Refreshing cucumber salad

Rachel Webster

Editor

Aug. 18, 2023

1 min read

Rachel Webster grew up in Worcester, Pa., but has called Delmarva home for more than a decade. When she isn't working, she enjoys spending quality time with her husband and two children. Rachel has a ...

Difficulty:

Easy

Servings:

Prep Time:

10 mins

Total Time:

10 mins

Jump to Recipe

Refreshing cucumber salad

A refreshing and healthy side dish perfect for a hot summer day

This simple cucumber salad is light and refreshing and the perfect complement to any main dish. You can find cucumbers in most stores year-round, but they are especially delicious when bought during summer months from your local farmer’s market.

A hydrating treat

Cucumbers have numerous health benefits and can contribute to a healthy diet. They are low in calories, full of nutrients and an excellent source of hydration. They are mostly composed of water, which can help keep your body hydrated, and they are high in fiber, which aids in digestion.

Ingredients

cucumber

red onion

2 tablespoons

olive oil

1 tablespoon

apple cider vinegar

Salt and pepper

to taste

Directions

Wash the cucumbers thoroughly.

Peel the cucumbers and cut them into small, bite-sized pieces.

Finely chop the red onion.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cucumbers and red onion.

Drizzle the olive oil and apple cider vinegar over the top of the mixture and add salt and pepper to taste.

Toss everything together until the vegetables are coated in the dressing.

Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Tips

Choose fresh cucumbers: Look for firm cucumbers with smooth skin and a vibrant green color. Avoid cucumbers that are soft, wrinkled or discolored.
Try different cucumber varieties: While most cucumber varieties work well for salads, you can experiment with different types like English cucumbers, Persian cucumbers, or pickling cucumbers for different flavors and textures. If you go with these thinner-skinned varieties, you can skip peeling the skin if you prefer.
Adjust the dressing: Taste the dressing before adding it to the salad and adjust the flavors according to your preference. If you prefer a tangier salad, increase the amount of apple cider vinegar. For a lighter dressing, reduce the amount of olive oil. Add fresh herbs for more flavor.
Sweeten it up: If you want your cucumber salad on the sweeter side, add 1 ½ teaspoons of sugar.
Use a mandoline slicer: If you prefer thinner cucumber slices, consider using a mandoline slicer for uniform and paper-thin slices.