3 Cucumber Salads Recipes

Nothing says “refreshing” quite like a crisp cucumber salad on a warm day. Whether you’re prepping for a picnic, a quick weeknight dinner, or a healthy side dish for your barbecue, cucumber salads are light, hydrating, and delightfully crunchy.

Today, we’re diving into three crowd-pleasing cucumber salad recipes that are as easy as they are tasty. Ready to slice, mix, and serve up a bowl of cool deliciousness? Let’s get into it!

Cooking Tools You’ll Need:

To prepare these cucumber salads with ease, have these tools ready:

• Cutting board

• Chef’s knife or mandoline slicer

• Mixing bowls (various sizes)

• Measuring cups and spoons

• Whisk or fork for mixing dressing

• Salad spinner (optional but helpful)

3 Cucumber Salad Recipes – Step by Step:

Looking for cool, crisp, and refreshing salad ideas? Read below to discover 3 cucumber salad recipes – step by step that are perfect for summer, quick to make, and full of fresh flavor!

1. Classic Cucumber Onion Salad

Ingredients:

• 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced

• ½ small red onion, thinly sliced

• ¼ cup white vinegar

• 1 tablespoon sugar

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (optional)

Preparation:

1. Peel cucumbers if desired, then slice thinly.

2. Slice red onion into thin rounds or half-moons.

3. In a small bowl, whisk together vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper.

Instructions:

1. Combine cucumbers and onions in a large bowl.

2. Pour the dressing over and toss to coat.

3. Chill for 20 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

4. Garnish with dill before serving.

Full Recipes: Classic Cucumber Onion Salad

2. Creamy Cucumber Yogurt Salad (Mediterranean-Style)

Ingredients:

• 2 large cucumbers, diced or thinly sliced

• ¾ cup Greek yogurt

• 1 garlic clove, minced

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill or mint

• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation:

1. Slice or dice cucumbers. Pat dry with a towel to remove excess moisture.

2. Mince the garlic and chop herbs.

Instructions:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine yogurt, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, herbs, salt, and pepper.

2. Add cucumbers and stir gently to combine.

3. Chill for at least 15–20 minutes before serving.

4. Serve cold with extra herbs on top.

Full Recipes: Creamy Cucumber Yogurt Salad

3. Asian Cucumber Salad with Sesame Dressing

Ingredients:

• 2 large cucumbers, spiralized or sliced into ribbons

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

• 1 tablespoon soy sauce

• ½ teaspoon sesame oil

• ½ teaspoon honey or maple syrup

• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds

• ½ teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)

• 1 scallion, sliced thin

Preparation:

1. Spiralize or thinly slice cucumbers.

2. Sprinkle with salt and let sit in a colander for 10 minutes. Pat dry.

3. Mix rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and honey in a small bowl.

Instructions:

1. Toss drained cucumbers with dressing.

2. Add scallions, sesame seeds, and chili flakes.

3. Chill or serve immediately as a fresh, tangy side.

Full recipes: Asian Cucumber Salad with Sesame Dressing

Pro Tips:

• Use English cucumbers or Persian cucumbers for fewer seeds and less water.

• Salt cucumbers first to draw out moisture and keep salads from getting soggy.

• Serve cold—cucumber salads are best when chilled to enhance crispness.

• Use a mandoline for ultra-thin slices in a fraction of the time.

• Customize the herbs—try cilantro, mint, parsley, or chives depending on your flavor theme.

 Serving Ideas:

• Serve as a side dish for grilled meats or fish.

• Pack in a mason jar for a picnic or lunchbox.

• Add to a wrap or sandwich for extra crunch.

• Serve on a platter with hummus, olives, and pita for a Mediterranean mezze board.

• Use as a topping for grain bowls or tacos for a zesty crunch.

➕ Extra Add-Ons:

• Chickpeas or white beans for protein

• Cherry tomatoes, halved

• Sliced radishes or fennel for added crunch

• Crumbled feta or goat cheese

• Sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for texture

• Pomegranate arils for a burst of sweetness

Nutritional Stats (Approx. per Serving):

Note: Nutritional values vary depending on the portion size and added toppings.

Takeaway:

Cucumber salads are a delicious way to stay cool, hydrated, and nourished. With only a few ingredients and endless customization options, they can easily match your mood, theme, or season. From creamy and savory to crisp and tangy, cucumber salads are proof that simple can be extraordinary.

Thanks for joining me in the kitchen today! I hope these cucumber salad recipes inspire your next meal, picnic, or dinner party. Tried any of these recipes? Share your thoughts or photos in the comments or tag me on Pinterest—I’d love to see your version!

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Read More: 3 Salads With Chicken

FAQs:

Q: Can I make cucumber salad ahead of time?
Yes, but store the dressing separately and toss just before serving for the best texture.

Q: How do I keep cucumber salad from becoming watery?
Salt the cucumbers first and let them drain before mixing into the salad.

Q: Can I use regular cucumbers instead of English?
Yes, but be sure to scoop out the seeds and peel if the skin is thick.

Q: Is it okay to freeze cucumber salad?
Not recommended—cucumbers lose their crunch and become mushy when frozen.