Making a delicious cucumber salad is simple and easy! With just a mandolin slicer, you can create perfectly sliced cucumbers for cucumber salad that meld perfectly with the tangy seasonings of your choice. And the best part? You can enjoy any refreshing cucumber salad all year round! It pairs perfectly with grilled meats in the summer or acts as the perfect savory contrast to warm dishes in the winter. Make it in advance and let all the flavors blend together for an even more vibrant taste.
Cucumber Salad Ingredients
Cucumber salad is a staple dish in many households, and it's easy to see why! Not only is it a refreshing addition to any meal, but it's also extremely versatile with its two main styles: creamy and vinegar-based. There are various recipes for cucumber salad. Seasonings, other vegetables, fruits, beans and cheese may be added depending of the recipe.
Vinegar based cucumber salads are better making ahead and taking to summer cookouts, as it can withstand the heat without the worry of any mayonnaise or sour cream-based dressings going bad. However, creamy cucumber salads are a great addition to serve alongside your favorite grilled meats or fish, or enjoy it as a standalone dish.
Best Cucumbers for Cucumber Salad
When it comes to preparing cucumbers for cucumber salad recipe, the best types to use are seedless or nearly seedless variants like the popular English or the exotic Persian varieties. The advantage of using these kinds of cucumbers is that they are tender and do not contain too many seeds nor have a tough, bitter skin that can disrupt the balance of flavors in this dish.
However, if you happen to grow cucumbers in your own garden, then use them! Nonetheless, it is good to note that garden-grown cucumbers tend to have more seeds and a rough exterior which may alter the recipe. So to make the most out of your garden-fresh produce, you may want to consider scooping out the seeds and carefully removing the skin, before adding it to a recipe that calls for seedless cucumbers.
Do you to need to peel cucumbers?
Cucumber is a widely-used vegetable that is low in calories yet packed with nutrients. You might have heard that cucumber peels are actually edible, which can save time and effort when preparing meals. If you prefer peeled cucumbers there are several ways you can peel the skin.
A common approach is to partially or completely peel regular cucumbers as it removes the tougher skin. You can do this with a vegetable peeler or a knife. However, it can be harder to peel in some instances, such as when it's sliced too thinly or when preparing salads.
Alternatively, you can choose to buy English or Persian cucumbers. Compared to regular cucumbers, these varieties have thinner, more delicate skin, which makes them easier to chew and digest. There is no need to peel them.
Is cucumber salad healthy?
When it comes to side dishes, finding a healthy option can be a challenge. For the most part, cucumber salads are a top choice for those wanting something packed with nutrients and low in calories. Vinegar-based recipes tend to be lower in calories rather than mayonnaise-based.
Did you know that cucumbers are packed with essential vitamins and minerals that can improve your health in so many ways? They are a great source of hydration, especially in this hot weather where hydration is important. In fact, cucumbers have a high-water content which also helps to reduce bloating and promote healthy digestion. So next time you're looking for cucumber salad as a healthy, refreshing side dish to bring to a BBQ, or just a simple, quick lunch any of the recipes listed is a great option.
Make ahead cucumber salad
Yes, most cucumber salads can be made ahead and it is perfect for those who love to plan ahead. Imagine how convenient it would be to have an already-prepared dish that's waiting for you in the fridge, ready to be served at any time. You won't have to worry about any last-minute preparation or unexpected delays. You have the peace of mind knowing that your salad is already sitting in the fridge, getting more flavorful with each passing moment. Just make sure to read make ahead instructions the specific recipe.
15 Easy Recipes for Cucumber Salad
We have gathered 15 Easy Recipes for Cucumber Salad that you will want to make all season long. So, get creative in the kitchen - these cucumber salad recipes are sure to inspire any cook!
Easy Cucumber Salad
There’s lots to love about this cucumber salad in the summer. It’s easy to prep, uses simple ingredients, and is filled with fresh flavors.
Cucumber Edamame Salad
This Cucumber Edamame Salad is packed with healthy veggies and fresh herbs. It's tossed with an Asian inspired dressing and is so refreshing!
