Refreshing Cucumber Salad Recipe for Summer Gatherings

Summer’s heat calls for a refreshing cucumber salad that brings crisp, cool relief to any meal.

The light and zesty blend combines simple ingredients with remarkable flavor.

Crunchy vegetable slices dancing with bright herbs and a tangy dressing.

Each forkful promises a delightful mix of textures that wake up your taste buds.

Mediterranean kitchens have long celebrated this easy dish as a perfect side companion.

Fresh garden vegetables make this recipe shine with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.

Grab your cutting board and let’s create a salad that will have everyone asking for seconds.

How To Make Cucumber Salad

Step 1: Slice Crisp Cucumbers

Grab your sharpest knife or a mandoline slicer. Carefully slice cucumbers into super-thin, almost translucent rounds. Aim for uniform, delicate slices that will soak up all the zesty dressing flavors. Transfer the cucumber slices into a spacious mixing bowl.

Step 2: Prepare Zesty Red Onions

Peel the vibrant red onion and slice it into paper-thin rings or half-moons. The key is creating wispy, translucent onion pieces that will add a punchy kick to your salad. Scatter these onion slivers over the cucumber base.

Step 3: Whip Up Tangy Dressing

• White vinegar
• Granulated sugar
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

Whisk these ingredients with enthusiasm until the sugar completely dissolves, creating a bright and balanced dressing.

Step 4: Blend Salad Ingredients

Gently pour the tangy dressing over the cucumber and onion mixture. Use a soft folding motion to ensure every slice gets perfectly coated. The goal is an even distribution of flavors without bruising the delicate vegetables.

Step 5: Chill and Enhance Flavors

Cover the bowl and pop it into the refrigerator. Let the salad marinate for 15-20 minutes, allowing the ingredients to mingle and develop a deeper, more complex taste. When ready, give it a quick toss and serve cold.

Optional: Sprinkle fresh chopped dill on top for an extra burst of herbal freshness just before serving.

Smart Tips For Cucumber Salad

• Slice with Precision: Use a sharp mandoline or knife to create uniform, paper-thin cucumber slices for a professional-looking and evenly dressed salad.
• Soften Onion Bite: Soak sliced red onions in cold water for 5 minutes to reduce their sharp, raw flavor and make them more palatable in the salad.
• Enhance Dressing Depth: Experiment with different vinegars like apple cider or white wine vinegar to add complexity and subtle flavor variations.
• Boost Nutrition Options: Add protein by mixing in crumbled feta cheese, chopped fresh herbs, or toasted sunflower seeds for extra texture and nutritional value.
• Make Ahead Friendly: This salad tastes even better after marinating, so prepare it a few hours in advance to let the flavors develop fully in the refrigerator.

Store And Chill Cucumber Salad The Right Way

• Refrigerate: Store leftover cucumber salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, keeping the crisp texture and fresh flavor intact.
• Drain Excess Liquid: Before storing, use a slotted spoon to remove cucumbers from accumulated liquid to prevent soggy vegetables.
• Avoid Freezing: Skip freezing this salad, as cucumbers will lose their crunch and become watery when thawed, compromising the delightful texture.
• Refresh Before Serving: Gently stir the salad and add a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a small splash of vinegar to revive the flavors before enjoying the next day.

Foods That Match With Cucumber Salad

• Pair with Grilled Proteins: Complement the refreshing cucumber salad with succulent grilled chicken, juicy steak, or flaky fish. The crisp, tangy salad cuts through the richness of the meat, creating a perfect balance on your plate.
• Match with Crisp White Wine: Uncork a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to enhance the salad's bright, zesty flavors. These light wines mirror the cucumber's freshness and provide a delightful cooling effect.
• Serve Alongside Hearty Sandwiches: The salad's cool, acidic profile makes it an ideal side for robust sandwiches like pulled pork, bahn mi, or a classic club. Its lightness helps counterbalance the sandwich's dense, meaty components.
• Combine with Mediterranean Dishes: Elevate Greek or Turkish-inspired meals by placing this cucumber salad next to grilled kebabs, falafel, or lamb dishes. The salad's simplicity beautifully complements the complex spices of Mediterranean cuisine.

Try These Cucumber Salad Versions

• Spicy Mexican Mix: Add diced jalapeños, chopped cilantro, and a splash of lime juice for a zesty kick that transforms the classic cucumber salad into a vibrant, south-of-the-border style dish.
• Greek-Inspired Version: Incorporate crumbled feta cheese, kalamata olives, and dried oregano to create a Mediterranean-style cucumber salad with rich, tangy flavors that transport your taste buds to the Greek islands.
• Asian Fusion Style: Drizzle with sesame oil, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds, and add a touch of rice vinegar to give the cucumber salad an authentic east Asian profile with subtle nutty undertones.
• Creamy Herb Blend: Mix in some chopped fresh dill, mint, and a dollop of Greek yogurt to create a creamy, herbaceous version that adds complexity and richness to the original recipe.

