There’s something so refreshing about a cucumber salad, right? It’s light, crisp, and oh-so-refreshing, making it the perfect side dish for everything from a casual lunch to a summer barbecue. With a handful of ingredients and a quick mix, this salad comes together in no time. Plus, it’s the kind of dish that’s just as satisfying on its own as it is paired with your favorite mains. Trust me, once you try this, it’s going to be your go-to salad for any occasion. Get ready to crunch, enjoy, and maybe even go back for seconds!

Why You’ll Love Cucumber Salad

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:

Versatile: Perfect for a refreshing side at any meal. It’s ideal for warm weather, but also a great addition to hearty dishes during cooler months. Picture this served alongside grilled chicken or as a light bite to balance a rich dish.

Budget-Friendly: You don’t need anything fancy here. The ingredients are simple and affordable, but together they create a symphony of refreshing flavors. It’s the kind of dish that proves you don’t need to spend a lot to impress.

Quick and Easy: No complicated steps, no long cooking times. You just slice, toss, and enjoy. This is one of those dishes that even the most beginner cook can master with ease.

Customizable: If you’re craving a twist, feel free to experiment with different herbs, add some feta cheese, or even throw in a little bit of red onion for extra flavor. You can make it your own every time!

Crowd-Pleasing: Everyone loves a good cucumber salad. It’s light and fresh, so it pairs with just about everything and is sure to be a hit, no matter who’s at the table.

Ingredients

Let’s take a look at what you’ll need for this simple, yet delicious cucumber salad:

Cucumbers: The star of the show! Cool, crisp, and hydrating, cucumbers provide the perfect refreshing bite. You’ll want to peel them if you prefer, or leave the skin on for an extra crunch.

Tomatoes: Juicy, vibrant tomatoes add color and a little burst of sweetness. You can use cherry or grape tomatoes for their pop, or go for larger heirloom tomatoes for a bit more depth.

Red Onion: Thinly sliced red onions bring a slight bite and a lovely, mild sharpness to balance out the freshness of the cucumbers and tomatoes.

Fresh Dill: This herb is perfect in this salad! It adds a delicate, herbaceous flavor that ties everything together. Fresh dill is key, but dried dill can work in a pinch if that’s what you have on hand.

Olive Oil: A generous drizzle of olive oil brings everything together, adding richness and smoothness to the salad.

White Wine Vinegar: The acid from the vinegar adds a tangy contrast that elevates the freshness of the cucumbers and the sweetness of the tomatoes.

Honey: Just a touch of honey to balance out the acidity of the vinegar, giving the salad a subtle sweetness without being overpowering.

Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning. A little pinch of salt enhances all the flavors, and the black pepper adds a mild kick.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into how easy it is to whip up this vibrant, fresh cucumber salad:

Slice the Veggies: Start by slicing the cucumbers and tomatoes into bite-sized pieces. You can peel the cucumbers if you prefer, but leaving the skin on adds a lovely crunch! Thinly slice the red onion as well to make sure it blends nicely into the salad.

Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, toss the sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onions together. Make sure they’re evenly combined so every bite is packed with flavor.

Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, white wine vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper. Taste it and adjust the seasoning to your liking. Want it a little sweeter? Add more honey. Need a bit more acidity? A splash more vinegar will do the trick!

Toss the Salad: Pour the dressing over the veggies and toss everything together gently. You want the dressing to coat all the veggies without bruising them. Add the fresh dill and give it one last toss.

Serve and Enjoy: You can serve the salad right away, or let it chill in the fridge for about 15-30 minutes to let the flavors meld together. Either way, it’s going to be delicious!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 150

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes

How to Serve Cucumber Salad

This cucumber salad pairs wonderfully with a wide variety of dishes. Here are a few ideas to make your meal even more memorable:

Grilled Proteins: Serve it as a refreshing side to grilled chicken, fish, or even a juicy burger. It’s the perfect cool contrast to hot, smoky flavors.
Sandwiches: This salad makes an excellent side for sandwiches or wraps, adding a crunchy and hydrating element to your meal.
Rice Dishes: Pair with a simple rice dish like pilaf or even a hearty grain bowl for a complete meal.
BBQ: Perfect for summer barbecues, this cucumber salad is a must-have next to smoky ribs or grilled corn.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to make this cucumber salad even better:

Prep Ahead: You can slice your veggies and make the dressing ahead of time. Just store them separately and toss everything together just before serving to keep it fresh.
Make It Creamy: Add a spoonful of Greek yogurt or sour cream for a creamy twist. This will give the salad a nice richness and a little tang.
Spice It Up: If you like a little kick, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to give it a spicy edge.
Storage Tips: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The flavors will continue to meld and it’s still delicious on day two.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different vinegar?
A1: Yes, you can swap the white wine vinegar for apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar if you prefer. Each will bring a slightly different flavor, but still work beautifully in the salad.

Q2: Can I add more veggies?
A2: Definitely! Feel free to throw in some shredded carrots, bell peppers, or even radishes for extra crunch and flavor.

Q3: Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?
A3: Yes! You can prep the veggies and the dressing ahead of time. Just combine everything shortly before serving so the veggies stay crisp.

Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that the cucumbers might get a bit softer, but it will still be tasty.

Q5: Can I make this salad vegan?
A5: This salad is already vegan! Just make sure the honey is replaced with maple syrup if you’re keeping it fully plant-based.

Q6: Can I make this salad spicy?
A6: Yes! If you love heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes into the dressing for that spicy kick.

Q7: Can I add cheese to this salad?
A7: Absolutely! Feta cheese or crumbled goat cheese would add a nice tangy flavor that pairs wonderfully with the cool cucumbers and creamy dressing.

Q8: Can I use a different herb?
A8: While dill is traditional, you could use fresh parsley, basil, or mint for a slightly different flavor profile. Each herb will give the salad its own unique twist!

Q9: Can I make this salad spicy?
A9: Yes! Add some sliced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to give the salad a spicy kick.

Q10: How can I make this salad sweeter?
A10: If you like it on the sweeter side, simply add more honey or a little bit of agave syrup to the dressing. Taste as you go and adjust to your preference.

Conclusion

And there you have it—an easy, refreshing cucumber salad that’s perfect for any occasion. Crisp, flavorful, and so simple to make, this salad is one you’ll be reaching for again and again. Whether it’s a side dish or a light lunch on a hot day, it’s got that perfect balance of fresh and tangy flavors. Try it out and enjoy the crunch!