Dill Pea and Cucumber Salad
This tangy Dill Pea and Cucumber Salad is light, refreshing, and perfect for picnics, backyard barbecues potlucks, and weeknight dinners.
Quinoa Cucumber Salad with Feta, Dill & Mint
This hearty vegetarian salad can double as a main dish. It gets a tzaziki vibe from cucumbers and dill combined with crunchy radish, kicky lemon garlic vinaigrette, fresh mint and feta. Easy and nourishing.
Pineapple Cucumber Jalapeño Salad
Pineapple Jalapeño Cucumber Salad – An explosion of flavors and vitamins awaits you in this colorful pineapple cucumber jalapeño salad. The spicy kick of Jalapeño balances out the sweet flavor.
Scallops with Cucumber Salad & Mascarpone
A new springtime dish that is fresh, light, and oh so delicious: scallops with cucumber salad & mascarpone cheese. Golden, seared scallops are spooned over creamy mascarpone, creating a really buttery, rich flavor combination. And then the crisp cucumber salad is the perfect contrast – full of avocado, radishes, scallions, snap peas, and lots of lemon.
White Bean Tomato Cucumber Salad
A fresh, flavorful salad made with creamy white beans, juicy tomato, crisp cucumber, tender baby spinach, and a super easy homemade dressing.
Sunomono Salad (Shrimp Cucumber Salad)
Sunomono salad is a healthy, refreshing, sweet and sour cucumber dish. Make this recipe for shrimp cucumber salad for a light dinner!
Herbed Cucumber and Feta Salad
This simple cucumber salad is loaded with flavor from chopped red onion, fresh mint, dill, and feta cheese drizzled with lemon and olive oil.
Mexican Cucumber Salad
This simple Mexican cucumber salad is inspired by our favorite street food, Mexican street corn. With crunchy cucumbers, sweet corn, cotija cheese, and a creamy dressing, it's an easy side dish with a bit of kick to complement any Mexican-style meal.
Creamy Italian Cucumber Salad
Creamy Italian Cucumber Salad is the best and made easy with thinly sliced cucumbers and red onions! You'll love the tangy, creamy dressing!
Carrot Cucumber Salad
This crunchy and refreshing Carrot Cucumber Salad is made with a delicious sesame garlic soy dressing. It comes together in less than 10 minutes for a flavorful and easy vegan side dish!
Honeydew Cucumber Salad
Honeydew is the star ingredient in this salad combined with cucumbers, jalapeños, and a fresh honey lime vinaigrette making this the ultimate summer salad to make all season long.
You may also like our refreshing Watermelon Mint Salad on a hot summer day.
Over 15 Easy Recipes for Cucumber Salad
You can enjoy any refreshing cucumber salad all year round! It pairs perfectly with grilled meats in the summer or acts as the perfect savory contrast to warm dishes in the winter. Make it in advance and let all the flavors blend together for an even more vibrant taste
Ingredients
- Thai Cucumber Salad with Sesame Ginger Dressing
- Easy Cucumber Salad
- Cucumber Edamame Salad
- Dill Pea and Cucumber Salad
- Quinoa Cucumber Salad with Feta, Dill & Mint
- Pineapple Cucumber Jalapeño Salad
- Scallops with Cucumber Salad & Mascarpone
- White Bean Tomato Cucumber Salad
- Sunomono Salad (Shrimp Cucumber Salad)
- Herbed Cucumber and Feta Salad
- Mexican Cucumber Salad
- Creamy Italian Cucumber Salad
- Carrot Cucumber Salad
- Honeydew Cucumber Salad
- Thai Cucumber Salad
Instructions
- View our Over 15 Recipes for Cucumber Salad.
- Choose your favorite cucumber salad recipe.
- Click on Get the Recipe
- Gather your ingredients.
- Make the delicious cucumber salad recipe.
- Enjoy your creation and don't forget follow the recipe creator and leave a review of the recipe.