Refreshing Cucumber Salad
This Refreshing Cucumber Salad is crisp, cool, and bursting with fresh flavor. Made with crunchy cucumbers, thinly sliced onions, and a tangy homemade dressing, this easy salad is the perfect side dish for barbecues, picnics, potlucks, and weeknight dinners. Light, healthy, and incredibly refreshing, it’s a classic recipe that never goes out of style.
Whether served alongside grilled chicken, burgers, fish, or sandwiches, this cucumber salad adds a bright and refreshing touch to any meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to make
- Light and refreshing
- Perfect for summer gatherings
- Healthy and low-calorie
- Budget-friendly ingredients
- Make-ahead friendly
- Naturally gluten-free
- Pairs with almost any main dish
Prep Time, Chill Time & Yield
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 3 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
- ½ medium red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
For the Dressing
- ¼ cup (60ml) apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Optional Add-Ins
- Cherry tomatoes, halved
- Crumbled feta cheese
- Avocado slices
- Thinly sliced radishes
- Red pepper flakes
Equipment Needed
- Large mixing bowl
- Sharp knife or mandoline
- Small whisk
- Measuring spoons
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Wash and dry the cucumbers.
Thinly slice the cucumbers and red onion.
Place them in a large mixing bowl.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together:
- Apple cider vinegar
- Olive oil
- Honey
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Garlic powder
Whisk until well combined.
Step 3: Combine
Pour the dressing over the cucumbers and onions.
Add:
- Fresh dill
- Fresh parsley
Toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
Step 4: Chill
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
This allows the flavors to blend and the cucumbers to absorb the dressing.
Step 5: Serve
Give the salad a quick toss before serving.
Serve chilled.
Tips for the Best Cucumber Salad
Use English Cucumbers
English cucumbers have thinner skins and fewer seeds, making them ideal for salads.
Slice Thinly
Thin slices absorb the dressing better and create the perfect texture.
Chill Before Serving
The flavor improves significantly after chilling.
Salt the Cucumbers
For extra crispness, lightly salt cucumber slices and let them sit for 15 minutes before assembling. Drain excess liquid.
Use Fresh Herbs
Fresh dill adds classic cucumber salad flavor.
Variations
Creamy Cucumber Salad
Add:
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt
to the dressing.
Mediterranean Cucumber Salad
Add:
- Feta cheese
- Tomatoes
- Kalamata olives
Asian Cucumber Salad
Replace the dressing with:
- Rice vinegar
- Sesame oil
- Soy sauce
- Sesame seeds
Spicy Cucumber Salad
Add:
- Red pepper flakes
- Sliced jalapeños
Avocado Cucumber Salad
Fold in diced avocado just before serving.
What to Serve with Cucumber Salad
This refreshing salad pairs perfectly with:
- Grilled chicken
- Burgers
- Steak
- Fish
- Barbecue ribs
- Sandwiches
- Pulled pork
- Roasted vegetables
Storage Instructions
Refrigerator
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
The cucumbers will release some liquid as they sit, which is normal.
Stir before serving.
Freezing
Not recommended, as cucumbers lose their crisp texture after thawing.
Nutritional Information
Per Serving
- Calories: 70
- Protein: 1g
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 200mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredients used.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Make This Ahead?
Yes. It’s actually better after chilling for a few hours.
What Type of Cucumbers Are Best?
English cucumbers or Persian cucumbers are ideal because they’re less watery and have fewer seeds.
Can I Use White Vinegar?
Yes, although apple cider vinegar provides a milder flavor.
How Do I Keep It Crunchy?
Salt and drain the cucumbers before assembling the salad.
Can I Add Cheese?
Absolutely. Feta cheese is a popular addition.
