Cucumber salad is a light, refreshing dish that brings together crisp cucumbers with a tangy, flavorful dressing. Perfect for warm-weather meals or as a side to grilled dishes, this salad offers a cool contrast to heavier fare.
Typically made with sliced cucumbers, onions, vinegar, herbs, and sometimes a touch of sugar or yogurt, it delivers a balance of crunch and zest in every bite.
Whether served chilled or freshly tossed, cucumber salad is quick to prepare, low in calories, and high in hydration, making it a healthy and delicious addition to any meal or summer gathering.
Cucumber salad is a timeless side dish enjoyed across cultures for its crisp, cool taste and hydrating qualities. Whether you’re serving it with grilled meats, spicy curries, or as a light appetizer, cucumber salad delivers flavor and refreshment with minimal effort.
This versatile dish can be sweet, tangy, creamy, or spicy depending on the dressing and add-ins you choose.
Here, we present a classic, easy-to-make version that balances crunch, acidity, and a hint of sweetness — with room for plenty of customizations.
Cucumber Salad: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe for Refreshing Taste
Description
Crisp, refreshing, and incredibly easy to prepare, cucumber salad is a light and healthy dish perfect for any season.
Made with thinly sliced cucumbers tossed in a tangy dressing of vinegar, olive oil, salt, pepper, and sometimes a hint of sugar or fresh herbs like dill or mint, this salad offers a cool, hydrating crunch with every bite.
It pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, sandwiches, or can be enjoyed on its own.
Whether served chilled at summer picnics or alongside hearty meals, cucumber salad is a versatile, low-calorie side dish that’s both satisfying and flavorful.
Ingredients
Dressing:
Optional Add-ins:
Instructions
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Start by washing and slicing the cucumbers thinly, ideally using a mandolin for even slices. If you're using regular cucumbers, you may want to peel them and scoop out the seeds to reduce bitterness and water content.
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Place the slices in a colander, sprinkle with 1 tablespoon of salt, and toss gently. Let them sit for 20–30 minutes over the sink or a bowl. This process, known as "sweating," helps draw out excess moisture, which keeps your salad from becoming watery later. After resting, rinse the cucumbers thoroughly to remove excess salt and pat them dry with a clean towel or paper towels.
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Thinly slice a small red onion and soak it in cold water for 10 minutes. This removes some of the pungency, making the onion milder and more palatable for the salad. Drain and set aside.
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In a small bowl or jar, combine the vinegar, sugar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Whisk or shake well until fully emulsified. Taste and adjust according to your preference — more vinegar for tanginess, more sugar or honey for sweetness.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the dried cucumber slices and onion. Pour the dressing over and toss gently to coat all the vegetables evenly. Let the salad sit for at least 10–15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
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Just before serving, add fresh herbs like dill or mint for brightness. If you're feeling adventurous, toss in cherry tomatoes for color, crumbled cheese for creaminess, or chili flakes for a spicy kick.
Nutrition Facts
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 70kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 5g8%
- Sodium 300mg13%
- Total Carbohydrate 10g4%
- Dietary Fiber 2g8%
- Sugars 6g
- Protein 2g4%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Cucumber salad is a light, refreshing dish that's incredibly versatile. Whether you're serving it alongside grilled meats, spicy curries, or enjoying it as a quick midday snack, it always adds a cool, crisp touch to your meal.
While it may seem simple, a few strategic tips and serving tricks can take your cucumber salad from basic to brilliant.
Here’s how to get the most flavor, texture, and presentation from this humble favorite.
1. Choosing the Right Cucumbers
For the best results, always start with the right kind of cucumbers. English cucumbers (also known as seedless or hothouse cucumbers) are ideal due to their thin skin, minimal seeds, and slightly sweet taste. Persian cucumbers are also excellent—they're small, crunchy, and perfect for salads.
Avoid waxy cucumbers unless you're planning to peel them. Large garden cucumbers may be too watery and require more prep to avoid sogginess.
2. Remove Excess Water
Cucumbers have a high water content. If you toss them directly into a salad, they can release moisture and water down your dressing over time.
Pro tip: After slicing the cucumbers, sprinkle them with salt and let them sit for 10–15 minutes. This draws out excess moisture. Then, blot them gently with a paper towel. This step helps maintain a crisp texture and keeps your dressing from becoming diluted.
3. Add Crunch and Contrast
Cucumber salad benefits greatly from added texture. Mix in thinly sliced red onions, chopped bell peppers, or even crushed peanuts or sunflower seeds for an extra bite.
For added contrast in flavor, include elements that are tangy (like vinegar or citrus), sweet (like honey or sugar), and savory (like soy sauce or feta cheese). Balancing these flavor profiles keeps each bite interesting.
4. Use Fresh Herbs Generously
Herbs elevate cucumber salad. Dill is a classic choice, especially in European-style cucumber salads with vinegar and sour cream. Mint and cilantro add brightness and pair well with Asian-inspired versions. Basil can complement Mediterranean-style cucumber salads with olives, tomatoes, and feta.
Chop herbs just before serving to preserve their fragrance and color.
