15 Tasty Cucumber Salad Recipes

Kasey Spencer
Tasty Cucumber Salad Recipes

Cool, crisp, and ultra-refreshing—cucumbers make the perfect base for light and flavorful salads. From tangy Asian-inspired dishes to creamy classics and diverse garden mixes, these cucumber salad ideas are easy to whip up and sure to please.

Tasty Cucumber Salad Recipes

Here are 15 cucumber salad recipes that range from quick sides to hearty meal bases.

1. Classic Creamy Cucumber Salad

creamy cucumber salad with greek tzatziki sauce and onions

This Classic Creamy Cucumber Salad combines fresh cucumbers with a tangy, slightly sweet dressing—a timeless side dish that pairs well with grilled meats or sandwiches.

Recipe Metadata:

  • Time to Make: 10 minutes + optional chilling4
  • Servings: 4

Ingredients:

  1. 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
  2. 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
  3. 1 tablespoon white vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
  4. 1 teaspoon sugar (or honey)
  5. 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
  6. Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe Steps:

  1. In a bowl, whisk together sour cream (or yogurt), vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper.
  2. Add cucumber slices (and optional red onion).
  3. Toss to coat evenly.
  4. Chill for at least 15 minutes before serving for the best flavor.

2. Japanese-Style Sunomono (Cucumber Salad)

cucumber salad

Light and tangy, Sunomono features thinly sliced cucumbers in a sweet vinegar dressing, often served as a palate cleanser in Japanese cuisine.

Recipe Metadata:

Time to Make: 15 minutes + optional salting time
Servings: 2–3

Ingredients:

  1. 2 Japanese or Persian cucumbers (or 1 English cucumber), thinly sliced
  2. 1/2 teaspoon salt
  3. 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  4. 1 tablespoon sugar (or sweetener of choice)
  5. 1 teaspoon soy sauce (optional)
  6. 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional)

Recipe Steps:

  1. Sprinkle salt over cucumber slices and let sit for about 10 minutes to draw out excess water. Rinse and gently squeeze dry.
  2. In a small bowl, combine rice vinegar, sugar, and optional soy sauce. Stir until sugar dissolves.
  3. Pour dressing over cucumbers and toss.
  4. Top with sesame seeds before serving.

3. Greek Cucumber Salad

greek salad

Feta, olives, and a punchy vinaigrette transform simple cucumbers into this Greek Cucumber Salad, inspired by the flavors of the Mediterranean.

Recipe Metadata:

  • Time to Make: 10 minutes
  • Servings: 2–3

Ingredients:

  1. 1 large cucumber, diced
  2. 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  3. 1/4 cup kalamata olives, sliced
  4. 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
  5. 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)

Dressing:

  1. 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  2. 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
  3. 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  4. Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe Steps:

  1. In a salad bowl, combine cucumber, tomatoes, olives, and onion.
  2. Whisk dressing ingredients in a small bowl.
  3. Drizzle dressing over the salad; toss gently.
  4. Top with crumbled feta if desired.

4. Thai Cucumber Salad with Peanuts

Thai Cucumber Salad with Peanuts
Source: Platings + Pairings

A balance of sweet, sour, and spicy, this Thai Cucumber Salad includes fresh herbs, peanuts, and a delicious lime-based dressing.

Recipe Metadata:

  • Time to Make: 10–15 minutes
  • Servings: 2–3

Ingredients:

  1. 2 cucumbers, thinly sliced
  2. 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
  3. 2 tablespoons chopped peanuts
  4. 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro or mint

Dressing:

  1. Juice of 1 lime
  2. 1 tablespoon fish sauce (or soy sauce)
  3. 1 tablespoon sugar or honey
  4. 1 clove garlic, minced (optional)
  5. Pinch of chili flakes (optional)

Recipe Steps:

  1. In a bowl, whisk together lime juice, fish sauce (or soy sauce), sugar/honey, garlic, and chili flakes.
  2. Combine sliced cucumbers, onion, and chopped herbs in a serving bowl.
  3. Pour dressing over the salad and toss gently.
  4. Sprinkle peanuts on top before serving.

5. Cucumber and Tomato Salad with Balsamic

Salad of tomatoes and cucumbers

Fresh and bright, this Cucumber and Tomato Salad relies on a simple balsamic vinaigrette for its flavorful punch.

