Simple Cucumber Salad Recipe: Crisp, refreshing, and incredibly easy to make—cucumber salad is the perfect dish when you need something light, healthy, and delicious. Whether you’re preparing for a summer BBQ, a potluck, or just a quick side dish for lunch, this simple cucumber salad ticks all the boxes. It’s a no-fuss recipe with clean ingredients, bold flavors, and minimal prep time.
In this guide, I’ll take you through every step to make the perfect cucumber salad from scratch. No fancy equipment needed—just fresh ingredients, a few minutes of your time, and you’re good to go.
Why You’ll Love This Cucumber Salad
Why is this recipe such a hit? For starters, it’s super versatile. You can customize it easily based on what you have in the fridge. It’s also healthy, packed with hydration and vitamins from cucumbers and other fresh ingredients. Plus, it’s vegan, low-carb, and gluten-free—suitable for almost any diet.
And the best part? The flavor! Think crisp cucumbers coated in a tangy, herby dressing with a slight hint of sweetness. It’s simple, but it packs a punch.
Health Benefits of Cucumber
Before we jump into the ingredients, let’s talk health. Cucumbers are more than just a crunchy addition to salads—they come loaded with benefits:
- High water content: Keeps you hydrated.
- Low in calories: Great for weight management.
- Rich in antioxidants: Including flavonoids and tannins that fight inflammation.
- Supports digestion: Thanks to fiber and water.
Adding cucumber salad to your meal plan is a delicious way to boost your health without even trying.
Ideal Occasions for Serving Cucumber Salad
This cucumber salad is universally appealing, making it ideal for a variety of occasions:
- Picnics and BBQs: A cool side dish that complements grilled meats.
- Quick weekday lunches: Whip it up in 10 minutes.
- Family dinners: Goes great with almost anything.
- Potlucks: It’s a crowd-pleaser and easy to double or triple.
Keep it in your back pocket—it’s a go-to for when you need something quick, fresh, and satisfying.
Choosing the Right Cucumbers
Not all cucumbers are created equal. Here’s a quick guide to help you pick the right type:
| Type | Flavor | Best Use |
|---|---|---|
| English Cucumbers | Mild, seedless, thin skin | Best for raw salads |
| Persian Cucumbers | Crisp, sweet, minimal seeds | Great for quick pickling or salads |
| Regular Garden Type | More seeds, thicker skin | Needs peeling; okay if deseeded |
Tip: For this salad, English cucumbers or Persian cucumbers work best. They’re less bitter and require minimal prep.
List of Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you need to make a basic but delicious cucumber salad:
Fresh Vegetables
- 2 large English cucumbers or 4-5 Persian cucumbers
- ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
Dressing Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons white vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar or honey
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
Optional Add-ins
- Cherry tomatoes
- Feta cheese
- Sliced radish
- Crushed red pepper flakes
These simple ingredients create a salad that’s crisp, tangy, slightly sweet, and totally addictive.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
Keep it simple—here’s the short list of tools:
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or fork (for dressing)
- Mandoline (optional, for even slicing)
- Measuring spoons
If you have these basics, you’re all set.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Simple Cucumber Salad
Time to bring it all together. Here’s your step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Wash and Slice the Cucumbers
Start by thoroughly washing your cucumbers under cool water. If you’re using regular cucumbers with thicker skin, peel them first. Then slice them into thin rounds—about ⅛ inch thick is perfect. You can use a mandoline slicer if you want even, paper-thin slices.
Tip: Thinner slices absorb the dressing better and have that “restaurant quality” texture.
Step 2: Prepare Other Vegetables
Thinly slice your red onion and chop the fresh dill. Want to mellow out the onion flavor? Soak the sliced onions in cold water for 5-10 minutes and then drain them. It softens their bite without losing the flavor.
You can also prep any extras here—like halving cherry tomatoes or slicing radishes.
Step 3: Mix the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together:
- Vinegar
- Olive oil
- Sugar (or honey)
- Salt
- Pepper
- Optional lemon juice
Whisk until well combined and the sugar is fully dissolved. The dressing should taste bright, tangy, and lightly sweet.
Step 4: Combine Everything Together
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers, onions, and fresh dill. Pour the dressing over the vegetables and gently toss everything together until well-coated.
Don’t over-mix—just make sure the dressing reaches every slice.
Step 5: Chill Before Serving
This step is key. Cover the bowl and place it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. It helps the cucumbers absorb all those delicious flavors.
You can even make this salad a few hours ahead of time—the longer it sits, the better it gets!
Pro Tips for the Best Cucumber Salad
Want to take your cucumber salad to the next level? Here are some expert tips that will make your salad pop with flavor and texture:
- Salt the cucumbers: If you have time, sprinkle a little salt on the cucumber slices and let them sit in a colander for 20–30 minutes. This draws out excess water, which helps prevent the salad from getting soggy later. Pat dry before adding to the bowl.
