There's something absolutely magical about that first bite of perfectly crisp vegetables dressed in tangy, refreshing flavors that instantly cool you down on a hot day. This Cucumber Salad has become my family's go-to side dish for every summer gathering, barbecue, and potluck dinner we attend.
I've been perfecting this recipe for years, and it never fails to disappear from the table within minutes, leaving everyone asking for the secret to achieving that perfect balance of crunch and flavor.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
This incredible fresh salad recipe delivers that perfect combination of crispy texture and bright, clean flavors that make it absolutely addictive. The cool, refreshing crunch of fresh cucumbers paired with the tangy dressing creates this amazing contrast that cleanses your palate and leaves you wanting more.
What makes this Cucumber Salad truly special is how versatile and customizable it is, working beautifully as a light lunch, healthy side dish, or even as a topping for grilled proteins. Plus, it comes together in just 10 minutes with simple ingredients you probably already have, making it perfect for last-minute entertaining or when you need something healthy and satisfying quickly.
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Ingredients You'll Need
Creating this refreshing masterpiece starts with selecting the crispest, freshest cucumbers you can find alongside simple pantry staples that transform into something extraordinary. The magic happens when these basic ingredients come together in perfect harmony.
This cucumber tomato salad is super easy - full steps are in the recipe card.
Essential Ingredients
- 4 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup white vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
Optional Add-ins
Feel free to customize with cherry tomatoes for extra color and sweetness, or add crumbled feta cheese for a Mediterranean twist. Some people love adding thinly sliced bell peppers for extra crunch, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle heat that complements the cool cucumbers beautifully.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Cucumbers
Wash and dry your cucumbers thoroughly, then slice them as thinly as possible using a sharp knife or mandoline slicer. Consistent thin slices ensure even flavor distribution and the perfect crispy texture.
Slice the Onions
Cut the red onion into paper-thin slices, creating beautiful rings that will add both flavor and visual appeal to your finished asian cucumber salad.
Make the Dressing
In a large bowl, whisk together white vinegar, olive oil, sugar, salt, and black pepper until the sugar completely dissolves and the mixture is well combined and emulsified.
Combine Everything
Add the sliced cucumbers and onions to the dressing, tossing gently but thoroughly to ensure every piece is evenly coated with the tangy mixture.
How long should cucumber salad sit before serving? For the best flavor, let it marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator, but it can sit for up to 4 hours for even more developed flavors.
Add Fresh Herbs
Sprinkle the chopped fresh dill over the salad and give it one final gentle toss to distribute the herbs evenly throughout.
Chill and Serve
Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow all the flavors to meld together beautifully, then serve chilled as the perfect accompaniment to your meal.
Expert Tips for Perfect Results
Getting this creamy Cucumber Salad just right requires understanding a few key techniques that make all the difference.
Always use the freshest cucumbers possible, and if they have thick, waxy skins, consider peeling them for the best texture.
The secret to preventing watery salad is salting the cucumbers lightly and letting them drain for 15 minutes before adding the dressing.
For the most authentic korean cucumber salad flavor, make sure your dressing ingredients are perfectly balanced, and don't skip the resting time as it allows the flavors to penetrate the vegetables completely.
Follow Aliana on Pinterest →Storage Instructions
This refreshing salad keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. The flavors actually improve over time as the vegetables continue to marinate in the dressing, though the texture will soften slightly after the first day.
Serving Suggestions
This versatile salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, roasted chicken, or fish for a complete meal. I love serving it alongside barbecued ribs, grilled salmon, or even as a light lunch with some crusty bread. These cucumber salad recipes make any summer meal feel more refreshing and complete.
Variations to Try
Transform your basic recipe into exciting new flavors by creating a spicy cucumber salad with added chili flakes and sesame oil for an Asian twist. You can make a cucumber dill salad by doubling the fresh herbs, or try a greek cucumber salad version with added tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese. For a more substantial dish, add cooked chickpeas or white beans to create a protein-packed meal that's perfect for lunch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! This salad actually improves when made a few hours ahead, allowing the flavors to develop and meld together beautifully.
What type of cucumbers work best?
English cucumbers or Persian cucumbers work wonderfully, but regular garden cucumbers are perfect too if you remove the seeds and excess moisture.
How do I prevent the salad from getting watery?
Salt the sliced cucumbers lightly and let them drain in a colander for 15 minutes before adding the dressing to remove excess moisture.
Can I substitute the vinegar?
Apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar work as excellent substitutes, each adding their own unique flavor profile to the finished dish.
More Fresh Summer Salads
If you're looking for more refreshing salads that deliver the same crisp, cooling satisfaction, these recipes bring incredible flavors to your table:
Want more cooling summer fun? The japanese cucumber salad is refreshing, healthy, and always a hit.
Tried this recipe? Tag me on Pinterest @AlianaRecipes - I'd love to see your twist on it! You'll find this fantastic dish in my healthy salad recipes category, where fresh vegetables shine in every single bite.
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Cucumber Salad Recipe:
Easy Cucumber Salad
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Slice the washed cucumbers as thinly as possible to ensure the best texture.
- Cut the red onion into thin rings to provide a sharp flavor contrast.
- Whisk vinegar, oil, sugar, and spices in a large bowl until fully dissolved.
- Toss the cucumbers and onions in the dressing until they are evenly coated.
- Sprinkle with fresh dill and mix gently to distribute the herb flavor.
- Chill for at least 30 minutes to allow the tangy flavors to develop.
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