Cucumber Salad
A refreshing, tangy side that’s perfect for hot days or your next BBQ.
With crisp cucumbers, a zesty vinegar dressing, and a sprinkle of fresh dill, this light salad is the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy.
Whether you’re serving it alongside grilled meats or enjoying it on its own, this easy recipe is a must-try for summer gatherings.
Simple to make and bursting with flavor, it’s the ultimate way to cool down in style!
For Cucumber Salad
- English Cucumbers – Thinly sliced for the perfect crisp texture.
- Red Onion – Very thinly sliced to add a bit of sharpness and color.
- Apple Cider Vinegar – Adds a tangy, refreshing flavor.
- Honey (or Agave Nectar) – Provides just the right touch of sweetness to balance the vinegar.
- Sea Salt – Enhances all the flavors in the salad.
- Fresh Dill – Adds a fresh, aromatic kick to the salad.
- Chopped Fresh Chives (Optional) – For garnish, adding a mild onion flavor.
- Freshly Ground Black Pepper – For a little bit of spice and seasoning.
Cucumber Salad Recipe
Notes
Ingredients:
- 2 English cucumbers, sliced thinly
- ½ large red onion, sliced thinly
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey (or agave nectar)
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- Fresh chives, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the cucumbers, red onions, apple cider vinegar, honey, and sea salt. Toss until well-coated.
- Chill the salad in the refrigerator for 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Transfer to a serving bowl, discarding any excess liquid.
- Garnish with fresh dill and chives (if using), and season with black pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately.
Tip: Enjoy this salad at your next BBQ or picnic for a cool, tangy side dish!
Nutrition
Calories: 24 kcal | Carbohydrates: 5.8g | Protein: 0.5g | Fat: 0.0g | Saturated Fat: 0g | Cholesterol: 0mg | Sodium: 1mg | Potassium: 50mg | Fiber: 0.67g | Sugar: 4.0g | Vitamin A: 10 IU | Vitamin C: 0.5mg | Calcium: 5mg | Iron: 0.1mg
- Do I need to peel the cucumbers?
Answer: You don’t need to peel the cucumbers if you’re using English cucumbers—just slice them up! The skin is thin and tender, making it perfect for the salad. If you’re using regular cucumbers, peeling them is a good idea to avoid any bitterness.
- Can I make the salad ahead of time?
Answer: You can! Prepare the salad up to 2 hours ahead and keep it in the fridge. But, try to serve it fresh for the best texture. The cucumbers might release extra water as they sit, so make sure to drain them before serving.
- What’s the best way to prevent the salad from getting watery?
Answer: After slicing the cucumbers, sprinkle them with salt and let them sit for about 20 minutes. This will help draw out excess moisture. Drain any liquid before mixing with the dressing to keep the salad crisp.
- Can I use a different vinegar if I don’t have apple cider vinegar ?
Answer: Absolutely! If you don’t have apple cider vinegar, rice vinegar or is great alternatives. They’ll add a slightly different flavor, but will still work beautifully in this refreshing salad.
- How can I make the salad more flavorful?
Answer: Adding fresh herbs like dill and chives boosts the flavor. You can even toss in a pinch of freshly ground black pepper for a touch of spice. Want a little extra zing? A squeeze of lemon juice will add a nice twist!
