8 Cucumber Salads You’ll Want To Make Forever

There are few things as refreshing as a crisp, cool cucumber. This humble green vegetable is a staple in salads for a reason: it’s hydrating, has a satisfying crunch, and its mild flavor plays well with a huge variety of ingredients.

But if you’re only adding a few cucumber slices to a bed of lettuce, you’re missing out on a whole world of delicious possibilities.

Cucumber salads can be the star of the show, not just a background player.

From creamy and comforting to tangy and spicy, cucumbers can be transformed into vibrant, exciting dishes that are perfect for any occasion.

They are the ideal side dish for a summer barbecue, a light lunch on a warm day, or a refreshing counterpoint to a rich and heavy meal.

If you’re ready to see just how versatile this vegetable can be, you’re in for a treat.

We’ve gathered 8 cucumber salads you’ll want to make forever, each one simple, flavorful, and incredibly memorable.

Essential Tools for Creating Perfect Cucumber Salads

To unlock the full potential of your cucumbers, having a few key kitchen tools can make all the difference.

The right equipment helps you achieve the perfect cut, mix dressings with ease, and serve your creations beautifully.

Here are some must-have items for mastering these cucumber salad recipes.

• For Perfect Slices: The texture of a cucumber salad often depends on how the cucumber is cut.
  For paper-thin, uniform slices, a mandoline is your best friend. The OXO Good Grips Mandoline Slicer is a safe and easy-to-use option that gives you consistent results every time.
  For creating beautiful ribbons or “noodles,” a spiralizer like the Spiralizer 5-Blade Vegetable Slicer is a fun and effective tool.
  
  
• Dressing and Mixing: A good salad starts with a good dressing.
  The OXO Good Grips Salad Dressing Shaker makes it easy to mix and store homemade vinaigrettes.
  When it comes to tossing your salads, a large mixing bowl is essential to avoid making a mess.
  A Pyrex Glass Mixing Bowl Set provides various sizes and won’t react with acidic ingredients like vinegar or lemon juice.
  
  
• Specialty Tools: For many cucumber salads, especially Asian-inspired ones, getting rid of excess water is key to a crunchy texture.
  A simple Cuisinart Salad Spinner can be used not only for greens but also for giving salted cucumber slices a quick spin.
  A sharp, all-purpose knife like the Victorinox Fibrox Pro Chef’s Knife is also indispensable for dicing onions, chopping herbs, and smashing garlic.
  
  
• Flavorful Ingredients: Elevate your salads with high-quality pantry staples.
  A bottle of good toasted sesame oil, such as Kadoya Pure Sesame Oil, is essential for many Asian cucumber salads.
  For creamy dressings, Fage Total 2% Milkfat Plain Greek Yogurt provides a tangy, protein-rich base.
  Finally, a finishing salt like Maldon Sea Salt Flakes adds a delicate crunch and pure flavor that can take any salad to the next level.

With these tools and staples, you’ll be well on your way to making incredible cucumber salads you’ll want to make forever.

8 Unforgettable Cucumber Salad Recipes

Get ready to fall in love with cucumbers all over again. These eight recipes showcase the amazing versatility of this refreshing vegetable.

1. The Classic Creamy Cucumber and Onion Salad

This is a nostalgic, old-fashioned favorite for a reason. Thinly sliced cucumbers and onions are coated in a simple, creamy dressing that’s both tangy and slightly sweet.

It’s the perfect cooling side dish for potlucks, picnics, and summer barbecues. The key is to let it marinate for a little while so the flavors can meld together.

Ingredients:

• 2 large English cucumbers, thinly sliced
• 1/2 red onion, very thinly sliced
• 1 teaspoon salt (for drawing out water)
• 1 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons white vinegar
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Place the thinly sliced cucumbers and red onion in a colander set over a bowl. Sprinkle with the 1 teaspoon of salt and toss gently. Let it sit for 30-60 minutes. The salt will draw out excess water from the cucumbers, which prevents the final salad from being watery.
2. After 30-60 minutes, gently squeeze the cucumbers and onions to remove as much liquid as possible. You can pat them dry with a paper towel as well.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the sour cream (or Greek yogurt), white vinegar, and sugar until the sugar is dissolved.
4. Stir in the chopped fresh dill.
5. Add the drained cucumbers and onions to the dressing. Toss gently to coat everything evenly.
6. Season with a generous amount of freshly ground black pepper.
7. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld. This salad is best served cold.

