Hey there, food lovers! Are you looking for a refreshing and easy dish to add to your summer menu? Look no further than this delightful cucumber salad recipe!
Perfect for busy families or anyone who loves a quick, tasty side dish, this salad is a breeze to make and bursting with flavor.
Whether you’re hosting a BBQ, packing a picnic, or just want something light and healthy for dinner, this cucumber salad recipe is sure to be a hit.
With its crisp cucumbers, tangy dressing, and fresh herbs, it’s the perfect way to cool down on a hot day. Plus, it’s so simple that even novice cooks can whip it up in no time.
So, let’s dive into this easy and delicious cucumber salad recipe that everyone will love!
Recipe Overview
| Course | Side Dish |
|---|---|
| Cuisine | American |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Servings | 6 |
| Preparation Time | 10 minutes |
| Chilling Time | 20 minutes |
| Total Time | 30 minutes |
| Calories | Approximately 30 kcal per serving |
This cucumber salad recipe is designed to be quick and easy, making it ideal for those hectic weeknights or last-minute gatherings. It’s a light, refreshing side that complements a wide range of dishes, from grilled meats to sandwiches.
Equipment Needed
To whip up this cucumber salad recipe, you’ll need just a few basic kitchen tools:
- Large mixing bowl
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring spoons
- Serving bowl
No fancy equipment is required, which makes this recipe accessible to everyone, whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out in the kitchen.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this refreshing cucumber salad recipe:
- 2 large English cucumbers (or 6 Persian cucumbers), thinly sliced
- 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup white wine vinegar (rice vinegar can be substituted)
- 1 tablespoon honey (or agave nectar for a vegan option)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped (optional)
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Variations:
- Creamy Version: Add 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt to the dressing for a richer texture.
- Spicy Kick: Include a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of chili oil for some heat.
- Herb Swap: Try fresh basil or mint instead of dill for a different flavor profile.
These ingredients are easy to find at most grocery stores, and you can adjust the quantities based on how many people you’re serving.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making this cucumber salad recipe is as easy as it gets. Follow these steps for a crisp, flavorful salad:
- Prepare the Cucumbers: If using English or Persian cucumbers, there’s no need to peel them—they have thin skins and few seeds. If using regular cucumbers, peel them and scoop out the seeds with a spoon to reduce wateriness. This step ensures your salad stays crisp.
- Slice the Vegetables: Thinly slice the cucumbers and red onion. A sharp knife works great, but if you have a mandoline, it can help create even slices for a professional look.
- Make the Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, combine the white wine vinegar, honey, and salt. Stir until the honey and salt are fully dissolved. The dressing should be tangy with a hint of sweetness.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the sliced cucumbers and red onion to the bowl with the dressing. Toss everything together to ensure the vegetables are well coated.
- Chill the Salad: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes. This step is crucial—it allows the flavors to meld and helps draw out excess water from the cucumbers, keeping the salad from getting soggy.
- Drain Excess Water: After chilling, use a slotted spoon to transfer the cucumber mixture to a serving bowl, leaving behind any excess liquid that has accumulated at the bottom of the bowl. This keeps the salad crisp.
- Add Herbs: Just before serving, sprinkle the chopped fresh dill and chives (if using) over the salad. Give it a gentle toss to distribute the herbs evenly.
- Season and Serve: Grind some fresh black pepper over the top and serve immediately. Your cucumber salad recipe is ready to enjoy!
This process takes about 30 minutes from start to finish, including chilling time, and results in a salad that’s both refreshing and flavorful. The chilling step is key to preventing a watery salad, so don’t skip it!
Ideas for Serving
This cucumber salad recipe is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of dishes. Here are some serving ideas to inspire you:
- With Grilled Meats: Serve alongside grilled chicken, steak, or fish for a refreshing contrast to smoky flavors.
- With Sandwiches: Pair it with sandwiches like a chickpea salad sandwich or a classic turkey club for a light lunch.
- At Picnics: Add it to your picnic spread alongside other salads like pasta salad or couscous salad.
- As a Burger Topping: Use it as a topping for burgers or hot dogs for a cool, crunchy contrast.
- On a Salad Platter: Combine with tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese for a Mediterranean-inspired salad platter.
