Fresh Cucumber Salad

Some of the best summertime side dishes are also the easiest to prepare. Think about corn on the cob, deviled eggs and caprese salad to name a few. This fresh cucumber salad recipe is simple and flavorful and it checks all the boxes that make it a top summer side dish. Plus, it comes with a few added health benefits.

Cucumbers, like tomatoes and peppers, are actually part of the fruit family. They are refreshing, flavorful and nutritious. Some studies have shown that eating cucumbers may help to reduce blood pressure and aid in weight loss. In addition, cucumbers have the highest water content of any food (96%). Cucumbers are actually hydrating—making them even more perfect for serving at a summer party, picnic or family dinner.

Ingredients for Fresh Cucumber Salad

• Cucumbers: It’s probably no surprise that cucumbers are the main ingredient in this recipe. English cucumbers are good choice for this salad because they have very few seeds and a thinner skin, so you don’t need to worry about peeling them.
• Sugar: White sugar balances out the sharp tartness of the vinegar in this salad. Feel free to substitute honey for the sugar in this recipe. Honey has a lower glycemic index than sugar, meaning that if you’re watching your blood sugar honey may be a better option.
• White vinegar: The most common type of vinegar. It adds flavor to the salad and provides a bright and tangy kick.
• Dill: The all-time classic herb used in cucumber salads. The traditional combination of cucumbers and dill creates a bright, grassy, subtly sweet, sour and refreshing flavor profile. Although fresh dill is the best choice for this recipe, dried dill can also be used. However, since the flavor of the dried herb is more concentrated you’ll need to reduce the amount by two thirds. Substitute it with fresh parsley or basil to the fresh cucumber salad if you’re not a fan of dill.

Directions

Step 1: Slice the cucumbers

Thinly slice the cucumbers, keeping each piece even—between 1/8 and 1/16 of an inch. This a perfect application for a mandolin if you own one. Place the sliced cucumber into a 1-1/2 or 2-qt glass bowl.

Step 2: Assemble the salad

Pour the sugar and white vinegar into a Mason jar with a tight-fitting lid. Chop the fresh dill and add it to the jar. Vigorously shake the jar until the sugar has dissolved and the ingredients are completely combined. Pour the dressing over the cucumbers and give them a quick stir to ensure they are completely coated. Cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate for a few hours or overnight. Serve the fresh cucumber salad with a slotted spoon.

Fresh Cucumber Salad Variations

• Make it Mediterranean: Give this cucumber salad the flavors of the Greek Isles by adding sliced tomatoes, Kalamata olives, onions and feta cheese. Top it off with a drizzle of extra virgin oil, a squeeze of lemon, and imagine you’re on the beaches of Zakynthos.
• Make it peppery: The flavors of this fresh cucumber salad can be balanced out with the addition of freshly ground black pepper. Add a combination of black and white pepper to the finished dish to spice it up. You can also add sliced radishes for more peppery flavor.
• Make it Asian: For an unexpected spin on this cucumber salad give it an Asian-flavored twist. Substitute freshly chopped cilantro for the dill and use rice vinegar in place of white. Add in sesame oil, crushed ginger and a dash or two of light soy sauce. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and this cucumber salad will feel right at home alongside grilled chicken satay.
• Make it creamy: For a less sharp version of this recipe, add sour cream or yogurt and make creamy cucumber salad. The dairy will give balance to the vinegar while adding a cool, smooth and creamy texture.

How to Store Fresh Cucumber Salad

Store any leftover fruit dessert in an airtight container and in the refrigerator for up to three days. The cucumbers will get softer and produce more liquid the longer they are kept in the fridge. Freezing is not recommended.

Fresh Cucumber Salad Tips

Should I peel the cucumbers?

There is no need to peel if you use a thinner-skinned variety of cucumber, such as the English or Persian. However, if using typical garden or Kirby cucumbers, the thick skins can be tough and bitter so peeling or “striping” (partially peeling the cucumber, leaving “stripes” of skin) is a good choice. The reason for stipe-peeling is not strictly aesthetic. While it looks fancy, the cucumber skins hold a lot of nutritional value and leaving some intact boosts the health factor while removing some bitterness.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

You can make this fresh cucumber salad up to a day before you plan to use it. While the refrigerated salad will stay good for up to three days, the cucumbers will continue to lose their crunch and structure the longer they sit.

How can I keep this salad from getting soggy?

The best way to ensure your fresh cucumber salad retains its crunch is to serve the salad within a few hours of making it and no longer than 24 hours after is has been placed in the refrigerator. The cucumbers will continue to release liquid as they sit in the bowl. The longer they sit, the soggier they will become. One helpful tip is to drain the liquid from the bowl in the morning if you plan to serve the salad the day after making it.