2. Tangy Asian Smashed Cucumber Salad

This salad is a flavor explosion. Instead of being neatly sliced, the cucumbers are smashed, which creates rough, craggy surfaces that soak up the savory and tangy dressing beautifully. It’s a popular dish in Chinese cuisine and is incredibly addictive.

Ingredients:

• 2 English or Persian cucumbers
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon sugar or honey
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more, to taste)
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions:

1. Wash the cucumbers. Place one on a cutting board and lay the flat side of a large chef’s knife on top of it. Firmly but carefully, smash the cucumber with the heel of your hand. It should split and break into rough, bite-sized chunks. Repeat with the second cucumber.
2. Place the smashed cucumber pieces in a bowl and toss with 1 teaspoon of salt. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes to draw out water.
3. While the cucumbers sit, prepare the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, and red pepper flakes.
4. Drain all the excess liquid from the cucumbers.
5. Pour the dressing over the smashed cucumbers and toss well to coat.
6. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and serve immediately for the best crunch.

3. Refreshing Cucumber, Tomato, and Feta Salad

A Mediterranean classic, this simple salad is all about fresh, high-quality ingredients.

The combination of crisp cucumber, juicy tomatoes, salty feta, and sharp red onion is timeless. It’s light, healthy, and comes together in minutes.

Ingredients:

• 1 large English cucumber, diced into 1/2-inch chunks
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted
• 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
• For the Dressing: 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large serving bowl, combine the diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, and Kalamata olives.
2. In a small jar or bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, and dried oregano. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss gently to combine.
4. Gently fold in the crumbled feta cheese. Be careful not to over-mix, or the feta will break down too much.
5. Let the salad sit for about 10-15 minutes for the flavors to marry before serving.

4. Spicy Thai Cucumber Salad

This salad packs a punch with the classic Thai flavor profile of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy.

It’s incredibly refreshing and a perfect accompaniment to grilled meats, satay, or spicy curries. The peanuts add a wonderful crunch and richness.

Ingredients:

• 2 medium cucumbers, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup thinly sliced shallots or red onion
• 1-2 red Thai chilies, thinly sliced (adjust to your spice preference)
• 1/4 cup chopped roasted peanuts
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
• For the Dressing: 3 tablespoons rice vinegar, 2 tablespoons fish sauce, 2 tablespoons lime juice, 1 tablespoon sugar

Instructions:

1. In a medium bowl, combine the thinly sliced cucumbers, shallots, and chilies.
2. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, fish sauce, lime juice, and sugar until the sugar is completely dissolved.
3. Pour the dressing over the cucumber mixture and toss well.
4. Let the salad sit for at least 10 minutes.
5. Just before serving, stir in the chopped peanuts and fresh cilantro leaves. This keeps the peanuts crunchy.

5. Cucumber and Watermelon Salad with Mint

This is the ultimate summer salad. The combination of crisp, cool cucumber and sweet, juicy watermelon is unbelievably refreshing.

A hint of fresh mint and a simple lime dressing make the flavors pop. It’s a beautiful, hydrating, and surprisingly delicious pairing.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups cubed seedless watermelon
• 2 cups cubed English cucumber
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta or goat cheese (optional, but recommended)
• 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, roughly chopped or torn
• For the Dressing: Juice of 1 lime, 2 tablespoons olive oil, pinch of salt and black pepper

Instructions:

1. In a large, shallow serving bowl or platter, gently combine the cubed watermelon and cucumber.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Drizzle the dressing over the watermelon and cucumber.
4. Sprinkle the crumbled feta (if using) and the fresh mint leaves over the top.
5. Toss very gently and serve immediately. This salad is best made right before eating to maintain the texture of the watermelon.

6. Japanese Sunomono (Cucumber and Seaweed Salad)

Sunomono is a simple Japanese side dish of foods marinated in a rice vinegar-based dressing.

This version with cucumber and wakame seaweed is light, tangy, and has a wonderful oceanic flavor from the seaweed. It’s a perfect palate cleanser.

