Cucumber salad is a fresh and bright side dish of thinly sliced cucumbers and onions in a tangy red wine vinaigrette that makes a perfect addition to BBQs, picnics and grilling spreads all summer long!
Today, we’re bringing back what I think of as a classic Southern side dish.
Cucumber salad is so nice and light and fresh. It’s got thinly sliced cucumbers and onions that get marinated in a red wine vinaigrette.
It’s a delicious combination of flavors - the crisp cucumber slices, the crunchy red onion and the red wine vinaigrette that adds some zip and tanginess. And then the fresh dill to top it all off.
I didn’t grow up going to summer church potlucks, but I imagine this salad would have been there.
It’s just a classic.
(Speaking of, you may also love these classic cucumber tea sandwiches.)
Plus, it’s super simple - just 5 ingredients, plus salt - and comes together quickly and easily.
And then it can just hang out. It’s a low-key kinda side, which I feel like we need more of in the summertime, right?
(I am definitely that person that can’t walk by without snagging a cucumber from the bowl. Not even sorry about it.)
You’re going to love having this as part of your grilling, BBQ, picnic and party spreads all summer long!
Oh, and it's vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free and low-carb, so it works for a variety of different dietary and lifestyle needs. Great for a group.
OK, let’s get to fixing.
Now, I’ve got some notes and tips coming up below on how to make cucumber salad. Just tryin’ to be helpful.
If you want to jump on down to the recipe, simply scroll right on through the rest of the text. The recipe card is near the bottom of the page, above the comments section.
Ingredient Notes
- Cucumber: I like using an English (or hot house) cucumber because it has fewer seeds. However, you could substitute two medium cucumbers if needed.
- Red onion: I personally adore red onion in all forms, but even if you’re sensitive to them, know that the vinaigrette helps take some of the pungent flavor out. You could also substitute a sweet onion if you prefer.
- Red wine vinegar: I love the bright, tangy flavor this adds, but you could also use a white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar.
- Dill: Fresh dill goes so well with cucumber and it adds a great flavor to the salad. You could also use chives if you aren’t a fan of dill.
Also, I’ve written this recipe to serve 4-6 people as a side dish. You can certainly double or triple the recipe if you’re serving a group.
Speaking of, it’s a perfect side for BBQ parties and picnics. It’s fresh and bright, but it can also just sit out at room temperature and be fine. (No dairy to worry about spoiling in the hot temperatures.)
Plus, it goes SO well with burgers, BBQ, ribs and anything on the grill. That fresh, tangy flavor helps cut the heaviness of those dishes.
OK, a few more things to note about this recipe.
Tips and Tricks
- This salad needs to be made in advance. The cucumber and onion need to sit in the vinaigrette mixture for 30 minutes before serving, so please plan accordingly.
- On the other hand, don’t let it sit in the fridge for more than a day. The cucumbers will turn into pickles.
- Use a low bowl or toss the salad regularly so all the cucumber and red onion pieces get mixed with the vinaigrette.
- It’s not necessary, but it sure does help to use a mandolin. This makes quick work of slicing both the cucumber and the onion for the salad.
- If you don’t have one, just grab a sharp knife and try and slice the cucumber and red onion thinly and evenly.
Or if you’re in the market, I love and recommend my mandolin that’s fairly inexpensive and very easy to use and clean.
(Mine gets a lot of use because I always have pickled red onions in my fridge. Always.)
And if you need other side dishes to round out your spread, I’ve got you covered.
Favorite Summer Sides:
- Healthy Potato Salad
- Creamy Pea Salad with Bacon
- Classic Spaghetti Salad
- Easy No Mayo Coleslaw
- Foolproof Corn on the Cob
- Avocado Salad
I hope you give this cucumber salad a try soon, whether it’s a classic you grew up with or a new-to-you recipe. It’s surely gonna be a favorite.
Enjoy!
XO,
Kathryn
Cucumber Salad
Ingredients
- 1 English cucumber, thinly sliced
- ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 ½ tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 ½ teaspoons granulated sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill (or chives)
Instructions
- Combine the cucumber, red onion, red wine vinegar, sugar and salt in a low bowl and stir well to mix. Let sit for 30 minutes for the ingredients to marinate together, stirring occasionally.
- Add the fresh dill (or chives) just before serving. Enjoy!
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