This easy cucumber salad recipe is a light summer side dish that comes together in no time. With just a few simple ingredients, you’ve got a healthy, refreshing accompaniment to a variety of main courses. This salad works especially well alongside grilled entrees like chicken and assorted skewers. You can also jazz it up with additional ingredients like tomatoes and avocados!
With spring quickly approaching, I’ve got BBQ and potluck recipes on my mind (I’m especially craving this greek pasta salad from last year). While main courses and desserts get most of the attention when planning for spring and summer gatherings, quick and easy side dishes shouldn’t be overlooked.
This cucumber salad recipe is so easy, and it comes together in less than 10 minutes. It can be left very basic, or you can jazz it up with additional vegetables (I’ve got some variation suggestions below). I have a feeling we’ll be snacking on this throughout the warmer months, because it goes so well with so many dishes.
recipe Ingredients
For this easy salad recipe, you’ll need the following basic ingredients:
- Sherry vinegar
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Granulated sugar
- Kosher salt
- Black pepper
- English cucumbers
- Fresh chives
How to Make Cucumber Salad
Thinly slice the cucumbers and finely dice the chives, and place in a large bowl. Then, whisk together the salad dressing in a liquid measuring cup. Toss the cucumbers and chives with the dressing to evenly coat the veggies.
Let the salad chill for a few minutes in the fridge before serving (this gives the flavors time to mingle). This cucumber salad will keep in the fridge for up to three days, but it’s best enjoyed fresh.
Salad Variations
If you want to jazz up this salad with additional flavors, here are some great options to consider:
- Cucumber Tomato Salad: add 2-3 cups cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- Cucumber Avocado Salad: add 2 firm but ripe avocados, peeled, pitted and diced
- Creamy Cucumber Salad: Whisk 1-2 tablespoons sour cream into the salad dressing before mixing with the cucumbers (start with 1 tablespoon and taste before adding more. You might need to add additional salt and pepper since you’re diluting the spices). A bit of chopped fresh dill would also work well in this version.
Recipe Tips
- You can slice the cucumbers with a knife, but I like using a mandoline here. It gets the job done quickly, and the cucumbers are thin and uniform. While I have a larger mandoline that’s best for more heavy duty jobs, this was a great task for my cheap handheld mandoline.
- I used sherry vinegar, which has a very mild sweetness (it’s much less sweet than balsamic). It’s also less acidic than red wine vinegar, so it creates a more subtle vinaigrette. However, if you don’t own sherry vinegar and don’t wish to purchase it, red wine vinegar may be substituted.
- English cucumbers are slightly sweeter than regular cucumbers, and the seeds are smaller (you also have the option to use seedless English cucumbers, but I barely notice the seeds here). You can find English cucumbers for sale in the produce aisle near regular cucumbers. They’re a bit longer and thinner, and they’re usually individually wrapped.
- I love how fast and mild the chives are here, but you could substitute some thinly sliced red onions or shallots if you have those on hand.
What to Serve with Cucumber Salad
This cucumber salad recipe works well with poultry and meat, especially off the grill. Try serving it with kebob skewers, burgers, or grilled steak or chicken. My Cumin Marinated Grilled Flank Steak with Salsa is a good option!
Looking For More Salad Recipes?
Check out my Strawberry Spinach Salad, Heirloom Tomato Panzanella, Warm Zucchini Salad, Summer Corn Salad, and Chicken Bacon Avocado Salad. I also love this Chilled Cucumber Soup from Simply Recipes.
If you’re looking for ways to use up extra cucumbers, check out my other cucumber recipes!
Easy Cucumber Salad
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup sherry vinegar (red wine vinegar may be substituted)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt, or to taste
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper, or to taste
- 1 1/2 - 2 pounds English cucumbers, thinly sliced crosswise (around 2 medium)
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh chives*
Instructions
- In a small bowl or liquid measuring cup, whisk together the vinegar, oil, sugar, salt and pepper.
- Place cucumbers and chives in a medium-sized bowl and toss with the vinaigrette.
- Chill for 5-10 minutes before serving so the flavors have a chance to mingle.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Video
Notes
- *I love how fast and mild the chives are here, but you could substitute some thinly sliced red onions or shallots if you have those on hand.
Please read my full post for additional recipe notes, tips, and serving suggestions!
Nutrition
Recipe Troubleshooting
For immediate help troubleshooting a recipe, please email me using the form on my contact page. I’ll try to respond to urgent questions as quickly as possible! For all general questions, please leave a comment here :)
SO simple and fresh!
So perfect and light for summer!
I love light salads like this for summer!
So light and fresh, one of my favorite salads!
Thank you for these beautiful recipes. So happy I found you.
Patricia Cahill
Thank you for your sweet comment! It made my day :)
One tablespoon of salt was way too much, should have followed my gut and used less. Otherwise a decent recipe. Thanks
Hi Jen! I’m sorry it was too salty for you! I wonder if this is an instance of salt brand making a difference? I’ve often worried about that because I use Diamond kosher salt, and apparently it’s on the less salty side of kosher salts.
I just wanted to let you know how much we enjoyed this recipe! Light and airy and will be perfect when we can finally have a family bbq again.
This is fabulous! I head straight for the Cucumber Salad at all BBQ parties! Love the tang and freshness!