Classic Cucumber Salad: The Ultimate Summer Side

A tangy vinegar dressing brings cooling crunch and zesty flavor to every outdoor meal.

By Medha deb

Created on Sep 17, 2025

A tangy vinegar dressing brings cooling crunch and zesty flavor to every outdoor meal.

If you’re searching for the quintessential summer salad, look no further than this cool, tangy cucumber salad. Whether you’re entertaining guests at a cookout, need an easy weekday side, or simply want a refreshing, healthy bite, this cucumber salad delivers with vibrant crunch and effortless preparation. Follow along for everything you need to know—from choosing the right cucumbers to expert slicing tips, healthy benefits, and serving suggestions that keep your summer menu fresh and lively.

Why Cucumber Salad is the Perfect Summer Dish

Few dishes capture the essence of summer like a chilled, zesty cucumber salad. With minimal ingredients and nearly zero cook time, this classic side is beloved for its:

Crunchy texture and bright flavors that complement grilled mains.
Hydrating, cooling qualities, perfect for hot weather.
Quick preparation—just toss, rest, and serve.
No mayo or dairy, making it ideal for outdoor gatherings where spoilage is a concern.

What’s in a Classic Cucumber Salad?

This recipe exemplifies the vinegar-based style, balancing tart and sweet accents with fresh herbs. Unlike creamy cucumber salads—often made with mayonnaise, sour cream, or yogurt—this version uses a simple, vibrant vinaigrette that won’t weigh you down or wilt in the sun.

Key ingredients include:

Cucumbers: Seedless varieties like English or Persian cucumbers are ideal for their crisp bite and tender skin.
Red onion: Adds punchy flavor and beautiful color; slice thinly for the best texture.
Apple cider vinegar: Delivers a pleasant tang that brightens the dish.
Granulated sugar: Balances acidity for a subtle sweet note.
Kosher salt and black pepper: Season and enhance all the flavors.
Fresh herbs: Dill or chives provide classic aroma and color just before serving.

Recipe Ingredients

Ingredient	Amount
Cucumbers (English or Persian, thinly sliced)	2 lb.
Red onion (thinly sliced)	1 small
Apple cider vinegar	5 Tbsp.
Granulated sugar	1 Tbsp.
Kosher salt	4 tsp.
Ground black pepper	1/2 tsp.
Fresh dill or chives, chopped	2 Tbsp.

How to Make Cucumber Salad: Step-by-Step Directions

Prepare the vegetables: Thinly slice the cucumbers and red onion. Use a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer for uniform, paper-thin slices that absorb the dressing best.
Toss with the vinaigrette: In a medium bowl, combine cucumbers, onion, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. Toss gently to ensure all slices are coated with the dressing.
Let it rest: Allow the mixture to stand at room temperature for 30 minutes. This gives the flavors time to meld and the cucumbers to soften just enough without losing their crunch.
Add herbs and serve: Right before serving, stir in the fresh dill or chives. This keeps the herbs vibrant and aromatic.

Tip: This salad can be made a day ahead. Refrigerate the base without herbs, then stir in the fresh herbs just before serving for maximum color and flavor.

Choosing the Best Cucumbers

Not all cucumbers are created equal for salad. For the crispest bite and minimal bitterness, seek out:

English cucumbers: Long, slender, and nearly seedless, these have tender, thin skins and a sweeter flavor.
Persian cucumbers: Smaller, also seedless, and with a delicate skin that’s easy to eat unpeeled.
Homegrown/garden cucumbers: If using backyard or standard cucumbers, peel away any thick or bitter skin and scoop out large seeds for the best texture and taste.

Peeling and Slicing Tips

You can leave the peel on for a burst of color and extra nutrition if the skin is thin and smooth.
If using thicker-skinned varieties, partially or fully peel them to avoid bitterness.
Slicing very thinly (with a knife or mandoline) helps the cucumbers quickly absorb the dressing and softens their texture just the right amount.

