If you’re in the mood for something crisp, refreshing, and loaded with vibrant flavor, this Cucumber Salad needs to be at the very top of your to-make list. With its cool crunch, pops of fresh dill, zippy red onion, and a tangy-sweet dressing that pulls it all together, this simple salad excels as a sidekick for summer picnics or weeknight dinners. It’s a breeze to prepare and brimming with garden-fresh ingredients that let every bite shine. Trust me: you’ll want to make extra, because this Cucumber Salad tends to disappear fast!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Cucumber Salad serves a delicious purpose, adding color, crunch, and punchy flavor. Gather these easy-to-find items for a salad that delivers maximum taste with minimal effort:

Cucumbers: The star of the show, their cool, juicy crunch creates a perfect base for soaking up the bright dressing.
Red Onion: Thinly slicing brings a subtle zing and a beautiful pop of color without overwhelming the salad.
Fresh Dill: This aromatic herb adds a fresh, grassy brightness that makes the salad taste like pure summer.
White Vinegar or Apple Cider Vinegar: Both versions bring lively tartness to balance the sweetness and enhance all the flavors.
Olive Oil: Offers body and richness, making the dressing silky and helping it cling to every slice of cucumber.
Sugar: Just the right amount of sweetness to mellow the tartness and round out the flavor profile.
Salt: Essential for drawing out the cucumbers’ natural juices and awakening all the other tastes.
Black Pepper: Freshly cracked is best, adding a gentle heat that ties the salad together.

How to Make Cucumber Salad

Step 1: Combine the Fresh Ingredients

Grab a large mixing bowl and gently toss together your sliced cucumbers, red onion, and fresh dill. Mixing them now ensures each crunchy bite gets evenly flecked with dill and onion, infusing every forkful with fresh, balanced flavor.

Step 2: Whisk the Dressing

In a separate small bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the vinegar of your choice, olive oil, sugar, salt, and pepper. Keep whisking until all the sugar dissolves and the liquid turns slightly opaque. This step ensures your Cucumber Salad dressing is smooth and perfectly balanced, with no grainy bits lurking at the bottom.

Step 3: Marry the Flavors

Pour the dressing over the bowl of veggies and herbs. Using a big spoon or tongs, gently toss everything together so the dressing coats every slice. Be careful not to break up the cucumbers—gentle mixing will preserve their signature crunch!

Step 4: Chill to Perfection

Cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This little nap gives the flavors time to meld and the cucumbers and onions to marinate until they’re tangy, juicy, and extra flavorful. Trust me, this step is worth the wait!

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Right before serving, give your Cucumber Salad a gentle stir and, if you like, scatter a little extra fresh dill over the top for a gorgeous, fragrant finish. Serve it cold and get ready for rave reviews.

How to Serve Cucumber Salad

Garnishes

The simplest garnish—an extra sprinkle of chopped dill—makes all the difference, adding a burst of green and enhancing those aromatic notes. For added crunch and color, a few thin slices of radish on top are delightful. If you love a little zing, a light drizzle of extra vinegar or even a squeeze of fresh lemon can add a bright finishing touch.

Side Dishes

Cucumber Salad shines alongside countless main dishes, making it a versatile side. It’s wonderful next to grilled chicken, fish, or veggie burgers, and equally at home paired with sandwiches or classic picnic fare. Its cool, tangy personality especially complements anything smoky or spicy—think barbecue, kabobs, or curries.

Creative Ways to Present

Don’t just toss it in a bowl and call it done! Try layering your Cucumber Salad in glass jars for individual picnic servings, or serve it on a platter over a bed of lettuce leaves for an elegant touch. For parties, pile spoonfuls into small cups for grab-and-go appetizers, or scatter feta and cherry tomatoes on top to give it a Mediterranean twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Cucumber Salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. The flavors deepen as it chills, though the cucumbers do soften over time. For best results, enjoy it within a day or two for maximum crunch and freshness.

Freezing

Unfortunately, freezing isn’t a good idea here. Cucumbers have a high water content and tend to get mushy and watery when thawed, losing that crisp texture you want in a Cucumber Salad. Stick with refrigeration for this recipe.

Reheating

This Cucumber Salad is meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature. There’s no need to reheat! In fact, a quick chill in the fridge before serving makes it even more refreshing, especially on a warm day.

FAQs

Can I use a different vinegar?

Absolutely! White vinegar gives a classic, clean tang, while apple cider vinegar brings a slightly fruity sweetness. You could even try rice vinegar for a milder, delicate twist—just adjust to taste.

Is it necessary to peel the cucumbers?

This is totally up to you. If your cucumbers are thick-skinned or waxed, peeling is recommended. Otherwise, leave the peels on for a bit more color, texture, and even some added nutrients.

How can I make the salad even crunchier?

If you love extra crunch, toss in some thinly sliced radishes or even snap peas. Chilling the salad for a shorter time (30 minutes) also keeps everything crisp. Avoid salt for too long before serving, as it can cause the cucumbers to release more water and soften.

Can I make Cucumber Salad ahead of time?

Yes! You can make this salad several hours in advance—just store it covered in the fridge until ready to serve. If you’re prepping a day ahead, consider keeping the dressing separate and tossing everything together closer to serving time to maintain maximum crunch.

Is this recipe allergy-friendly?

This Cucumber Salad is naturally vegan and gluten-free, and it doesn’t contain common allergens like nuts, dairy, eggs, or soy. It’s a great option for potlucks or gatherings where guests have a variety of dietary needs.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something fresh, easy, and impossibly satisfying, give this Cucumber Salad a try—it might just become your most-requested side dish! Don’t be surprised when everyone asks for the recipe. Make a bowl, share with friends, and let the crisp flavors bring a little brightness to your table.

Cucumber Salad Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 19 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 10 minutes (plus chilling time)
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegan, Gluten-Free

Print Recipe

Description

This refreshing cucumber salad with dill is a perfect side dish for any meal. Crisp cucumbers, red onions, and fresh dill are tossed in a tangy vinaigrette for a simple and delicious salad.

Ingredients

Scale

Cucumber Salad:

2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped

Dressing:

1/4 cup white vinegar or apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers, red onion, and fresh dill.
Make Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the vinegar, olive oil, sugar, salt, and pepper until the sugar is dissolved.
Toss: Pour the dressing over the cucumbers and onions and toss gently to coat.
Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.
Serve: Serve chilled and garnish with extra dill if desired.