Ingredients:

• 1 large Japanese or English cucumber
• 2 tablespoons dried wakame seaweed
• 1 teaspoon salt
• For the Dressing: 1/4 cup rice vinegar, 2 tablespoons sugar, 1/2 teaspoon soy sauce
• Toasted sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions:

1. Rehydrate the wakame seaweed by placing it in a bowl of warm water for 5-10 minutes until it’s soft and expanded. Drain it well and gently squeeze out any excess water.
2. Using a mandoline or a very sharp knife, slice the cucumber as thinly as possible.
3. In a bowl, toss the cucumber slices with 1 teaspoon of salt. Let it stand for 10 minutes, then squeeze out all the excess liquid.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, sugar, and soy sauce until the sugar dissolves.
5. Combine the drained cucumber and wakame in a serving bowl.
6. Pour the dressing over the top and toss to combine.
7. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and serve chilled.

7. Creamy Cucumber and Dill Potato Salad

This recipe combines two cookout classics into one delicious dish. Instead of a heavy, all-mayo dressing, this potato salad uses a lighter blend of Greek yogurt and sour cream, and it’s loaded with crisp, chopped cucumber and fresh dill for a refreshing crunch.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 3/4-inch cubes
• 1 large cucumber, peeled, seeded, and finely diced
• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
• 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
• 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Place the cubed potatoes in a large pot of cold, salted water. Bring to a boil and cook for 10-15 minutes, until the potatoes are tender but not mushy. Drain and let them cool for about 20 minutes.
2. While the potatoes cool, prepare the dressing. In a large bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, sour cream, fresh dill, and white wine vinegar.
3. Add the cooled potatoes, diced cucumber, and finely chopped red onion to the bowl with the dressing.
4. Gently fold everything together until the potatoes and vegetables are evenly coated.
5. Season generously with salt and pepper.
6. Cover and chill for at least an hour before serving to let the flavors develop.

8. Cucumber Ribbon Salad with Lemon and Feta

This salad is as beautiful as it is delicious. Long, thin ribbons of cucumber are tossed in a simple lemon vinaigrette and finished with salty feta and fresh herbs.

The ribbon shape gives the salad a unique, delicate texture that’s elegant and fun to eat.

Ingredients:

• 2 large English cucumbers
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts or sliced almonds
• A handful of fresh mint or parsley leaves
• For the Dressing: 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, juice of 1 lemon, 1 small clove of garlic (minced), salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Create the cucumber ribbons by using a vegetable peeler or a mandoline. Press firmly and peel long, wide strips down the length of the cucumber, rotating the cucumber as you go. Stop when you reach the seedy core.
2. Place the cucumber ribbons in a serving bowl.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, and minced garlic. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Pour the dressing over the cucumber ribbons and toss gently with your hands to coat them without breaking them.
5. Add the crumbled feta, toasted pine nuts, and fresh mint leaves. Toss one last time, very gently.
6. Serve immediately.

A Salad for Every Season

These 8 cucumber salads you’ll want to make forever prove that a simple vegetable can be the foundation for an endless variety of exciting, flavorful dishes.

Whether you’re craving something creamy and comforting or light and zesty, there’s a cucumber salad on this list for you.

So next time you see a cucumber, think beyond the garden salad and try one of these recipes. You might just find your new favorite side dish.

Quick Reference: Product Table

For your convenience, here is a list of the recommended products to help you create these beautiful and delicious cucumber salads.

Product Category	Brand & Product Name	Key Benefit
Mandoline Slicer	OXO Good Grips Mandoline Slicer	For safe, easy, and uniform thin slices
Spiralizer	Spiralizer 5-Blade Vegetable Slicer	Creates fun vegetable ribbons and noodles
Dressing Shaker	OXO Good Grips Salad Dressing Shaker	Easily mix, serve, and store dressings
Mixing Bowls	Pyrex Glass Mixing Bowl Set	Durable, non-reactive bowls for mixing
Salad Spinner	Cuisinart Salad Spinner	Helps dry cucumbers for a crunchier salad
Chef’s Knife	Victorinox Fibrox Pro Chef’s Knife	A versatile, sharp knife for all chopping
Sesame Oil	Kadoya Pure Sesame Oil	Adds authentic, nutty flavor to dressings
Greek Yogurt	Fage Total 2% Milkfat Plain Greek Yogurt	A tangy, high-protein base for creamy dressings
Finishing Salt	Maldon Sea Salt Flakes	Adds clean flavor and a delicate crunch

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