Is Cucumber Salad Healthy?

Absolutely. Cucumber salad is light, low in calories, and high in water content, which helps with hydration and keeping meals refreshing in the summer heat. The vinegar-based dressing means fewer calories compared to mayo-based salads, and using fresh herbs adds nutrients without fat or sugar.

Make-Ahead and Storage Advice

Make in advance: Prepare up to a day ahead, but stir in herbs only just before serving to preserve freshness and color.
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 24 hours for optimal crunch and flavor.
Leftovers may become watery, but a quick toss before serving helps redistribute the dressing.

Flavor Variations and Additions

Spicy kick: Add thinly sliced fresh jalapeño or a pinch of crushed red pepper for gentle heat.
Herb swap: Try fresh mint, parsley, or basil in place of or in addition to dill or chives.
Add tomatoes: Halved grape or cherry tomatoes lend juiciness and bright color.
For a heartier salad: Toss in thinly sliced radishes or bell peppers for extra crunch and flavor.
Try garlic: A minced clove in the dressing infuses mellow sharpness.

Serving Suggestions

This salad is famously versatile! Pair it with:

Hot-off-the-grill meats like chicken, burgers, hot dogs, or steaks.
Barbecue favorites, picnic spreads, or potluck tables.
Sandwiches or fried foods as a cooling counterpoint.
Any time you crave a crisp, palate-cleansing side!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What’s the difference between creamy and vinegar-based cucumber salad?

Creamy versions use a base of mayonnaise, sour cream, or yogurt for a richer flavor, while vinegar-based salads highlight a sharper, tangy taste and tend to be lighter and more refreshing—making them ideal for heat and outdoor gatherings.

Can I use regular cucumbers?

Yes, but it’s best to peel standard cucumbers and remove large seeds for best results. English and Persian cucumbers are recommended for their tender skin and sweeter flavor.

How thin should I slice the cucumbers?

Very thin! Uniform slices—ideally about 1/8 inch or thinner—absorb the dressing better and create the perfect crisp-yet-tender bite. A mandoline slicer is helpful for consistency but a sharp knife works well, too.

How do I keep the salad from turning watery?

Cucumbers naturally release water when salted and dressed. Make and serve the salad within a few hours for optimal crunch. If made ahead, toss before serving to reintegrate the dressing. For less liquid, briefly drain before serving or use paper towels to pat the cucumbers dry before mixing.

Can I make the salad ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the base up to one day prior, but wait to add the fresh herbs until just before serving to keep the flavors and colors bright.

Is this cucumber salad gluten-free or vegan?

Yes, this basic version contains no gluten or animal products—making it suitable for many diets.

Expert Tips for the Best Cucumber Salad

Mix gently—overhandling can bruise delicate slices and lead to mushiness.
If you prefer extra crunch, chill the cucumbers before slicing.
Use a glass or ceramic bowl for marinating to avoid reacting with the vinegar.

Quick Nutrition Snapshot

Per Serving	Amount
Calories	38
Total Fat	0g
Sodium	730mg
Carbohydrates	9g
Protein	1g
Fiber	1g

Storage & Leftovers

Refrigerate the salad promptly in a sealed container.
Consume within 24-36 hours for best flavor and texture.
If liquid accumulates, simply drain or give it a fresh toss before serving.

Try More Summer Sides

Easy No-Cook Tailgate Recipes
30-Minute Air Fryer Cauliflower
Creamy Potato Salad
Zesty Pickle Recipes
Southern Fried Corn
Pesto Pasta Variations

Conclusion

This vinegar-based cucumber salad is a go-to for anyone who loves light, crisp, and tangy flavors. With just a handful of ingredients and a few simple steps, you get a healthy and satisfying side that highlights the bounty of summer. From family barbecues to spontaneous picnics, a big bowl of cucumber salad always brings a taste of freshness and fun to the table.

References

Author

medha deb

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

Read full bio of medha deb