- Use fresh herbs: Fresh dill is the classic choice, but you can also use parsley, mint, or basil for different flavor profiles. Don’t substitute with dried herbs—they won’t deliver the same fresh punch.
- Balance the acidity: Vinegar gives the salad its zing, but too much can overpower the delicate flavor of cucumbers. Always taste your dressing before adding it to the salad.
- Serve chilled: This salad is best when served cold. Pop it in the fridge after making it and let it chill for at least 30 minutes. It gets even better the longer it sits.
- Keep it crunchy: Add water-rich veggies like tomatoes or radishes right before serving so they stay crisp and don’t dilute the dressing.
Variations of Cucumber Salad
The beauty of cucumber salad lies in its flexibility. You can tweak the base recipe to fit your mood, cuisine, or dietary preferences. Here are a few tasty variations to try:
Creamy Cucumber Salad
Swap out the vinaigrette for a creamy dressing made with:
- ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice
- Salt, pepper, and dill to taste
It’s rich, tangy, and still refreshing—perfect for pairing with grilled meats or baked potatoes.
Asian-Inspired Cucumber Salad
Want something with a little kick? Try this Asian-style twist:
- Replace vinegar with rice vinegar
- Add 1 tsp sesame oil, 1 tsp soy sauce, and ½ tsp chili flakes
- Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped scallions
This version pairs beautifully with dishes like stir-fry, dumplings, or teriyaki chicken.
Greek-Style Cucumber Salad
Turn your cucumber salad Mediterranean with these simple changes:
- Add sliced cherry tomatoes, crumbled feta, and Kalamata olives
- Use red wine vinegar and olive oil for the dressing
- Toss in oregano for that signature Greek flavor
Serve it alongside grilled lamb, falafel, or pita bread.
Storage Tips
Made too much salad (or planning ahead)? No problem. Here’s how to store it properly:
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. After that, the cucumbers will lose their crunch and the salad can become watery.
- Drain excess liquid: Before storing, you can pour off some of the dressing or liquid to keep the salad crisp.
- Don’t freeze: Cucumber salad does not freeze well. The texture turns mushy, and the veggies lose their fresh taste.
Tip: If you want to meal prep, keep the dressing and veggies separate, then mix them just before serving.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even with a simple recipe, a few common missteps can mess up your salad. Here’s what to avoid:
- Skipping the chilling time – Without at least 30 minutes in the fridge, the flavors won’t fully come together.
- Using old or soft cucumbers – Always pick firm, fresh cucumbers for the best crunch.
- Overdressing the salad – Cucumbers release water as they sit. Too much dressing can lead to a soggy, diluted flavor.
- Not slicing evenly – Inconsistent slices = uneven flavor and texture. Use a mandoline or a steady hand.
- Serving it warm – Cucumber salad should always be cold for maximum refreshment.
Pairing Suggestions: What to Serve With Cucumber Salad
This salad is like that friend who gets along with everyone. It pairs beautifully with so many dishes. Here are some pairing ideas:
- Grilled meats: Think chicken skewers, steak, or pork chops.
- Sandwiches and wraps: Adds a cool crunch next to a warm, cheesy melt.
- Burgers: A cucumber salad cuts through the richness of a juicy burger.
- Seafood: Serve it with salmon, shrimp, or grilled white fish.
- Rice and grain bowls: Add a spoonful on top of quinoa or couscous for texture and flavor.
Whether you’re having a BBQ, a picnic, or a weeknight dinner, cucumber salad fits right in.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a rough breakdown for 1 serving (based on 4 servings total):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 60–80 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 6–8g |
| Sugar | 3–4g |
| Protein | 1–2g |
| Fat | 3–5g |
| Fiber | 1–2g |
| Sodium | 150–250mg |
Note: These values may vary depending on your exact ingredients and portion sizes.
FAQs about Simple Cucumber Salad Recipe
1. Can I make cucumber salad in advance?
Yes! It’s even better after a few hours in the fridge. Just store it in an airtight container and stir before serving.
2. How do I keep cucumber salad from getting soggy?
Salt the cucumbers and let them drain for 30 minutes before mixing. This draws out water and keeps things crisp.
3. Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Absolutely! Just skip the sugar or swap it with a keto-friendly sweetener.
4. Can I use vinegar alternatives like lemon or lime juice?
Yes, lemon or lime juice adds a fresh citrus twist. Adjust to taste.
5. What herbs can I use instead of dill?
Try parsley, mint, or basil for a different flavor profile. Fresh herbs work best.
Conclusion
This simple cucumber salad recipe proves that you don’t need a lot of ingredients or time to make something seriously delicious. It’s quick, fresh, budget-friendly, and adaptable to your taste. With its cool crunch and zesty dressing, it’s the kind of side dish you’ll keep coming back to—especially on warm days or when you need a light meal.
The next time you’re wondering what to make to go with dinner—or you just want something healthy and refreshing—this cucumber salad has your back.
