A Refreshing and Crunchy Summer Cucumber Salad with Fresh Herbs and a Light, Tangy Dressing
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My Go-To Refreshing and Crunchy Summer Cucumber Salad
There’s something about summer that makes me crave fresh, crisp, and light dishes. When the temperatures rise, I don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, and this Summer Cucumber Salad is my go-to for a quick, refreshing side. It’s simple, healthy, and packed with flavor—exactly what I need to cool down on a hot day.
This salad takes me right back to my childhood summers in our family garden. Every year, we grew an abundance of cucumbers, tomatoes, and fresh herbs, and there was nothing better than picking them straight from the vine, still warm from the sun. My grandmother would slice up the cucumbers right there, adding just a touch of salt and fresh dill, and we’d eat them before they ever made it to the kitchen. It was the simplest meal but somehow the most delicious.
Now, every time I make this salad, I feel that same sense of warmth and nostalgia. It reminds me of the carefree days of running through the garden barefoot, my hands smelling of fresh dill and cucumbers, and the way summer felt endless. Those moments of eating straight from the garden, laughing with my family at our weathered wooden table, are ones I hold close to my heart.
If you’re a fan of fresh summer flavors, you might also enjoy my Classic Coleslaw Recipe, which is always a hit at summer cookouts. For a sweet twist, my Baked Cinnamon Apples make a perfect summer-to-fall transition dish, bringing warmth and spice to the table while keeping things light and fruity.
Why I Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy – I can throw this together in just 15 minutes.
- Healthy & Light – It’s packed with fresh veggies and a drizzle of olive oil.
- Perfect for Summer – Crisp cucumbers and bright dill make this so refreshing.
- Pairs Well with Everything – I love serving this with grilled meats, seafood, or even on its own as a light snack.
Tools I Use
- Mandoline Slicer – My secret weapon for perfectly even cucumber and onion slices.
- Cutting Board – Essential for prepping fresh ingredients quickly and safely.
- Glass Mixing Bowl – Perfect for tossing everything together and serving right away.
What You’ll Need
- 3 Cucumbers – Cool, crisp, and refreshing. I love using garden-grown or English cucumbers.
- ½ Medium Red Onion – Adds a mild, slightly sweet crunch.
- 1 Cup Fresh Dill – Brings a burst of herby freshness.
- ⅛ tsp Salt – Just enough to enhance the flavors.
- ⅛ tsp Pepper – A little kick to balance the freshness.
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil – Light, heart-healthy, and ties everything together.
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How I Make It
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
- Peel the cucumbers (or leave the skin on for extra crunch) and trim the ends.
- Peel and halve the red onion.
- Finely chop the fresh dill on a cutting board.
Step 2: Slice & Toss
- Using a mandoline slicer, slice the cucumbers into ¼-inch thick rounds into a large glass mixing bowl.
- Slice the red onion 1/16-inch thick and add it to the bowl.
- Sprinkle in the chopped dill, salt, and pepper.
- Drizzle with olive oil and toss everything together until well coated.
Step 3: Serve & Enjoy
- Serve immediately for a crisp, fresh taste.
- Let it sit for 10-15 minutes if you want the flavors to meld together.
How I Store It
- Best Served Fresh – This salad is at its crispiest when eaten right away.
- Short-Term Storage – If I have leftovers, I store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
- Avoid Excess Liquid – Cucumbers release water over time, so I drain any excess liquid before serving again.
What I Love to Serve It With
This Easy Summer Cucumber Salad pairs perfectly with my Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken, adding a refreshing crunch to a flavorful main dish. If I’m in the mood for seafood, I serve it alongside my Garlic Butter Shrimp, which balances out the crispness of the cucumbers with rich, buttery flavors.
This light cucumber salad is incredibly versatile! Here’s how I like to enjoy it:
- Grilled Chicken or Salmon – The cool, crisp cucumbers contrast beautifully with the warm, juicy meat.
- BBQ Favorites – I love serving this with smoky grilled meats for a fresh, tangy contrast.
- Mediterranean Mezze Platter – Pairs well with hummus, pita, and olives for a light, summery meal.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Summer Cucumber Salad is a staple in my summer kitchen. It’s simple, fresh, and packed with flavor. Whether I’m looking for a quick side dish or a light snack, this recipe always hits the spot.
Looking for more refreshing summer recipes?? If you love incorporating apples into your dishes, check out my Homemade Apple Cinnamon Muffins, perfect for a light and fruity treat.
Enjoy and happy summer cooking! ☀️🥒
More Summer Recipes to Try
- Grilled Mexican Street Corn Salad – A flavorful and smoky summer side dish.
- Homemade Pizza on the Grill – A fun and crispy twist on classic pizza.
- Making Infused Water – A refreshing way to stay hydrated all summer.
- Zucchini Cakes with Herb and Sour Cream Spread – A light and delicious summer appetizer.
- Two Ways to Creatively Cut Watermelon – Perfect for serving at summer gatherings.
More summer recipes
Easy Summer Cucumber Salad with Fresh Herbs and Light Dressing
Equipment
Instructions
- First, prepare your produce on a cutting board. Start by peeling the cucumbers, then remove the ends and skin from the onion and cut it in half. Then, finely chop the fresh dill.
- Next, securely position a mandoline slicer over a large glass mixing bowl. Slice the cucumbers ¼ inch thick into the glass mixing bowl.
- Then, slice half of the red onion about 1/16 inch thick, into the bowl.
- Lastly, drop in the chopped dill, salt, and pepper. Then, drizzle with olive oil and toss everything together. Serve and enjoy!
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