There’s nothing quite like a chilled cucumber salad on a hot summer day. With its vibrant crunch, refreshing mint, and perfectly balanced vinaigrette, this dish brings a light, palate-cleansing contrast to grilled mains and hearty sides. The red onions offer a mellow tang thanks to a short soak, and the sugars and oils blend beautifully with vinegar for a dressing that coats every bite without overpowering.
Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or looking for a quick and healthy lunch addition, this salad is a perfect prep-ahead option. Letting it rest in the fridge allows all the fresh flavors to meld together, making every bite more delicious than the last. Best of all, it’s versatile—swap mint for dill or parsley, and it’s still a star.
Full Recipe:
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2 English or hothouse cucumbers
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1 teaspoon salt
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¼ cup chopped red onions
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¼ cup white wine vinegar
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2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
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2 tablespoons vegetable oil
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2½ teaspoons sugar
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¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
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¼ cup chopped fresh mint
Directions:
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Slice cucumbers in half lengthwise and scrape out seeds with a spoon. Cut into thin slices.
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Place cucumbers in a colander, sprinkle with salt, and let them drain in the sink for 30 minutes.
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While draining, soak chopped red onions in ice water for 10 minutes, then drain and blot dry.
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After 30 minutes, gently shake off excess cucumber moisture and blot them with a clean dish towel.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine cucumbers, onions, white wine vinegar, olive oil, vegetable oil, sugar, black pepper, and mint.
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Toss well to combine. Cover and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes or up to 12 hours before serving. Serve cold.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 0 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes
Kcal: 108 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
The Ultimate Summer Cucumber Salad: A Crisp, Refreshing Classic
When summer heat hits, there’s nothing more revitalizing than a cool, crunchy, flavor-packed cucumber salad. This timeless dish brings together the natural sweetness and subtle bitterness of fresh cucumbers, the sharp bite of red onions, and the refreshing zing of herbs, all balanced beautifully with a tangy vinaigrette. While it may seem simple, this cucumber salad is a masterclass in contrast and balance — and it’s an essential addition to your warm-weather table.
Why This Cucumber Salad Stands Out
Not all cucumber salads are created equal. This recipe is the result of thoughtful ingredient selection, careful preparation, and smart culinary techniques that elevate the humble cucumber into a centerpiece-worthy side. English cucumbers (also known as hothouse cucumbers) are used for their sweet flavor, thin skin, and low seed content. These cucumbers don’t require peeling and have a crisp texture that holds up well in salads.
The inclusion of red onions isn’t just for color — they offer sharpness and depth, but with a twist: a brief soak in ice water tames their raw intensity. This simple yet effective technique slightly pickles the onion and turns it into a mellow, tangy companion to the cucumbers.
Mint, the standout herb in this recipe, brings an unexpected lift to the salad. While dill is often the go-to herb for cucumber dishes, mint introduces a cooling freshness that perfectly matches summer’s vibes. The vinaigrette — a balance of white wine vinegar, olive oil, and just a touch of sugar — ties all these components together with light acidity and richness.
A Salad That Gets Better Over Time
One of the most appealing aspects of this cucumber salad is how it improves the longer it rests. Unlike many fresh salads that wilt or lose flavor after sitting out, this one actually benefits from marination. Letting the mixture chill for at least 20 minutes (or even overnight) allows the cucumbers to absorb the vinaigrette, softens the onions further, and creates a more cohesive flavor profile.
This quality makes it a dream for busy hosts and planners. You can prepare it in advance for cookouts, potlucks, and weeknight dinners without worrying about it going soggy or bland. In fact, you’ll likely find the leftovers even more delicious the next day.
Perfect Pairings and Serving Suggestions
Cucumber salad is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a wide variety of mains and sides. It’s a natural match for grilled proteins such as chicken, steak, or fish — the tangy freshness complements the smoky, savory flavors from the grill. It also works wonderfully as a palate cleanser alongside heavier or spicy dishes, such as barbecue ribs, pulled pork, or Middle Eastern fare.
