What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This homemade cucumber salad recipe is perfect for anyone looking for a fresh, easy-to-make dish that’s packed with flavor. It’s quick to prepare and uses simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.
- You’ll love how invigorating and light it is, making it a great side dish for summer meals or BBQs.
- The combination of crisp cucumbers, tangy vinegar, and a hint of sweetness creates a balanced flavor that’s hard to resist.
- It’s super versatile—you can customize it with your favorite herbs or add-ins for a personal touch.
Recipe
Revitalizing and simple, this homemade cucumber salad is a perfect side dish for any meal. Its crisp texture and tangy flavor make it a favorite during warm weather or alongside rich main courses.
Ingredients:
4 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:
- In a large bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers and red onion.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the white vinegar, water, sugar, salt, and black pepper until the sugar dissolves.
- Pour the vinegar mixture over the cucumbers and onions, tossing gently to coat evenly.
- Sprinkle fresh dill on top if desired.
- 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. Adjust the amount of sugar and vinegar to suit your taste preferences.
Equipment:
Large mixing bowl
Small mixing bowl
Whisk
Cutting board
Knife
Time:
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 0 minutes
Cuisine:
American
Serving:
Serves 4–6 as a side dish
Nutrition
This cucumber salad is invigorating and low in calories, making it a healthy side dish. Below is the nutritional information per serving.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 45 |
| Total Fat | 0.2g |
| Sodium | 150mg |
| Total Carbs | 11g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1g |
| Sugars | 8g |
| Protein | 1g |
| Vitamin C | 8% DV |
| Calcium | 2% DV |
| Iron | 2% DV |
What To Serve With It
I love pairing my homemade cucumber salad with grilled chicken—it’s light, fresh, and balances the smoky flavors perfectly. If I’m craving something heartier, I’ll whip up a simple pasta dish on the side, like garlic butter noodles or a lemony orzo. The crispness of the salad adds a revitalizing contrast to these meals.
Grilled Chicken Pairing
When I’m grilling chicken, I always think about sides that can balance its smoky flavor without stealing the spotlight. My go-to is this homemade cucumber salad—its crisp, invigorating taste cuts through the richness of the chicken perfectly. I love how the tangy dressing enhances the meal without being too heavy. Sometimes, I’ll add a sprinkle of fresh dill or a hint of garlic for extra depth. It’s light, quick to make, and complements the chicken’s charred edges beautifully. Trust me, pairing these two feels like a summer evening on a plate—simple, satisfying, and full of flavor.
Pasta Side Dishes
Pasta’s versatility means you can pair it with almost anything, but finding the perfect side dish can turn a simple meal into something special. When I’m serving pasta, I love adding a fresh homemade cucumber salad—it’s light, crunchy, and balances the richness of noodles. If I’m making creamy Alfredo, I’ll toss cucumbers with a tangy vinaigrette for contrast. For tomato-based sauces, I add herbs like dill or mint to the salad for extra flavor. It’s quick, invigorating, and cuts through heavy dishes. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies without feeling like I’m eating just greens.