5. Don’t Overdress
Light, fresh ingredients call for a delicate dressing. Keep it simple—olive oil, lemon juice or vinegar, a touch of sugar or honey, salt, and pepper usually suffice. A creamy option with sour cream or yogurt works well for heartier versions but should still be used sparingly to avoid overpowering the cucumber.
Always toss the salad just before serving to maintain the crispness of the cucumbers.
6. Serve Chilled, Not Cold
Cucumber salad tastes best when it's chilled—but not ice cold. An hour in the fridge is usually perfect. Too much refrigeration can dull the flavors, while serving it too warm may compromise the texture. Right before serving, let it sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes to bring the flavors to life.
7. Add a Twist with International Flavors
Try reinventing cucumber salad with global flavor profiles:
- Asian-style: Add rice vinegar, sesame oil, soy sauce, a dash of chili flakes, and sesame seeds.
- Greek-style: Toss with tomatoes, olives, red onions, oregano, and feta.
- Indian-style: Mix with yogurt, cumin, chopped green chili, and coriander (similar to "kheera raita").
Each variation brings new life to the same basic ingredient.
8. Presentation Tricks
Serve cucumber salad in unexpected ways for a visual boost:
- Layered jars or glasses for individual servings at parties.
- Cucumber ribbons instead of slices, using a vegetable peeler for a more elegant look.
- Plating on lettuce leaves or in halved bell peppers for a fun edible bowl.
Garnish with a sprinkle of herbs, a twist of lemon zest, or a drizzle of dressing for that final touch.
Tips for the Best Cucumber Salad
- Sweat the cucumbers: Don’t skip this step—it makes a noticeable difference in texture and prevents the salad from becoming soggy.
- Use seedless cucumbers: English cucumbers or Persian cucumbers have thin skins and fewer seeds, making them perfect for this dish.
- Customize the dressing: Adjust acidity and sweetness to suit your taste or dietary needs. You can also experiment with yogurt-based or Asian-style dressings.
- Chill before serving: Refrigerating the salad for at least 30 minutes enhances the flavor and makes it more refreshing.
Variations
- Creamy Cucumber Salad: Replace the oil-based dressing with a mix of sour cream or Greek yogurt, vinegar, and herbs for a rich, tangy twist.
- Asian-Style Cucumber Salad: Use rice vinegar, sesame oil, soy sauce, a pinch of sugar, and garlic. Top with sesame seeds and green onions.
- Spicy Cucumber Salad: Add sliced jalapeños, chili oil, or crushed red pepper for a fiery flavor profile.
- German Cucumber Salad (Gurkensalat): A popular variation made with white vinegar, sugar, dill, and often a splash of cream or sour cream.
Serving Suggestions
Cucumber salad is a brilliant pairing for grilled meats such as chicken, lamb, or kebabs. It also balances out heavy or spicy dishes like Indian curries, Korean barbecue, or Middle Eastern wraps. Serve it as a refreshing starter, a summer BBQ side dish, or as part of a mezze or picnic spread.
For a low-carb lunch, consider topping your cucumber salad with grilled shrimp or chickpeas for added protein.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that the cucumbers will continue to release moisture, so the salad is best enjoyed fresh. If you're prepping ahead, consider keeping the dressing separate and mixing it just before serving.
Conclusion
Simple, crisp, and endlessly adaptable, cucumber salad is a dish you’ll keep coming back to, especially in warm weather. It’s proof that a few quality ingredients, treated with care, can create something truly satisfying.
Cucumber salad may be simple, but with a few smart tips and tricks, it can become a show-stopping side or a standout dish in its own right. Prioritize freshness, balance the flavors, and have fun with textures and presentations to keep it vibrant and satisfying.
Whether you like it tangy, creamy, or spicy, this salad is a winner for both everyday meals and festive gatherings. Try it once, and it’ll become a staple in your kitchen.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I keep cucumber salad from becoming watery?
Cucumbers naturally release water after being sliced, which can make your salad soggy. To prevent this, slice the cucumbers and sprinkle them with a little salt.
Let them sit for about 15–20 minutes, then drain or gently squeeze out the excess moisture using a clean towel or paper towels. This step helps maintain the crunch and prevents the dressing from being diluted.
What type of cucumbers work best for cucumber salad?
English cucumbers and Persian cucumbers are ideal for cucumber salads. They have thinner skins, fewer seeds, and a crisp texture.
If you’re using regular garden cucumbers, consider peeling them and removing the seeds to avoid bitterness and excess moisture. Thinly slicing the cucumbers also helps the flavors absorb better.
Can I make cucumber salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare cucumber salad in advance, but it's best to add the dressing just before serving. If you mix everything too early, the cucumbers can release more water, making the salad soggy. If needed, keep the cucumbers and dressing separate and combine them 15–30 minutes before serving for optimal freshness and flavor.
What dressings go well with cucumber salad?
Cucumber salad pairs well with a variety of dressings, both creamy and vinegar-based.
Classic options include a simple mix of vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper, or creamy versions using yogurt, sour cream, or mayonnaise with herbs like dill and parsley.
Asian-style dressings with rice vinegar, sesame oil, and soy sauce also add a tangy, refreshing twist.
