Easy Cucumber Salad

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A bowl of crisp cucumber salad can turn even the simplest meal into something refreshing and satisfying. This Easy Cucumber Salad is a celebration of minimal ingredients delivering maximum flavor. It combines paper-thin slices of cucumbers with zesty red onion, fresh dill, and a light vinaigrette to create the perfect summer side dish.

Whether you’re hosting a cookout or just want something cool to serve with grilled chicken or fish, this salad fits beautifully. It requires no cooking, takes just minutes to prepare, and its fresh crunch makes it a go-to for hot weather days. The balance of tangy, herby, and slightly sweet flavors will have everyone asking for seconds.

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Why You’ll Love This Easy Cucumber Salad

• Crisp & Refreshing: The hydrating cucumbers and bright vinegar dressing make this an instant cool-down dish.
• Quick to Prepare: Ready in under 15 minutes from start to finish.
• Healthy & Light: Naturally low in calories and carbs, but full of flavor.
• Perfect Side Dish: Pairs well with everything from grilled meats to hearty casseroles.
• Customizable: Add cherry tomatoes, feta, or even a sprinkle of chili flakes for a twist.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make the best Easy Cucumber Salad, a little preparation goes a long way. Here’s what you need:

• Mandoline Slicer or Sharp Knife: Essential for achieving those ultra-thin, even slices of cucumber that soak up flavor beautifully.
• Mixing Bowl: A large bowl gives you space to toss the ingredients without bruising the cucumbers.
• Whisk or Small Jar: For blending your vinaigrette until it’s smooth and emulsified.
• Fine Mesh Strainer (optional): Useful if you want to drain excess moisture from cucumbers before mixing to keep the salad from getting soggy.
• Salad Tongs or Serving Fork: Helps mix and serve without breaking the cucumber slices.

Using the right tools makes preparation faster and ensures the textures stay crisp and vibrant.

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Ingredients for the Easy Cucumber Salad

• Cucumbers: The star of the salad. Thinly sliced cucumbers provide the refreshing crunch that defines this dish.
• Red Onion: Brings sharpness and a pop of color, complementing the mild cucumber.
• Fresh Dill: This herb lifts the entire salad with its aromatic, citrusy notes.
• White Vinegar: Adds the essential tanginess that balances the sweetness of the cucumber.
• Olive Oil: Smooths out the vinaigrette and adds a subtle richness.
• Salt & Black Pepper: Enhances the overall flavor and brings balance.
• Optional Add-ins: Crushed garlic, sugar or honey for sweetness, or red pepper flakes for heat.

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How To Make the Easy Cucumber Salad

Step 1: Slice Your Veggies

Use a mandoline slicer or a sharp knife to thinly slice the cucumbers and red onions. Uniform slices allow the dressing to coat evenly and make each bite consistent.

Step 2: Salt and Rest (Optional)

If you prefer a less watery salad, sprinkle the cucumber slices with a pinch of salt and let them sit in a strainer for about 10 minutes. Pat dry with a paper towel.

Step 3: Mix the Vinaigrette

In a small bowl or jar, whisk together white vinegar, olive oil, salt, pepper, and a pinch of sugar (if using). Taste and adjust seasoning to your preference.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

In a large bowl, toss together cucumbers, red onion, and dill. Pour the vinaigrette over the top and gently mix until everything is well coated.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Refrigerate for at least 15 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld. Serve cold for the best texture and taste.

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Serving and Storing This Salad

This salad is best served cold, ideally after resting in the fridge for at least 15 minutes to let the flavors blend. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats, sandwiches, or as part of a barbecue spread.

To store, cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Note: the cucumbers may release water over time. If needed, drain off excess liquid before serving and freshen up with a little extra vinegar or dill.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep cucumber salad from getting soggy?

Salting and draining the cucumbers before mixing helps reduce water content and keeps the salad crisp.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes! It’s actually better after chilling for a bit. Just wait to add the dressing if making more than 12 hours ahead.

What type of cucumber should I use?

English cucumbers or Persian cucumbers are ideal. They have thinner skin and fewer seeds, making them perfect for salads.

Can I use dried dill instead of fresh?

Fresh dill is preferred, but dried dill can work in a pinch. Use about 1/3 the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated.

Is this salad keto or low-carb?

Yes, this salad is naturally low in carbohydrates and fits well into a keto lifestyle.

What proteins pair well with this salad?

Grilled chicken, fish, shrimp, or even falafel work great alongside this crisp cucumber salad.

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Want More Salad Ideas with a Twist?

If you love this Easy Cucumber Salad, you’ll probably enjoy these other refreshing side dishes from Kitchen by Kate:

• Fresh Flavorful Classic Greek Salad Recipe
• Roasted Parmesan Green Beans
• Simple and Quick German Potato Salad
• Avocado Boat Dip
• Pickled Eggs with Apple Cider Vinegar

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Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest salad board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you tweak the dressing or add a new herb? I love hearing how you make these dishes your own.

Looking for more kitchen inspiration? I share new ideas regularly on Pinterest: Kitchen By Kate – American Recipes By Heart

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