially creamy versions
Health Benefits of Cucumber Salad
Eating cucumber salad regularly supports hydration and wellness:
- High in water content, perfect for summer days
- Low-calorie and gut-friendly
- Rich in vitamin K and antioxidants
- Helps reduce bloating and inflammation
Pair it with a protein-packed entrée like this chicken caesar pasta salad for a balanced meal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is cucumber salad made of?
It typically includes sliced cucumbers, vinegar or cream-based dressing, herbs like dill, and optional extras like onions or feta.
How long does cucumber salad last in the fridge?
Usually up to 2 days if stored in an airtight container.
Do you peel cucumbers for salad?
English or Persian cucumbers don’t need peeling, but garden cucumbers might, depending on your texture preference.
Is cucumber salad healthy?
Yes! It’s low in calories, hydrating, and full of nutrients like vitamin K, potassium, and fiber.
Can you make it ahead of time?
Yes, but for maximum crunch, keep the cucumbers and dressing separate until serving.
Final Thoughts
Cucumber salad is more than just a side dish, it’s a celebration of simplicity, freshness, and health. Whether you’re trying an Asian-style version or sticking to a classic creamy recipe, you’ll find endless ways to customize it for every season or occasion.
So grab your cucumbers, mix up your favorite dressing, and chill out literally and figuratively with the perfect cucumber salad.
Print
Cucumber Salad: Refreshing, Easy, and Perfect for Any Season
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A creamy cucumber salad made with crisp cucumbers, red onions, and fresh dill, all tossed in a tangy sour cream dressing. Perfect as a refreshing summer side dish.
Ingredients
2 large English cucumbers, thinly sliced
½ red onion, finely chopped
¾ cup sour cream
1 tablespoon white vinegar
1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
Slice cucumbers and red onion.
Place cucumbers in a colander, sprinkle with salt, and let sit for 10 minutes. Pat dry.
In a large bowl, mix sour cream, vinegar, dill, salt, and pepper.
Add cucumbers and onions to the dressing. Toss to coat evenly.
Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
You can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream for a lighter version.
For extra crunch, add a few thin slices of radish.
Best served chilled and consumed within 24 hours.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salads
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: cucumber salad, creamy cucumber salad, summer salad, easy salad recipe, cold side dish