How to make a super easy traditional cucumber salad to cool off with this summer!
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It would be so nice to be one of those super organized moms that has it all figured out with her family meals planned out ahead for each day of the week. But for me, between running my food photography business, the chaos of everyday life, and running my daughter to her figure skating practices, it can be really hard to try to plan out all the meals and snacks we will be having at any given time. Not to mention the fact that my husband is a vegetarian and my daughter can sometimes be really picky, preferring only chicken nuggets. Even with a household of diverse food preferences though, I occasionally come across a recipe that’s quick to throw together and that everyone can eagerly devour, like this easy Summer Cucumber Salad!
![Easter charcuterie board](https://arinaphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/20210318-DSC01083-300x200.jpg)
When I tell you that this recipe is a lifesaver I mean it wholeheartedly! Because this recipe is so simple in both ingredients and preparation, it is perfect for any night of the week or any occasion. This recipe makes it so much easier to serve my family a quick and healthy side dish or snack that actually helps them beat the summer heat at the same time. Whatever the occasion, this traditional cucumber salad is the quickest and easiest way to serve up a snack that packs just the right amount of deliciousness into a healthy summer dish.
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To make an easy traditional cucumber salad all you need is a few cucumbers, a red onion, fresh dill, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Just thinly slice all the produce into a large mixing bowl, then add salt and pepper, and toss everything together with the olive oil.
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Tools for Slicing Up Summer Snacks
This traditional cucumber salad recipe truly is one of the most incredibly easy recipes to make, even using just the basic kitchen tools. However, I do have one tool that makes this whole process even easier and quicker: my mandoline slicer! This slicer has adjustable sizes and allows me to make uniform cuts in all of the fresh produce, easily making this summer dish picture perfect every time!
All kitchen tools needed for this project:
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Ingredients as Cool as a Cucumber
Now you only need a few basic ingredients to make the magic happen in this delectable summer recipe.
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How to Make an Easy Summer Cucumber Salad
Ready for the easiest healthy summer side dish recipe of your life?! I know you’ve got dinner to make and hungry bellies to feed so let’s get down to business.
- 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!
![](https://arinaphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/54-20210601-DSC09697-683x1024.jpg)
More summer recipes
Storing Cucumber Salad
If your family doesn’t devour every bit of this, or you just happened to make a big batch, and you have some of this deliciously healthy snack leftover, you can plan to enjoy it another day!
- Just transfer the homemade cucumber salad to an airtight container and store in the fridge.
- This healthy summer snack will stay good for 3 – 4 days.
![](https://arinaphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/54-20210601-DSC09741-1024x683.jpg)
Serving Up Summer Fun
When you really start to think about it, it is clear to see that this ridiculously easy recipe is going to be a huge lifesaver for you and your family this summer! Since this cucumber salad can be sliced and tossed together within just a few minutes it’s perfect for feeding your family healthy food in a snap and on a budget. Plus, it’s so easy that you can easily whip this up to add diversity to your food table and impress your guests at gatherings, cookouts, or parties.
Serve this healthy summer recipe to cool off at events such as:
- Pool party
- Baby shower
- Wedding shower
- Family cookout
- Summer birthday parties
- Spring and Summer holidays such as:
- Easter
- Memorial Day
- 4th of July
- Mother’s Day/ Father’s Day
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For even more summer fun, serve cucumber salad with:
- Fruit- Infused Water
- July 4th Charcuterie Board
- Watermelon Bites Dipped in Chocolate
- Watermelon Popsicles with Chocolate Drizzle
- Fruit and Vegetable Board
Make it a perfect cookout with other grilled favorites like:
For a quick and easy family dinner at any time, serve alongside:
![](https://arinaphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/54-20210601-DSC09765-1024x683.jpg)
Summer Cucumber Salad
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!
Video
Food photography props used in this photoshoot
Some of the props might no longer be available in stores. I selected props as close as possible to match those items.
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#foodstyling #foodphotography #foodvideography #summerfood #salad #vegetarian #cucumber #cucumbersalad
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![Summer Cucumber Salad](https://arinaphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/IMG_3929.jpg)
![Summer Cucumber Salad](https://arinaphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/IMG_3927.jpg)
![Summer Cucumber Salad](https://arinaphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/IMG_3931.jpg)
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