Recipe Metadata:

  • Time to Make: 10 minutes
  • Servings: 2–3

Ingredients:

  1. 1 cucumber, sliced or diced
  2. 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  3. 1/4 cup red onion, chopped (optional)

Dressing:

  1. 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  2. 1 tablespoon olive oil
  3. Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe Steps:

  1. In a bowl, mix cucumber, tomatoes, and optional onion.
  2. Whisk balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
  3. Drizzle dressing over veggies; toss to combine.
  4. Serve immediately for the freshest taste.

6. Cucumber and Avocado Salad

Salad with , avocado, cucumber and nuts on plate, top view

Creamy avocado meets crunchy cucumbers in this Cucumber and Avocado Salad, finished with a bright citrus dressing.

Recipe Metadata:

  • Time to Make: 10 minutes
  • Servings: 2

Ingredients:

  1. 1 large cucumber, diced
  2. 1 ripe avocado, diced
  3. 1 tablespoon fresh lemon or lime juice
  4. 1 tablespoon olive oil
  5. Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe Steps:

  1. In a salad bowl, gently combine cucumber and avocado.
  2. Whisk lemon (or lime) juice and olive oil; add salt and pepper to taste.
  3. Drizzle dressing over the salad.
  4. Serve immediately to prevent the avocado from browning.

7. Spicy Korean-Style Cucumber Salad (Oi Muchim)

Spicy Korean-Style Cucumber Salad
Source: Pickled Plum

A quick, crunchy Korean-style cucumber Salad seasoned with gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes) for a spicy kick.

Recipe Metadata:

  • Time to Make: 15 minutes
  • Servings: 2–3

Ingredients:

  1. 2 small Korean or Persian cucumbers, sliced
  2. 1/2 teaspoon salt
  3. 1 tablespoon gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) or chili flakes of choice
  4. 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari)
  5. 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  6. 1 teaspoon sugar (or sweetener of choice)
  7. 1 clove garlic, minced (optional)
  8. 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional)

Recipe Steps:

  1. Sprinkle salt over cucumber slices and let sit for 5–10 minutes. Rinse and pat dry.
  2. In a bowl, mix gochugaru, soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, and optional garlic.
  3. Stir cucumbers into the spicy seasoning mix.
  4. Top with sesame seeds before serving.

8. Creamy Dill Cucumber Salad

Fresh cucumber and dill salad

Fragrant dill brings fresh herbal flavor to this Creamy Dill Cucumber Salad, a perfect side for salmon or grilled chicken.

Recipe Metadata:

  • Time to Make: 10 minutes
  • Servings: 4

Ingredients:

  1. 2 cucumbers, thinly sliced
  2. 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
  3. 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
  4. 1 tablespoon white vinegar or lemon juice
  5. Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe Steps:

  1. Combine sour cream (or yogurt), vinegar (or lemon juice), dill, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
  2. Add cucumber slices and toss until coated.
  3. Chill before serving for maximum flavor.

9. Cucumber Salad with Feta and Olives

Greek salad. Fresh Greek salad with fresh vegetables, tomato, cucumber, green olives and feta cheese

Turn your cucumbers into a Mediterranean-inspired dish with Feta and Olives, plus a light lemony dressing.

Recipe Metadata:

  • Time to Make: 10 minutes
  • Servings: 2–3

Ingredients:

  1. 1 cucumber, sliced into half-moons
  2. 1/4 cup kalamata olives, pitted and halved
  3. 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
  4. 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  5. Juice of 1/2 lemon
  6. Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe Steps:

  1. In a salad bowl, combine cucumber and olives.
  2. Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
  3. Drizzle over the cucumber mixture.
  4. Top with crumbled feta if desired. Serve immediately.

10. Cucumber Mint Salad

Cucumber salad with sesame seeds

Cooling mint and crisp cucumbers create an ultra-refreshing Cucumber Mint Salad, perfect for hot days.

Recipe Metadata:

  • Time to Make: 10 minutes
  • Servings: 2

Ingredients:

  1. 2 cucumbers, thinly sliced
  2. 2 tablespoons fresh mint leaves, chopped
  3. 2 tablespoons lime juice
  4. 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
  5. Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe Steps:

  1. In a small bowl, whisk lime juice, optional sweetener, salt, and pepper.
  2. Place cucumber slices and mint in a serving dish.
  3. Drizzle dressing over the top.
  4. Toss gently and enjoy chilled.

