Crisp Garden Cucumber Salad Recipe: A Refreshing Summer Joy

Crisp and refreshing, this cucumber salad recipe brings a burst of summer to your table with its cool, tangy flavors.

Sliced cucumbers dance with a zesty dressing that wakes up your taste buds.

Fresh herbs add a vibrant green touch to the simple yet delightful mix.

Mediterranean influences shine through in every crunchy bite.

The light and creamy combination makes this salad perfect for picnics, barbecues, or as a quick side dish.

Chilled and ready in minutes, you’ll want to make this salad again and again.

Dive into a bowl of pure, fresh deliciousness that promises to cool and delight.

How To Make Cucumber Salad Easily

• Cucumber Preparation

Grab fresh cucumbers and slice them paper-thin using a sharp knife or mandoline. The thinner the slices, the more elegant the salad will look and feel.

• Onion Charm

Thinly slice vibrant red onions to add a zesty punch and beautiful color contrast to the cucumber base.

• Dressing Magic

Create a tangy blend by mixing vinegar with a touch of sweetness and a sprinkle of seasoning. Whisk until the ingredients dance together smoothly.

• Salad Fusion

Gently combine the cucumber and onion slices, then drizzle the dressing over the top. Softly toss everything to ensure each slice gets coated with flavor.

• Chill and Savor

Let the salad rest in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes. This allows the flavors to mingle and develop a refreshing, crisp profile. Serve cold and enjoy the vibrant, cool sensation.

Tips To Change Up Cucumber Salad

• Cucumber Crunch Mastery: Pro Tips and Delicious Twists
• Veggie Precision: Use a sharp mandoline or steady knife to create uniform, paper-thin cucumber slices that absorb dressing beautifully and provide perfect texture.
• Low-Carb Transformation: Swap sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener for a diabetic-friendly and keto-compatible version that maintains the salad's bright flavor profile.
• Mediterranean Upgrade: Introduce crumbled feta cheese and chopped kalamata olives to elevate the salad with a Greek-inspired twist, adding richness and depth to the classic recipe.
• Protein Power Boost: Mix in diced grilled chicken or chickpeas to transform this light side dish into a satisfying complete meal that's perfect for lunch or summer gatherings.
• Herb Garden Remix: Experiment with fresh herbs like mint, basil, or chives instead of dill to create unique flavor combinations that complement the cucumber's refreshing essence.

Serving Tips For Cucumber Salad

• Perfect Picnic Partner: Pack this refreshing cucumber salad in individual mason jars for a portable, easy-to-carry summer side dish that stays crisp and cool.
• Summer BBQ Sidekick: Serve alongside grilled meats like chicken, steak, or fish to add a light, tangy contrast that cuts through rich flavors and cleanses the palate.
• Fresh Herb Boost: Sprinkle extra chopped fresh dill, chives, or parsley on top just before serving to enhance the salad's bright, garden-fresh taste and add a pop of color.
• Creamy Variation Twist: Mix in a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt to transform the dressing into a more creamy, indulgent version that pairs wonderfully with heavier main courses.

How To Store Cucumber Salad

• Quick Cooling Strategy: Refrigerate the salad in a sealed container for maximum flavor development within 15-20 minutes before serving.
• Flavor Enhancement Tip: Let the cucumber salad rest in the refrigerator to allow vinegar and sugar to penetrate vegetables, creating a more intense taste profile.
• Smart Storage Solution: Keep the salad in an airtight glass container to maintain crispness and prevent absorption of other refrigerator odors for up to 2-3 days.
• Freshness Maintenance Trick: Drain excess liquid before storing to prevent soggy cucumbers and preserve the salad's delightful crunch and texture.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 75 kcal

Servings: 3

Everything In Cucumber Salad

• Cucumber: Crisp and hydrating base that adds a cool crunch to the salad, choose firm cucumbers without soft spots or blemishes.
• Red Onion: Provides a sharp, tangy bite and vibrant color, select onions with tight, papery skin and no mushy areas.

• White Vinegar: Delivers a bright, tangy backbone that helps pickle and soften the vegetables, opt for clear, high-quality vinegar.
• Sugar: Balances the vinegar's acidity and adds a subtle sweetness, use granulated sugar for smooth dissolution.

• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and helps draw out moisture from vegetables, choose fine sea salt for even distribution.
• Black Pepper: Adds a gentle warmth and subtle spiciness, freshly ground provides the most robust flavor.
• Fresh Dill (Optional): Offers a delicate, herbaceous note that complements the cucumber's freshness, select bright green, crisp sprigs.

Tools Needed For Cucumber Salad

• Mandoline: Perfect for creating those paper-thin, uniform cucumber slices quickly and easily.
• Large mixing bowl: Essential for tossing and combining all the salad ingredients smoothly.
• Small bowl: Ideal for whisking together the tangy dressing ingredients.
• Knife: Backup option for slicing cucumbers and red onions if you don't have a mandoline.
• Whisk: Helps blend the dressing ingredients until sugar dissolves completely.
• Measuring spoons: Ensures precise amounts of sugar, salt, and pepper for balanced flavor.

Crisp Cucumber Salad Recipe

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4.8 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 3 1x

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Description

Greek cucumber salad delivers refreshing Mediterranean flavors with crisp vegetables and tangy feta. Herbs and zesty dressing make this quick side dish perfect for summer gatherings.

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Ingredients

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• 2 large cucumbers (English or Persian cucumbers work best)
• ¼ red onion, thinly sliced
• ¼ cup (60 ml) white vinegar or apple cider vinegar
• 2 tbsps sugar
• 2 tbsps honey (can be used instead of sugar)
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsps fresh dill, chopped (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Using a sharp knife or mandoline, slice cucumbers into delicate, uniform rounds. Transfer the gossamer-thin slices to a spacious mixing vessel and add thinly shaved red onion, creating a vibrant and crisp foundation.
2. Dressing Creation: Whisk vinegar, sugar, salt, and freshly ground black pepper in a compact mixing bowl until sugar completely dissolves, forming a harmonious liquid blend.
3. Marination: Pour the prepared dressing over the cucumber and onion mixture, gently folding to ensure each vegetable strand is lovingly coated. Seal and refrigerate for 15-20 minutes, allowing flavors to intertwine and develop a nuanced profile.
4. Serving: Toss the salad gently before presentation. Optionally, garnish with fresh dill fronds to elevate the dish’s visual and gustatory appeal, adding a final aromatic touch that complements the tangy cucumber medley.

Notes

• Slice with Precision: Use a sharp mandoline or knife to create uniform, thin cucumber rounds for consistent texture and elegant presentation.
• Onion Softening Trick: Let sliced red onions sit in cold water for 5 minutes before adding to salad to reduce sharp bite and mellow flavor.
• Dressing Balance: Adjust vinegar and sugar ratio to match personal taste preferences, ensuring a perfect sweet-tangy combination.
• Chill for Maximum Flavor: Allow salad to marinate for at least 15 minutes, but avoid extending beyond 2 hours to prevent cucumbers from becoming too watery and losing crisp texture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3
• Calories: 75
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 0g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 0mg