This salad is perfect for summer BBQs, potlucks, or even as a quick side for a weeknight dinner. It’s a crowd-pleaser that complements almost any meal.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 30 kcal |
| Protein | 1 g |
| Fat | 0 g |
| Carbohydrates | 7 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
This cucumber salad recipe is a nutritional win, with only 30 calories per serving, making it a great choice for those watching their calorie intake.
Cucumbers are incredibly hydrating, with high water content, and they’re a good source of vitamin K and antioxidants.
The red onion adds a touch of sharpness and some extra fiber, while the herbs like dill and chives bring in additional vitamins and a burst of flavor.
The dressing, made with vinegar and a touch of honey, keeps the salad light and low in fat. It’s a guilt-free way to enjoy something fresh and delicious, perfect for pairing with heavier dishes like BBQ meats.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To ensure your cucumber salad recipe turns out perfectly, steer clear of these common mistakes:
- Not Salting the Cucumbers: Salting helps draw out excess water, keeping the salad from getting too watery. Don’t skip this step!
- Skipping the Chilling Step: Chilling allows the flavors to develop and the cucumbers to release their water, improving the texture. It’s worth the extra 20 minutes.
- Using Too Much Dressing: A little goes a long way with this salad. Too much dressing can make it soggy and overpower the fresh flavors.
- Not Draining the Excess Liquid: After chilling, make sure to drain off the excess water to keep the salad crisp and not watery.
By avoiding these pitfalls, you’ll end up with a perfectly balanced and refreshing salad every time.
History of the Recipe
Cucumber salads have been a staple in many cultures for centuries, valued for their refreshing and hydrating properties.
In the United States, cucumber salad recipes became popular in the early 20th century as a simple and economical way to use fresh produce.
The classic American cucumber salad recipe typically features thinly sliced cucumbers dressed with vinegar, sugar, and sometimes cream or sour cream. Over time, variations have emerged, incorporating different herbs, spices, and dressings to suit various tastes.
This particular cucumber salad recipe draws on the traditional American style but adds a modern twist with the inclusion of fresh dill and chives, giving it a more vibrant and flavorful profile.
Dill, in particular, brings a slight pickle-like tang, reminiscent of classic deli salads, while chives add a subtle oniony kick.
The use of vinegar and honey in the dressing is a nod to the sweet-and-tangy flavor balance that’s so beloved in American cuisine.
Whether you’re serving it at a family BBQ or enjoying it as a quick weeknight side, this cucumber salad recipe is a timeless favorite that’s stood the test of time.
Conclusion
There you have it, folks—a simple, delicious, and versatile cucumber salad recipe that’s perfect for any occasion.
Whether you’re looking for a quick side dish for dinner or something to bring to a potluck, this salad is sure to impress. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and just what you need to beat the summer heat.
Plus, it’s healthy, budget-friendly, and can be customized to suit your tastes. So, why not give this cucumber salad recipe a try? I promise you’ll be making it again and again.
Don’t forget to share your experiences and any variations you come up with in the comments below. Happy cooking!
FAQs
- Can I use regular cucumbers instead of English or Persian cucumbers?
Yes, you can use regular cucumbers, but be sure to peel them and scoop out the seeds to reduce wateriness. English and Persian cucumbers are preferred because they’re less watery and have thinner skins. - How long can I store this cucumber salad?
This salad is best enjoyed on the day it’s made, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just note that it might lose some of its crispness over time. - Can I make this salad ahead of time?
You can prepare the salad up to a few hours ahead, but it’s best to add the herbs just before serving to keep them fresh and vibrant. - Is there a way to make this salad vegan?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the honey with agave nectar or another plant-based sweetener like maple syrup. - Can I add other vegetables to this salad?
Yes, feel free to add other veggies like tomatoes, bell peppers, or radishes for extra color and flavor. Just be mindful of adding too much moisture, which could make the salad soggy. - What if I don’t have fresh dill or chives?
You can use dried dill, but fresh is best for flavor. If you don’t have chives, you can omit them or substitute with green onions for a similar oniony kick. - How can I prevent the salad from getting soggy?
Make sure to chill the salad after dressing it, then drain off any excess liquid before serving. Also, avoid adding too much dressing—start with a little and adjust to taste.
