There’s nothing quite like the refreshing crunch of a cucumber on a hot day. This Cucumber Salad takes that crispness to the next level with a tangy dressing and a sprinkle of fresh herbs. It’s the perfect side dish for any meal, and it comes together in just minutes.

Cucumber Salad is a classic for a reason. It’s light, refreshing, and incredibly versatile. Whether you’re serving it alongside a hearty main dish or enjoying it as a light lunch, this salad never disappoints. The combination of cool cucumbers, tangy vinegar, and a hint of sweetness makes it a crowd-pleaser every time.

Why You’ll Love This Cucumber Salad

This salad is a winner for so many reasons. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and incredibly refreshing. The crisp cucumbers and tangy dressing make it a perfect side dish for any meal. Plus, it’s a great way to use up those garden-fresh cucumbers!

Healthy and Light

Cucumber Salad is a fantastic option if you’re looking for a healthy and light side dish. Cucumbers are low in calories and high in water content, making them a great choice for staying hydrated. The tangy dressing adds a burst of flavor without adding too many calories.

Versatile

One of the best things about this salad is its versatility. You can serve it with just about anything. It pairs well with grilled meats, fish, or even a simple sandwich. It’s also a great dish to bring to picnics, barbecues, or potlucks.

Easy to Customize

Feel free to customize this salad to your liking. You can add other veggies like bell peppers, radishes, or even some sliced avocado for extra creaminess. The possibilities are endless!

How to Make It

Making this Cucumber Salad is a breeze. Start by thinly slicing your cucumbers and red onion. In a bowl, mix together vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper to make the dressing. Toss the cucumbers and onions in the dressing, and let it marinate for a bit to let the flavors meld together. Sprinkle with fresh dill or parsley before serving.

Step-by-Step Guide

Prep the Veggies: Start by thinly slicing your cucumbers and red onion. You can use a mandoline or a sharp knife to get even slices. This helps the flavors meld together better.
Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper until the sugar and salt are dissolved. This tangy dressing is what gives the salad its signature flavor.
Combine: In a large bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers and red onion. Pour the dressing over the veggies and toss gently to combine. Make sure all the cucumbers and onions are well coated.
Marinate: Let the salad marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to really soak in and makes the salad even more delicious.
Serve: Just before serving, sprinkle with fresh dill or parsley and give it a quick toss. This adds a bright, fresh flavor to the salad.

Make Ahead Method

If you’re short on time, you can prep this salad ahead. Simply slice the cucumbers and onions and mix them with the dressing. Store in the fridge for up to a few hours before serving. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful it becomes. Just give it a quick toss before serving to redistribute the dressing.

Tips for Making Ahead

Slice and Store: You can slice the cucumbers and onions ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Just make sure to keep them separate from the dressing until you’re ready to serve.
Marinate: If you want to marinate the salad ahead of time, you can do so for up to a few hours. Just keep in mind that the cucumbers will release some water as they sit, so you might want to drain any excess liquid before serving.
Fresh Herbs: Add the fresh dill or parsley just before serving to keep the herbs fresh and vibrant.

Pro Tips

Thin Slices: Use a mandoline or a sharp knife to get thin, even slices of cucumber and onion. This helps the flavors meld together better.
Marinate: Let the salad marinate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to really soak in.
Fresh Herbs: Adding fresh dill or parsley just before serving gives the salad a bright, fresh flavor.

Storage Options

You can store this salad in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that the cucumbers will release some water as they sit, so you might want to drain any excess liquid before serving. If you want to meal prep, portion out the salad and dressing in separate containers for easy grab-and-go lunches.

Tools For This Recipe

Mandoline or Sharp Knife: For thinly slicing the cucumbers and onions.
Bowl: For mixing the salad and dressing.
Whisk: For blending the dressing ingredients.

FAQs!

Can I use a different type of vinegar?

Absolutely! While this recipe uses white vinegar, you can also use apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar for a slightly different flavor profile.

What can I serve with Cucumber Salad?

Cucumber Salad pairs well with grilled meats, fish, or even a simple sandwich. It’s a great side dish for picnics, barbecues, or potlucks.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can! Just keep in mind that the cucumbers will release some water as they sit, so you might want to drain any excess liquid before serving.

Variations and Substitutions

Add Some Crunch: Mix in some sliced radishes or bell peppers for extra crunch and color.
Creamy Version: Add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the dressing for a creamier salad.
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some sliced jalapeños for a bit of heat.

Conclusion

This Cucumber Salad is more than just a side dish; it’s a refreshing burst of flavor that’ll complement any meal. So, how did the recipe turn out for you? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. I’d love to hear from you!

Cucumber Salad

A cool and crisp salad made with thinly sliced cucumbers, red onion, and a tangy vinegar dressing. Perfect for a refreshing side dish.

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Prep Time 15

Total Time 15

Course Lunch, Side Dish

Cuisine American

Servings 4 people

Ingredients

2 large cucumbers thinly sliced
½ red onion thinly sliced
¼ cup white vinegar
2 tbsp granulated sugar
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
2 tbsp fresh dill or parsley chopped

Instructions

In a large bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers and red onion.
In a small bowl, whisk together the vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper until the sugar and salt are dissolved.
Pour the dressing over the cucumbers and onions. Toss gently to combine.
Let the salad marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Just before serving, sprinkle with fresh dill or parsley and give it a quick toss.