The Best Homemade Cucumber Salad Recipe

Bright, crisp cucumbers meet zesty dressing in this quick summer salad—discover why it's a refreshing must-have!

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What You’ll Love About This Recipe

This cucumber salad is fresh, crisp, and bursting with flavor—perfect for hot summer days or as a light side dish. You’ll love how quick and easy it is to make, with no cooking required!

  • Refreshing & Light: The cool cucumbers and tangy dressing make every bite crisp and satisfying.
  • Simple Ingredients: Just a handful of pantry staples come together for maximum flavor.
  • Versatile: Pair it with grilled meats, sandwiches, or enjoy it on its own for a healthy snack.

Recipe

light tangy cucumber salad

Fresh, crisp, and invigorating, this Homemade Cucumber Salad is a perfect side dish for any meal. Simple to prepare with minimal ingredients, it’s a light and tangy salad that pairs beautifully with grilled meats or as a standalone snack.

Ingredients:

  • 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
  • 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup white vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (optional)

Instructions:

  1. In a large bowl, combine the cucumber and red onion slices.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together the white vinegar, water, sugar, salt, and black pepper until the sugar dissolves.
  3. Pour the vinegar mixture over the cucumbers and onions, tossing gently to coat evenly.
  4. Sprinkle with fresh dill, if using.
  5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Notes:

For a creamier version, add 2 tablespoons of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the dressing.

Equipment:

Large mixing bowl, small mixing bowl, whisk

Time:

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cooking time: 0 minutes

Cuisine:

American

Serving:

Serves 4

Nutrition

This invigorating cucumber salad is not only easy to make but also packed with essential nutrients. Here’s a breakdown of its nutritional value per serving:

Calories45 kcal
Total Fat0.2 g
Saturated Fat0 g
Cholesterol0 mg
Sodium150 mg
Potassium160 mg
Total Carbohydrate10 g
Dietary Fiber1 g
Sugars7 g
Protein1 g
Vitamin C8 mg
Calcium20 mg
Iron0.5 mg

What To Serve With It

I love pairing my cucumber salad with grilled chicken breast—it’s light but filling, and the flavors just work together. A slice of freshly baked bread on the side makes it feel like a complete meal, especially when the bread’s still warm. Trust me, this combo turns a simple salad into something special.

Grilled Chicken Breast

When it’s time to pair grilled chicken breast with sides, it’s all about balance, flavor, and keeping things simple. I love how its mild taste lets other dishes shine, like a crisp cucumber salad or roasted veggies. A squeeze of lemon or sprinkle of herbs brightens it up, while a tangy sauce adds depth. Sometimes I’ll toss it with quinoa or a light pasta salad for heartier meals. The key? Don’t overcomplicate it—let the chicken’s smoky char be the star. Trust me, when you nail the combo, even a basic weeknight dinner feels special.

Freshly Baked Bread

There’s nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked bread wafting through the kitchen, and it’s even better when you’ve got just the right things to serve with it. I love pairing warm bread with a simple cucumber salad—the cool, crunchy contrast is invigorating. A dollop of creamy butter or a drizzle of olive oil with a pinch of sea salt brings out the bread’s flavor beautifully. For something heartier, I’ll add slices of ripe avocado or a spread of hummus. Dipping it into a bowl of soup or topping it with grilled chicken? Even better. Bread makes every meal feel special.

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