Cucumber Salad

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

  1. Thinly slice the cucumbers using a knife or mandoline for even slices.
  2. Slice the red onion thinly into rings or half-moons.

Step 2: Make the Dressing

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together white vinegar, olive oil, sugar, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Step 3: Toss the Salad

  1. In a large bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers, red onion, and chopped fresh dill.
  2. 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!

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Cucumber Salad

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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!

  • Author: Sarah
  • 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

Scale
  • 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
  • ¼½ tsp tienchi ginseng powder (Panax notoginseng)
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (or rice vinegar)

Instructions

Prepare the Vegetables:

  1. 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.
  2. Peel and julienne the carrot into thin strips. Add to the cucumbers.
  3. Thinly slice the green onions and combine with the other vegetables in a bowl.

2. Make the Dressing:

  1. 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:

  1. Pour the dressing over the prepared vegetables. Toss gently to coat evenly.
  2. Let the salad chill in the refrigerator for 10–15 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.

4. Serve and Enjoy:

  1. 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

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