Cucumber Salad Recipe
Cucumber salad is a refreshing dish that is quick and easy to prepare, perfect for summer gatherings or as a side to various meals. Below is a comprehensive recipe featuring different variations, ensuring you can choose one that best fits your taste preferences.
Basic Cucumber Salad Recipe
Ingredients:
- 4 cucumbers, thinly sliced (English cucumbers are preferred for their tender skin and smaller seeds)
- 1 small white onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup white vinegar
- ¾ cup white sugar
- ½ cup water
- 1 tablespoon salt
- Fresh dill (or other herbs like chives or scallions for garnish)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Vegetables: Begin by slicing the cucumbers and onions thinly. A mandoline slicer is recommended for uniformity, but a sharp knife will work as well.
- Make the Dressing: In a saucepan, combine the white vinegar, sugar, water, and salt. Heat over medium until the sugar dissolves, then bring to a boil.
- Combine: Place the sliced cucumbers and onions in a bowl and pour the hot vinegar mixture over them. Stir to combine.
- Chill: Let the salad marinate in the refrigerator for at least an hour. This allows the flavors to meld and the cucumbers to soften slightly.
- Serve: Before serving, garnish with fresh dill or your choice of herbs. Enjoy your salad chilled for the best taste.
Variations
- Creamy Cucumber Salad: Incorporate mayonnaise or Greek yogurt into the dressing for a creamy texture. Mix equal parts Greek yogurt and vinegar while adding chopped fresh dill, garlic, and salt for flavor1(https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/238423/dads-creamy-cucumber-salad/).
- Asian-Inspired Salad: Use rice vinegar instead of white vinegar and add sesame oil, soy sauce, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Include sliced radishes for a bit of crunch and color2(https://rachlmansfield.com/the-viral-cucumber-salad/).
- Viral Cucumber Salad (TikTok Style): Thinly slice cucumbers using a mandoline, then shake together with Greek yogurt, lemon juice, coconut aminos, and toasted sesame oil in a jar for an easy mix. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes for the flavors to develop3(https://www.buzzfeed.com/claudiasantos/cucumber-salad-tiktok-recipe).
- Quick Pickled Cucumber Salad: For a tangy option, combine cucumbers with apple cider vinegar, sugar, and salt. Allow the mixture to sit for 15-30 minutes for a quick pickle effect4(https://www.thekitchn.com/tangy-cucumber-salad-recipe-243623).

Tips for Best Results
- Choosing Cucumbers: English cucumbers are preferred for their thin skin and fewer seeds. If using regular cucumbers, peel them if desired.
- Preventing Sogginess: To avoid watery salad, sprinkle salt on the cucumber slices and let them sit for 20 minutes before adding them to the dressing. This draws out excess moisture5(https://www.loveandlemons.com/cucumber-salad/).
- Make-Ahead: Cucumber salad can be made ahead of time and stored for up to three days but is best enjoyed fresh6(https://www.simplyrecipes.com/five-minute-cucumber-salad-recipe-8670459).
This cucumber salad recipe is not only versatile but also an excellent way to enjoy seasonal produce. Whether you go for a classic or a trendy version, you can’t go wrong with this refreshing dish.
