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Cucumber Salad is a crisp, refreshing dish perfect for any season, but it truly shines in the summer when we all crave something light, hydrating, and flavorful. With thinly sliced cucumbers, fresh mint, and a touch of honey, this easy salad comes together in just 10 minutes and delivers a delightful combination of textures and flavors. Whether you’re serving it as a side, a light appetizer, or a quick snack, this Cucumber Salad will bring a cool, refreshing bite to any meal. Get ready to add a new go-to salad to your lineup!
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Why You’ll Love This Cucumber Salad
This Cucumber Salad is the perfect recipe for hot days, lazy lunches, or meal prepping for the week. With its simple yet vibrant ingredients, it’s packed with flavor and is a hit at gatherings and barbecues. Here are a few reasons you’ll love it:
- Low-Calorie & Low-Carb: This salad is a guilt-free addition to any meal. With only 23 calories per serving, it’s a healthy side dish you can enjoy without worry.
- Quick & Easy: In just 10 minutes, you’ll have a refreshing, delicious dish ready to serve.
- Fresh & Hydrating: Cucumbers are high in water, making this salad incredibly refreshing.
- Customizable: Add extra herbs, spices, or even other vegetables to create a version that’s uniquely yours.
The Taste and Texture of Cucumber Salad
Imagine a bite of crisp cucumber combined with the subtle sweetness of honey and a hint of mint and dill. This salad is light, with a refreshing balance of sweet and tangy. It’s cool, vibrant, and pleasantly aromatic—perfect for any day you need a quick burst of fresh flavors.
Ingredients for Cucumber Salad
To make this refreshing Cucumber Salad, you’ll need only a handful of ingredients:
- 3 cucumbers, very thinly sliced
- ¼ cup white wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
- Chopped fresh dill (optional, for garnish)
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Suggested Tools for Preparation
- Mandoline or sharp knife: To achieve thin, even cucumber slices.
- Mixing bowl: For creating the dressing and tossing the salad.
- Whisk: For mixing the dressing ingredients.
Get Your Mandoline Here!
Ingredient Substitutions and Additions
One of the great things about this recipe is its adaptability. Here are a few ideas to make it your own:
- Swap white wine vinegar with apple cider vinegar for a different tangy flavor.
- Add sliced red onion for a punch of sharpness and color contrast.
- Incorporate fresh basil or parsley if mint isn’t your favorite.
- Sprinkle feta cheese for a creamy, tangy addition if you’re looking for something a bit richer.
- Top with sunflower seeds or pine nuts for a crunchy finish.
How to Make Cucumber Salad
Follow these steps for a light and refreshing salad:
- Prep the Cucumbers: Thinly slice the cucumbers using a mandoline or a sharp knife for the best results.
- Create the Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together the white wine vinegar, honey, chopped mint, and dill until combined.
- Combine and Season: Add the cucumber slices to the bowl with the dressing. Toss gently to coat the cucumbers thoroughly. Season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Chill and Serve: For the best flavor, let the salad chill in the fridge for a few minutes before serving. This step allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Enjoy!
What to Serve with Cucumber Salad
This cucumber salad pairs wonderfully with a variety of main dishes. Try it alongside comforting potato recipes like Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes, The Best Mashed Potato Casserole, or the deliciously creamy Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes. The cool, crisp salad provides a refreshing balance to rich and hearty sides, making your meal complete.
Tips for Perfect Cucumber Salad
Here are some tips to make the best Cucumber Salad every time:
- Slice Thinly: For a tender, delicate salad, use thin cucumber slices. A mandoline can help ensure they’re uniformly thin.
- Chill Before Serving: Letting the salad rest in the fridge for a few minutes helps the flavors meld and enhances the refreshing taste.
- Serve Fresh: While you can store leftovers, this salad tastes best the day it’s made.
- Adjust Sweetness: Add more or less honey depending on your preference for sweetness.
Storing Cucumber Salad
If you have leftovers, transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate. The salad will keep for up to 1 day in the fridge. After that, the cucumbers may start to release water, slightly changing the salad’s texture. For best results, enjoy your Cucumber Salad fresh!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make cucumber salad ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dressing and cucumbers separately, storing them in the fridge. Combine them shortly before serving to keep the cucumbers crisp.
What type of cucumber is best for this salad?
English cucumbers or small Persian cucumbers work wonderfully as they have fewer seeds and a more delicate skin, making them ideal for salads.
Can I use other herbs?
Absolutely! Fresh herbs like basil, cilantro, or parsley can be added or used as substitutes depending on your taste preferences.
Is there a low-carb option for sweetening?
If you prefer a lower-carb version, you can swap the honey with a sugar-free sweetener that dissolves well.
Give It a Try and Share!
I hope you enjoy this light and refreshing Cucumber Salad as much as we do! Whether you’re making it as a side or a quick snack, this salad is a great go-to recipe for any occasion. If you give it a try, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you! Share your photos and experiences with us on Pinterest, and be sure to leave a review below. Your feedback is always appreciated.
Looking for more delightful side dishes? Check out these comforting potato recipes:
Nutritional Information
Per serving (1 of 6 servings):
- Calories: 23
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 4g
- Sodium: 51mg
This Cucumber Salad is light, refreshing, and packed with flavors—perfect for any meal you want to make a little brighter!
Refreshing Cucumber Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
This Refreshing Cucumber Salad is a light, hydrating, and flavorful side dish perfect for any meal, especially during warm weather. With crisp cucumbers, fresh mint, a hint of sweetness from honey, and a touch of tangy vinegar, it’s an easy-to-make salad that brings a burst of freshness to your plate in just 10 minutes. Perfect for barbecues, picnics, or as a healthy snack!
Ingredients
- 3 cucumbers, very thinly sliced
- ¼ cup white wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
- Chopped fresh dill (optional, for garnish)
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prep the Cucumbers: Thinly slice the cucumbers using a mandoline or a sharp knife.
- Create the Dressing: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the white wine vinegar, honey, chopped mint, and dill.
- Combine and Season: Add the cucumber slices to the bowl and gently toss to coat in the dressing. Season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Chill and Serve: Let the salad chill in the fridge for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy the refreshing flavors!
Notes
- For extra crunch and flavor, add thinly sliced red onion or sprinkle feta cheese on top before serving.
- This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but it can be stored in the fridge for up to 1 day.
- Adjust honey and vinegar amounts based on your taste preference for sweetness and tanginess.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Category: side-dish
- Method: no bake
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 23kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 51mg
- Fat: 0
- Saturated Fat: 0
- Unsaturated Fat: 0
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0
- Protein: 0
- Cholesterol: 0