Cucumber Salad Recipe 🥒: A Refreshing, Crisp Side Dish Perfect for Any Occasion

If you’re looking for a light, refreshing side dish that’s both easy to make and packed with flavor, this Cucumber Salad is here to quench your thirst for something cool and crisp. With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll create a salad that’s perfect for summer picnics, BBQs, potlucks, or even as a quick lunch accompaniment. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe!

 

Why You’ll Love This Cucumber Salad

Before we get started, here’s why this cucumber salad deserves a spot in your kitchen:

Quick & Easy: Ready in under 15 minutes with minimal prep work—perfect for busy days or last-minute gatherings.
Light & Refreshing: The combination of cucumbers, vinegar, and herbs creates a zesty, hydrating dish that pairs well with almost anything.
Customizable: Add extra veggies, swap dressings, or adjust spice levels to suit your preferences.
Kid-Friendly: Both kids and adults will adore its fresh, crunchy texture and mild flavor.
Perfect for Any Season: While it shines during warm weather, this salad works year-round as a bright contrast to hearty meals.

 

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Salad:

2 medium cucumbers, thinly sliced (peeled if desired)
1 small red onion, thinly sliced (optional, for color and crunch)
1/4 cup chopped fresh dill (or substitute parsley or mint for variety)

For the Dressing:

1/4 cup apple cider vinegar (or white wine vinegar for a milder tang)
2 tablespoons olive oil (or substitute with mayo for a creamier version)
1 teaspoon sugar (adjust based on sweetness preference)
Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Add-Ins:

1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese or goat cheese
1/4 cup chopped walnuts or toasted sunflower seeds
Sliced cherry tomatoes or bell peppers for added color

 

How to Make Cucumber Salad

Prepare the Cucumbers:

Wash and slice the cucumbers thinly. If preferred, you can peel them beforehand.
Slice the Onions:

If using, thinly slice the red onion. This adds a nice crunch and sharpness to the salad.
In a Large Bowl:

Combine the cucumbers, red onion (if using), and fresh dill. Toss gently to mix.
Make the Dressing:

In a small bowl, whisk together the apple cider vinegar, olive oil, sugar, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Combine:

Pour the dressing over the cucumber mixture. Toss until everything is evenly coated.
Add Optional Ingredients:

If you’re using any of the optional add-ins, fold them into the salad now.
Chill & Serve:

Let the salad sit for about 10-15 minutes in the refrigerator before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Enjoy:

Serve chilled as a refreshing side dish. Enjoy your delightful, crisp cucumber salad!

 

Tips:

Feel free to adjust the dressing ingredients to suit your taste preferences.
This salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Just be aware that cucumbers can become watery, so give it a quick toss before serving.
Experiment with different herbs or vinegar types to create unique flavor profiles!

 

This cucumber salad is sure to be a hit at your next gathering or meal! Feel free to customize as you see fit and enjoy the fresh flavors! 🌿🥗