Cucumber Salad Recipe

 

🥒 Cucumber Salad Recipe: Refreshing, Healthy, and Incredibly Versatile

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Introduction: The Humble Cucumber Salad

Light. Crisp. Cool. There’s hardly anything more refreshing on a warm day than a bowl of cucumber salad. But this dish is more than just sliced cucumbers and a bit of salt. Across the globe, cucumber salads have been elevated with herbs, spices, vinegars, oils, yogurt, and even fruit—turning this humble ingredient into a variety of delicious and healthy meals.

Whether you’re preparing a light side for your summer BBQ, a cooling dish to balance a spicy curry, or a detoxifying lunch after a weekend of indulgence, cucumber salad is simple, affordable, and endlessly customizable.

This recipe walks you through everything you need to know: the health benefits of cucumbers, the cultural variations of cucumber salad, and a classic cucumber salad recipe with easy variations to suit every taste.

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Why Cucumber Salad? The Health and History

Cucumber salad has been around for centuries and appears in the cuisines of countries as varied as India, Thailand, Turkey, Korea, Germany, and the U.S. Its global popularity is largely due to the availability, affordability, and cooling nature of cucumbers—which are made of over 95% water!

🩺 Health Benefits of Cucumbers

1. Hydration Hero: Cucumbers are 95–96% water, making them an excellent food to stay hydrated.

2. Low in Calories: Perfect for weight loss or low-calorie diets.

3. Rich in Antioxidants: Contains compounds like cucurbitacin, lignans, and flavonoids that fight inflammation.

4. Supports Skin Health: High water content + silica helps in keeping your skin soft and radiant.

5. Aids Digestion: Fiber-rich (especially with peel on) and helps cleanse the digestive tract.

6. Regulates Blood Sugar: Studies show cucumbers may help lower blood sugar levels.

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Classic Cucumber Salad Recipe (Serves 4)

This is a classic vinaigrette-based cucumber salad, ideal as a side dish or even a light main for hot days. It’s crisp, tangy, a little sweet, and can be made in under 15 minutes.

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🧂 Ingredients

🥒 For the Salad:

• 2 large cucumbers (English or Persian cucumbers are best; or 4 small ones)

• ½ red onion, thinly sliced

• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tsp dried dill)

• Salt, to taste

🧴 For the Dressing:

• 3 tablespoons white wine vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 1 clove garlic, minced (optional for extra flavor)

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🥣 Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cucumbers

Wash the cucumbers thoroughly. You can peel them fully, partially (striped), or leave the skin on depending on your preference. Slice the cucumbers thinly, about ⅛-inch thick. A mandolin slicer can help get uniform slices.

💡 Tip: If your cucumbers have large seeds, consider removing them to avoid excess moisture and bitterness.

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Step 2: Salt and Rest

Place the sliced cucumbers in a colander or bowl. Sprinkle ½ teaspoon of salt, toss, and let them sit for 10–15 minutes. This draws out excess water, keeping the salad crisp.

After resting, drain the liquid and gently pat the cucumbers dry with a clean towel or paper towel.

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Step 3: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl or jar, combine:

• Vinegar

• Olive oil

• Sugar

• Pepper

• Garlic (if using)

• A pinch of salt

Whisk or shake until well combined.

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Step 4: Assemble the Salad

In a mixing bowl, combine the cucumbers, thinly sliced red onion, and dill. Pour the dressing over and toss gently until everything is coated.

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

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Step 5: Chill and Serve

Let the salad rest in the fridge for 15–30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld. Garnish with extra dill or a sprinkle of chili flakes for a twist.

Serve cold and enjoy!

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Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~80

• Protein: 1g

• Carbohydrates: 6g

• Fat: 5g

• Fiber: 1g

• Sugar: 3g

• Sodium: Varies depending on salt used

This salad is naturally vegan, gluten-free, and low-carb.

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Popular Variations Around the World

This salad is loved globally—here’s how different cultures add their own twist:

🇩🇪 German Cucumber Salad (Gurkensalat)

• Often uses sour cream or yogurt

• Includes dill, vinegar, and onions

• Sweet-sour flavor with white sugar

🇹🇭 Thai Cucumber Salad

• Rice vinegar, sugar, chili flakes, fish sauce

• Topped with crushed peanuts and cilantro

• Sweet, sour, salty, and spicy

🇰🇷 Korean Cucumber Salad (Oi Muchim)

• Sesame oil, soy sauce, gochugaru (Korean chili flakes), garlic

• Strong umami and spicy flavors

🇮🇳 Indian Kachumber Salad

• Chopped cucumber, onion, tomato

• Dressed with lemon juice, salt, pepper, and chaat masala

• Often includes green chili and cilantro

🇹🇷 Turkish Cacık (Yogurt-Cucumber Dip)

• Chopped cucumber with yogurt, garlic, mint

• Similar to Greek tzatziki

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Ingredient Deep Dive

🥒 Cucumber Tips:

• Use English or Persian cucumbers for fewer seeds and less bitterness.

• If using regular garden cucumbers, peel and de-seed for best results.

🧅 Red Onion:

• Adds sharpness and color contrast.

• Soak sliced onions in cold water for 10 minutes to reduce pungency.

🧄 Garlic (Optional):

• Adds a nice kick to the dressing. Can be omitted for a milder taste.

🍋 Vinegar Choices:

• White wine vinegar: Clean and slightly fruity.

• Apple cider vinegar: A bit sweeter.

• Rice vinegar: Milder, ideal for Asian twists.

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Customization Ideas

Here are a few ways to adapt this salad depending on what’s in your pantry or your dietary needs:

🧊 Creamy Cucumber Salad

• Replace vinegar with sour cream, Greek yogurt, or vegan mayo

• Add a pinch of sugar and garlic

• Stir in chopped chives or green onions

🌿 Herb Boost

• Add fresh parsley, basil, mint, or cilantro

• Herbs bring brightness and complexity

🥑 Cucumber-Avocado Salad

• Mix in chopped avocado, lime juice, and cilantro for a creamy, cooling salad

🍅 Mediterranean Mix

• Add cherry tomatoes, crumbled feta, and olives

• Swap dill for oregano or mint

🧀 Feta & Lemon Zest Version

• Add crumbled feta and grated lemon zest

• A lovely mix of salty and citrusy flavors

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Serving Suggestions

• As a side dish with grilled meats, fish, or veggie burgers

• Tucked into wraps, pitas, or sandwiches

• On a mezze platter with hummus, olives, and bread

• With rice and lentils for a light vegan meal

• As a cooling contrast to spicy dishes like curry or barbecue

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How to Store

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days

• Over time, cucumbers may release water and become soggy, so it's best eaten fresh

• To keep it crisp longer, store the dressing separately and toss before serving

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FAQs – Common Questions Answered

❓Can I make cucumber salad ahead of time?

Yes, but it’s best to make it no more than a few hours ahead. You can prep the ingredients in advance and toss them just before serving.

❓Can I use other types of vinegar?

Absolutely! Balsamic adds sweetness, red wine vinegar adds richness, and rice vinegar is great for a milder taste.

❓How do I prevent it from becoming watery?

Salting and draining the cucumbers before mixing is key. Also, don’t overdress.

❓Is it okay to leave the skin on?

Yes! Especially with English or Persian cucumbers. The skin adds nutrients and crunch. If you prefer a softer bite, peel them partially or completely.

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Final Thoughts: Why You’ll Love This Salad

Cucumber salad may seem simple, but when done right