This Cucumber Salad is a refreshing and light dish perfect for any meal or gathering. Combining crisp cucumbers, tangy vinegar, and fragrant herbs, it delivers a balance of flavors that’s simple yet delicious. It’s versatile, quick to prepare, and ideal as a side dish or snack.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 15 minutes.
- Healthy and Light: Low in calories, high in freshness.
- Customizable: Add your favorite herbs or toppings.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for barbecues, picnics, or weeknight dinners.

Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- Cucumbers: Crisp and refreshing, the star of the salad.
- Red onion: Adds a sharp, tangy bite.
- Fresh dill: Brings an aromatic herbal note.
Dressing
- White vinegar: For tangy acidity.
- Olive oil: Adds a rich, smooth texture.
- Sugar: Balances the acidity with a touch of sweetness.
- Salt and pepper: Enhances the overall flavors.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
- Thinly slice the cucumbers using a knife or mandoline for even slices.
- Slice the red onion thinly into rings or half-moons.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together white vinegar, olive oil, sugar, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Step 3: Toss the Salad
- In a large bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers, red onion, and chopped fresh dill.
- Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss gently to coat.
Step 4: Chill and Serve
Refrigerate for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve cold as a refreshing side dish.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 80
Total Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 300mg
Carbohydrates: 8g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 3g
Protein: 1g
FAQ
Q1: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
A1: Yes, but it’s best eaten within 24 hours to retain the crispness of the cucumbers.
Q2: What type of cucumber works best?
A2: English cucumbers or Persian cucumbers are ideal for their thin skin and fewer seeds.
Q3: Can I add other vegetables?
A3: Absolutely! Cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, or radishes make great additions.
Q4: What can I use instead of white vinegar?
A4: Apple cider vinegar, rice vinegar, or lemon juice can be substituted for a different flavor profile.
Q5: How do I make this salad low-carb?
A5: Omit the sugar or replace it with a low-carb sweetener like stevia or erythritol.
Q6: Can I use dried dill instead of fresh?
A6: Yes, but use less since dried dill is more concentrated in flavor.
Q7: How long does this salad last in the refrigerator?
A7: Store it in an airtight container for up to 2 days, but it’s best served fresh.
Q8: Can I make this salad creamy?
A8: Add a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream to the dressing for a creamy variation.
Q9: What can I pair this salad with?
A9: Grilled chicken, fish, or a sandwich make great accompaniments to this light salad.
Q10: Can I make it spicy?
A10: Add thinly sliced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Enjoy this refreshing Cucumber Salad, a perfect balance of simplicity and flavor that will brighten any meal!
PrintCucumber Salad
This light and refreshing cucumber salad is packed with metabolism-boosting ingredients that support your weight-loss goals. Perfect as a side dish or snack, it combines the hydrating power of cucumbers, the fiber of carrots, and the health benefits of apple cider vinegar and tienchi ginseng. Enjoy this guilt-free dish as part of your evening routine for a nutritious boost!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 large cucumber
- Salt, to taste
- 1 medium carrot
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp sugar (optional, or use a sugar substitute)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- ½ tsp paprika
- ¼–½ tsp tienchi ginseng powder (Panax notoginseng)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (or rice vinegar)
Instructions
Prepare the Vegetables:
- Slice the cucumber into thin rounds or strips. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and let sit for 10 minutes to draw out excess water. Pat dry with a paper towel.
- Peel and julienne the carrot into thin strips. Add to the cucumbers.
- Thinly slice the green onions and combine with the other vegetables in a bowl.
2. Make the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, sugar, soy sauce, paprika, tienchi ginseng powder, and apple cider vinegar until well combined.
3. Assemble the Salad:
- Pour the dressing over the prepared vegetables. Toss gently to coat evenly.
- Let the salad chill in the refrigerator for 10–15 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
4. Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve the salad cold as a refreshing side dish or light snack.
Notes
- Adjust the salt and vinegar to taste for a perfect balance.
- Tienchi ginseng is optional but enhances the health benefits.
- Add a pinch of chili flakes for a spicy kick.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 45
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg