Cucumber Salad is summer in a bowl—crisp, cool, and positively bursting with bright flavor from dill, tangy vinegar, and sweet red onions. Every forkful is so crunchy and refreshing, you’ll want to make it all season long! Whether you’re entertaining on the patio, packing up an easy lunch, or just craving a light, veggie-packed side that sparkles with simplicity, this Cucumber Salad will quickly become your go-to recipe.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe is proof that simple, fresh ingredients can create something spectacular. Each component brings something unique to the dish, from bold color to zippy flavor or an irresistible snap.

2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced: The star of the show—choose firm, unblemished cucumbers for the best crunch and juicy texture.
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced: Adds color and a gentle bite, balancing the coolness of the cucumbers.
1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped: For a herby fragrance and classic, garden-fresh flavor that’s essential in Cucumber Salad.
1/4 cup white vinegar: Offers tang and brightness—swap for apple cider vinegar for a subtle twist.
2 tablespoons olive oil: Smoothes out the acidity and helps the dressing coat every slice.
1 tablespoon granulated sugar: Sweetens the tartness and elevates the natural flavors of the veggies.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential for drawing out moisture and enhancing flavor throughout.
1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Just a hint of heat to tie everything together without overpowering.

How to Make Cucumber Salad

Step 1: Prep the Veggies

Start by washing and drying your cucumbers thoroughly. Slice them thinly—you can use a sharp knife or a mandoline for extra precision. Do the same with the red onion, aiming for delicate, almost translucent half-moons. These thin slices absorb the dressing beautifully and keep every bite tender and pleasant.

Step 2: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, combine the white vinegar, olive oil, granulated sugar, salt, and black pepper. Whisk everything together vigorously until the sugar dissolves and the mixture looks slightly cloudy. This zesty-sweet dressing mingles all the flavors of your Cucumber Salad and gives it that signature bright punch.

Step 3: Toss It All Together

Place your cucumbers and onions in a large mixing bowl. Pour the prepared dressing right over the top, making sure to scrape in every last drop. Toss gently with large salad tongs or clean hands, coat all the veggies evenly. This step ensures every ingredient absorbs maximum flavor, so don’t rush it!

Step 4: Add the Dill

Now, sprinkle in your freshly chopped dill, reserving a little for garnish if you’d like. Fold it into the salad gently—dill bruises easily, and a soft touch helps its aroma bloom without becoming overpowering.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

To get the best flavors, don’t skip this final part! Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes. This downtime transforms the salad, melding each flavor and drawing out the cucumbers’ delicious juices. When ready to serve, give everything a quick toss and enjoy your Cucumber Salad nice and cold.

How to Serve Cucumber Salad

Garnishes

A sprinkle of extra fresh dill is always a classic, but you could also add crushed black pepper, flaky sea salt, or even a pinch of lemon zest to really make your Cucumber Salad pop. For a subtle twist, a scattering of toasted sesame seeds adds an unexpected and delightful crunch.

Side Dishes

Cucumber Salad pairs beautifully with grilled meats, burgers, or light summer pastas. It’s a gorgeous contrast to rich dishes like salmon, fried chicken, or BBQ tofu. If you’re setting a picnic or buffet, place your Cucumber Salad alongside tabbouleh, hummus, or cold noodle salads for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing combo.

Creative Ways to Present

Try arranging the cucumber slices in overlapping layers on a platter for an elegant touch, or serve the salad in individual mason jars for a fun picnic treat. It looks dreamy scooped over a bed of mixed greens, or tucked into pita pockets for a light veggie lunch. However you choose, Cucumber Salad never fails to impress with its color and crunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cucumber Salad tastes just as good the next day! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. The cucumbers will soften slightly but retain a pleasant crunch. It’s best enjoyed within 2 days for that just-right texture and bright, fresh flavor.

Freezing

Because the cucumbers are high in water and the salad is designed to be crisp and fresh, freezing isn’t recommended. Defrosting causes the veggies to turn watery and lose their signature bite, so enjoy your Cucumber Salad straight from the fridge for optimal taste and texture.

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat this dish—Cucumber Salad is at its best when served cold or well-chilled. If it’s been in the refrigerator for a while, simply give it a good stir and taste for seasoning, adding a little extra dill or vinegar if you’d like to revive the punch.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Salad

Absolutely! Apple cider vinegar works beautifully and adds an extra layer of fruity sweetness to the salad. You can also experiment with rice vinegar for a milder tang, or red wine vinegar for a more robust flavor profile.

Can I make Cucumber Salad ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, making it at least an hour in advance allows the flavors to develop and meld together. Just store it in the fridge, and give it a stir before serving to redistribute the dressing.

What kind of cucumber is best for this salad?

English cucumbers or Persian cucumbers are top picks since they’re seedless and have thin skin, meaning you don’t need to peel them. Standard garden cucumbers will also work; just peel them if the skin is thick and scoop out any large seeds for the best texture.

How do I prevent the salad from getting watery?

Salt naturally draws out moisture, so if you prefer a drier salad, you can sprinkle the cucumber slices with a little salt first, let them sit for 15 minutes, then drain excess liquid before tossing with the other ingredients.

Can I add other vegetables to this Cucumber Salad?

Definitely! Thinly sliced radishes, cherry tomatoes, or even a handful of crisp bell peppers make excellent additions for more color and crunch. Just keep the proportions balanced so cucumbers remain the main feature.

Final Thoughts

If you love dishes that offer loads of flavor with minimal fuss, Cucumber Salad is truly unbeatable. It captures everything you want from a summer recipe: quick, customizable, and loved by everyone at the table. Give it a try—your taste buds (and your friends) will thank you!

Cucumber Salad Recipe

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4.7 from 22 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This refreshing Cucumber Salad is a perfect summer side dish with thinly sliced cucumbers, red onions, and a tangy dill dressing. It’s light, flavorful, and easy to make.

Ingredients

Scale

Cucumbers:

2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced

Red Onion:

1/2 red onion, thinly sliced

Fresh Dill:

1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped

Dressing:

1/4 cup white vinegar
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

Prep the Ingredients: Place cucumbers and red onion in a large bowl.
Make the Dressing: Whisk together vinegar, olive oil, sugar, salt, and pepper.
Toss Everything: Pour dressing over cucumbers and onions, toss well.
Add Dill: Sprinkle with fresh dill, mix gently.
Chill: Refrigerate for 20 minutes before serving.
Serve: Enjoy your chilled salad!