For vegetarian meals, serve this salad with lentil patties, chickpea wraps, or roasted vegetable flatbreads. You can also toss it onto a bed of greens, or use it to add crunch and brightness to grain bowls or sandwiches.
While it’s already packed with character, the salad can be customized with optional add-ins such as crumbled feta, cherry tomatoes, kalamata olives, or toasted nuts. You can also switch up the herbs, opting for dill, parsley, or even basil, depending on what’s in season or your personal taste preferences.
Health Benefits of Cucumber Salad
Aside from its refreshing flavor, this cucumber salad is also a health-conscious choice. Cucumbers are low in calories but high in water content, making them hydrating and ideal for hot days. They also offer modest amounts of vitamin K, potassium, and antioxidants like beta-carotene and flavonoids.
The salad uses minimal added sugar and fat, relying on natural flavors and light seasoning. The olive oil provides heart-healthy fats, and the use of fresh herbs instead of creamy dressings keeps the calorie count down while boosting the nutrient profile.
Moreover, for those following special diets, this cucumber salad checks a lot of boxes. It’s vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free, and can easily be made vegan if desired. It’s also naturally low-carb and fits into Mediterranean or clean-eating meal plans.
A Seasonal Favorite That Feels Timeless
Cucumber salad is a dish that transcends culinary trends and remains a seasonal favorite year after year. While it evokes memories of family picnics, backyard barbecues, and Fourth of July spreads, it’s also sophisticated enough to be featured in modern, health-conscious meals.
Part of its staying power lies in its flexibility. You can make it rustic and homey for casual gatherings, or plate it more elegantly for upscale events. Its clean, green aesthetic and glossy vinaigrette make it visually appealing, while the balance of flavor keeps guests reaching for more.
The addition of herbs like mint doesn’t just freshen the palate — it modernizes the dish and brings in global influences, nodding to Middle Eastern or Mediterranean cuisines where cucumber salads often shine. These small tweaks turn a classic into something just a little bit more exciting without straying too far from tradition.
Tips for the Best Texture and Flavor
To achieve the crispest texture and most vivid flavor, a few small techniques make a big difference:
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Salting and draining the cucumbers: This removes excess water, preventing the dressing from becoming diluted and the salad from becoming soggy.
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Drying thoroughly: Even after draining, patting the cucumbers dry ensures they can soak up the vinaigrette without getting mushy.
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Slicing evenly: Thin, uniform slices allow for consistent flavor absorption and a more pleasant mouthfeel.
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Chilling the salad: Allowing the salad to rest in the fridge before serving enhances the depth of flavor and keeps it refreshingly cool.
Customization and Variations
This cucumber salad is a perfect blank canvas. While delicious in its classic form, you can personalize it in many ways to suit your taste or to match the rest of your meal.
Add-ins:
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Crumbled feta for a Greek-inspired twist
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Sliced cherry tomatoes for sweetness and color
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Sliced radishes for a peppery bite
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Toasted sesame seeds or chopped nuts for crunch
Flavor variations:
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Swap mint with dill or basil
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Add a dash of crushed red pepper flakes for subtle heat
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Replace white wine vinegar with apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar
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Drizzle with a little honey or maple syrup in place of sugar
Texture boosters:
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Add avocado slices for creaminess
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Use spiralized cucumbers for a fun presentation
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Layer it with cooked quinoa or bulgur for a light salad bowl
Conclusion: A Must-Have Summer Recipe
In the world of salads, few recipes offer as much refreshment, versatility, and simplicity as this cucumber salad. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just need something light to go with dinner, it delivers consistent flavor and texture with very little effort. It proves that with just a few quality ingredients and smart preparation, even the simplest combinations can become something special.
This salad is more than a side dish — it’s a staple that adds brightness to any meal, brings cooling relief on hot days, and satisfies a range of dietary needs. Once you’ve made it once, it’s bound to become a repeat favorite in your kitchen all season long.