11. Cucumber Ribbon Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette

Cucumber Ribbon Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
Source: Eat Fresh Glow

Use a vegetable peeler or spiralizer to create cucumber “ribbons” for a visually appealing Ribbon Salad drizzled with lemon vinaigrette.

Recipe Metadata:

  • Time to Make: 10 minutes
  • Servings: 2

Ingredients:

  1. 2 cucumbers, peeled into ribbons
  2. 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  3. 1 tablespoon olive oil
  4. 1 teaspoon honey or agave (optional)
  5. Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe Steps:

  1. Use a peeler or spiralizer to create thin cucumber ribbons.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk lemon juice, olive oil, optional sweetener, salt, and pepper.
  3. Arrange cucumber ribbons on a plate.
  4. Drizzle with dressing and serve immediately.

12. Cucumber and Chickpea Salad

Cucumber and Chickpea Salad
Source: The Dish on Healthy

Add some protein to your cucumber salad with chickpeas in this hearty, Cucumber and Chickpea Salad, perfect for lunch or a light dinner.

Recipe Metadata:

  • Time to Make: 10 minutes
  • Servings: 2–3

Ingredients:

  1. 1 cucumber, diced
  2. 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  3. 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
  4. 1/4 cup red onion, chopped (optional)

Dressing:

  1. 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  2. 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
  3. Salt, pepper, and dried oregano to taste

Recipe Steps:

  1. In a bowl, combine diced cucumber, chickpeas, and optional tomatoes/onion.
  2. Whisk dressing ingredients in a separate bowl.
  3. Pour over the salad and toss well.
  4. Serve immediately or chill for a more marinated flavor.

13. Cucumber Yogurt Raita (Indian-Style)

Arab middle east goat yogurt and cucumber salad

A cooling Cucumber Yogurt Raita is often served as a side to spicy Indian dishes—great for taming heat and refreshing the palate.

Recipe Metadata:

  • Time to Make: 5 minutes
  • Servings: 2–3

Ingredients:

  1. 1 cup plain yogurt (Greek or regular)
  2. 1/2 cup cucumber, finely chopped or grated
  3. 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin (optional)
  4. 1 tablespoon chopped mint or cilantro (optional)
  5. Salt to taste

Recipe Steps:

  1. In a bowl, stir yogurt until smooth.
  2. Mix in cucumber, optional cumin, and herbs.
  3. Season with salt.
  4. Serve chilled as a side dish or dip.

14. Creamy Cucumber and Potato Salad

Creamy Cucumber and Potato Salad
Source: Feasting At Home

Combine two picnic favorites in this Creamy Cucumber and Potato Salad, offering a twist on the traditional potato salad.

Recipe Metadata:

  • Time to Make: 20–25 minutes
  • Servings: 3–4

Ingredients:

  1. 1 pound baby potatoes, boiled until tender and halved
  2. 1 large cucumber, diced
  3. 1/4 cup red onion, chopped (optional)
  4. 1/2 cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
  5. 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  6. Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe Steps:

  1. In a large bowl, place boiled potatoes, cucumber, and optional onion.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk mayonnaise (or yogurt) with lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
  3. Stir dressing into the potato-cucumber mixture.
  4. Serve at room temperature or chilled.

15. Sesame-Ginger Cucumber Salad

Sesame-Ginger Cucumber Salad
Source: Snixy Kitchen

With a punch of ginger and the nuttiness of sesame oil, this Sesame-Ginger Cucumber Salad offers a flavorful Asian twist.

Recipe Metadata:

  • Time to Make: 10 minutes
  • Servings: 2–3

Ingredients:

  1. 2 cucumbers, thinly sliced
  2. 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
  3. 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  4. 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  5. 1 teaspoon soy sauce or tamari
  6. 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional)

Recipe Steps:

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together grated ginger, sesame oil, vinegar, and soy sauce.
  2. Place cucumber slices in a serving dish.
  3. Drizzle the dressing over the cucumbers and toss gently.
  4. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top if desired.

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