Crisp & Refreshing Cucumber Salad Recipe: Your Ultimate Summer Side Dish

When the heat of summer settles in, our appetites shift toward lighter, brighter meals — and nothing captures the essence of freshness quite like this Cucumber Salad Recipe. It’s a vibrant medley of cool cucumbers, juicy Roma tomatoes, and aromatic herbs, tossed in a tangy vinaigrette that’s as invigorating as a cool breeze on a warm day.

This recipe is perfect for home cooks who want something easy yet elegant — a dish that can accompany grilled mains, elevate picnic spreads, or stand on its own as a hydrating, wholesome snack. Whether you’re preparing for a casual cookout or a weeknight dinner, this cucumber salad delivers garden-fresh flavor with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Salad

This cucumber salad isn’t just another side dish. It’s a dynamic combination of:

• Crisp cucumbers that bring refreshing crunch

• Sweet, tangy tomatoes that add depth and juiciness

• Red onion for a bite of brightness

• Fresh basil and dill that turn up the herbal aroma

• A two-vinegar vinaigrette that’s zingy, well-balanced, and incredibly versatile

This salad is for those who love produce-driven meals, who want more veggies without sacrificing flavor, and who appreciate a dish that’s ready in 15 minutes flat.

Ingredients: Fresh & Flavorful

Here’s everything you’ll need for this easy cucumber salad:

For the Salad

• 3 cups sliced cucumbers – about 1½ to 2 English cucumbers (peeled or unpeeled based on preference)

• 3 Roma tomatoes, chopped – around 2½ cups

• ½ cup thinly sliced red onion – for a sharp, savory note

• ¼ cup julienned or chopped fresh basil – fragrant and slightly sweet

• 2 teaspoons chopped fresh dill – earthy and aromatic

For the Vinaigrette Dressing

• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil – smooth and fruity

• ¾ cup apple cider vinegar – tangy with a natural sweetness

• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar – bold and slightly acidic

• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar – to balance the acidity

• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste

How to Make This Cucumber Salad

Step 1: Prep the Veggies

Start by slicing your cucumbers into thin rounds (or half-moons if they’re thick), chopping the tomatoes, and slicing the red onion. Add these to a large mixing bowl along with your chopped basil and dill.

Pro Tip: For a more delicate texture, you can use a mandoline to slice the cucumbers and onions thinly and evenly.

Step 2: Make the Vinaigrette

In a small bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, red wine vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. The two types of vinegar add complexity to the flavor while the sugar rounds everything out.

Step 3: Combine and Toss

Drizzle the vinaigrette over the cucumber mixture and toss gently to coat everything evenly. Let the salad sit for about 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

You don’t need fancy tools for this salad, just a few essentials:

• Large mixing bowl

• Measuring cups and spoons

• Cutting board and sharp knife

• Small bowl or measuring cup (for the dressing)

• Whisk or fork

• Mandoline slicer (optional for perfectly thin cuts)

• Salad tongs or large spoon for tossing

Expert Tips for the Perfect Cucumber Salad

• Use English cucumbers for a milder, seedless crunch. If using regular cucumbers, consider peeling and seeding them.

• Soak the red onions in cold water for 10 minutes before adding if you want a milder flavor.

• Let the salad chill in the fridge for 15–30 minutes before serving for even better flavor infusion.

• Balance the acidity to your liking — add more sugar if it’s too tangy, or a splash of water to mellow it out.

• Tear the basil rather than chopping for a rustic, softer look and flavor release.

Storage Tips: How to Keep It Fresh

Refrigeration

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within 1–2 days as the cucumbers begin to lose their crispness and release moisture over time.

Meal Prep Tip

If making ahead, store the vinaigrette separately and toss with the veggies just before serving. This helps maintain the cucumbers’ crunch.

Not Freezer Friendly

Due to the high water content of the cucumbers and tomatoes, this salad does not freeze well.

Variations & Customization Ideas

Don’t be afraid to get creative with this cucumber salad! Here are some simple ways to make it your own:

Add-Ins

• Feta or goat cheese for creaminess and tang

• Avocado slices for richness

• Chickpeas or white beans for a protein boost

• Olives for a briny twist

• Sweet corn kernels for sweetness and color

Herb Swaps

• Swap basil for mint or parsley for a new flavor profile.

• Add chives or cilantro for a unique herbal twist.

Dressing Tweaks

• Use lemon juice in place of vinegar for a citrusy spin.

• Add a dollop of Dijon mustard for more depth and emulsification.

• Replace sugar with honey or agave syrup for a natural sweetener.

Cucumber Options

• Try Persian cucumbers for an even crunchier bite.

• Spiralize the cucumbers for a fun, noodle-like presentation.

What to Serve with Cucumber Salad

This versatile salad pairs beautifully with a range of dishes. Consider serving it with:

• Grilled chicken, shrimp, or steak – adds freshness to heavier proteins

• Mediterranean dishes – like hummus, falafel, and pita

• Picnic fare – sandwiches, wraps, and cold pasta salads

• Baked salmon or white fish – balances rich, buttery textures

• Crusty bread and wine – especially a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light Rosé

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use regular cucumbers instead of English cucumbers?

Yes, but for best results, peel and seed them as they tend to be more watery and have thicker skins.

Is it okay to make this salad the night before?

Yes, though for optimal texture, store the dressing separately and toss just before serving.

Can I make this salad without red onion?

Absolutely! You can substitute shallots for a milder taste or skip the onion altogether.

What’s the best vinegar substitute if I don’t have red wine vinegar?

You can use white wine vinegar, lemon juice, or simply increase the apple cider vinegar.

Is this salad keto-friendly?

It can be! Just reduce or omit the sugar in the dressing and enjoy it as a low-carb side.

Final Thoughts

This Cucumber Salad Recipe is the definition of effortless elegance. It’s crisp, colorful, and packed with fresh, garden-inspired flavor. Whether you’re preparing it for a backyard barbecue, a weeknight dinner, or a healthy lunch, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to all summer long.

It’s fast. It’s flexible. And it’s absolutely delicious.

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