Things People Ask About Cucumber Salad

• Why use a mandoline for slicing cucumbers?

A mandoline ensures uniform, thin slices that help the cucumber absorb the dressing quickly and create a more consistent texture in the salad.

• Can I use a different type of vinegar?

White vinegar or apple cider vinegar work great as alternatives to the standard recipe. Each will bring a slightly different tangy flavor to the salad.

• Is this salad healthy?

Absolutely! Cucumbers are low in calories, high in water content, and packed with nutrients. The simple dressing adds minimal calories while providing a delicious flavor boost.

• How long can the cucumber salad stay fresh?

The salad tastes best within 12 hours of making it. After that, the cucumbers might start to release water and become less crisp, but it’s still safe to eat for up to 2 days when refrigerated.

Why Cucumber Salad Is A Go-To Side

• Savor Quick Freshness: This cucumber salad whips up in minutes, delivering a crisp, cool side dish perfect for hot summer days or spontaneous meal prep.
• Enjoy Vibrant Flavor Fusion: The tangy vinegar dressing combined with sweet sugar and sharp onions creates a delightful taste balance that dances on your palate, making every bite exciting and refreshing.
• Celebrate Simple Elegance: With minimal ingredients and straightforward preparation, this recipe welcomes home cooks of all skill levels, transforming basic vegetables into a stunning, crowd-pleasing dish that looks and tastes gourmet without complex techniques.
• Embrace Versatile Serving Options: Adaptable for picnics, barbecues, weeknight dinners, or as a light accompaniment to grilled meats, this cucumber salad seamlessly fits multiple dining scenarios while offering a deliciously healthy component to any meal.

Cucumber Salad Ingredient Checklist

• Cucumber: Crisp and refreshing base of the salad, best when firm and bright green.
• Red Onion: Adds sharp, zesty flavor and beautiful color contrast to the salad.

• White Vinegar, Sugar: Create a classic sweet-tangy balance that enhances vegetable flavors.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings for bringing out the salad's natural taste.

• Fresh Dill: Optional herb that provides a light, aromatic finish to the cucumber salad.

Cucumber Salad Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Cool Greek cucumber salad brings Mediterranean freshness to summer tables with crisp vegetables and tangy dressing. Quick preparations and zesty flavors make this dish a perfect light side that delights you at first bite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Vegetables:

• 2 large cucumbers (English or Persian cucumbers work best)
• ¼ red onion, thinly sliced

Dressing Ingredients:

• ¼ cup (60 ml) white vinegar or apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Garnish:

• 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped (optional)

Alternative Sweetener:

• 2 tablespoons honey (can be used instead of sugar)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Slice cucumbers into delicate, uniform rounds using a sharp knife or mandoline, ensuring precision and consistency. Transfer the gossamer-thin slices to a spacious mixing vessel.
2. Introduce thinly shaved red onion to the cucumber base, creating a vibrant and crisp foundation for the salad.
3. Craft a zesty dressing by vigorously whisking vinegar, sugar, salt, and freshly ground black pepper in a compact mixing bowl. Continue stirring until the sugar completely dissolves, creating a harmonious liquid blend.
4. Cascade the prepared dressing over the cucumber and onion mixture, gently folding and rotating to ensure each vegetable strand is lovingly coated with the tangy marinade.
5. Seal the salad with a protective cover and nestle it in the refrigerator’s cool embrace for 15-20 minutes. This resting period allows the flavors to intertwine and develop a more nuanced profile.
6. When ready to serve, give the salad a final gentle toss. Optionally, sprinkle fresh dill fronds across the surface for an aromatic finishing touch, elevating the dish’s visual and gustatory appeal.

Notes

• Choose crisp, firm cucumbers for the best texture and crunch in your salad.
• Slice cucumbers paper-thin to help them absorb the dressing quickly and evenly.
• Remove cucumber seeds if you prefer a less watery salad or have sensitive digestion.
• Adapt the dressing sweetness by adjusting sugar levels to match your taste preference.
• For a low-carb version, substitute sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener.
• Let the salad marinate longer for more intense flavor development and softer vegetable texture.
• Enhance the salad’s protein content by adding crumbled feta or sliced grilled chicken.
• Keep the salad refrigerated to maintain its refreshing and crisp quality.
• Experiment with different vinegars like apple cider or rice vinegar for unique flavor profiles.
• Use a mandoline slicer for consistently thin and uniform cucumber slices.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 50
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 0g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 0mg