Cucumber Salad Recipe

There’s something about the crunch of fresh cucumbers that takes me right back to my mom’s kitchen in late July, windows open, sun pouring in, and that zingy cucumber salad cooling in the fridge, waiting for dinner. She made it with just vinegar, a pinch of sugar, and a whole lotta love. That simple little bowl taught me what good food is: crisp, clean, and comforting.

In this post, I’m sharing my go-to cucumber salad recipe (and a few fun twists) that’s perfect for potlucks, quick lunches, and backyard dinners. Whether you love it creamy, crave it with dill, or are curious about German or Asian cucumber salad styles, there’s something here for you.

Let’s make something refreshing, easy, and totally unforgettable.

Key Takeaways: What You Need to Know

• A classic cucumber salad recipe uses thinly sliced cucumbers, a vinegar-based dressing, and optional herbs like dill or mint.
• You can prep it up to 24 hours ahead, just salt your cucumbers to keep them crisp.
• From creamy versions to Asian-inspired styles, cucumber salad is endlessly customizable.
• Perfect as a side dish with grilled meats, sandwiches, or summer pasta dishes.

What Makes This Cucumber Salad Recipe So Good?

What are the must-have ingredients for cucumber salad?

A classic cucumber salad shines because of its simplicity, and its ability to highlight fresh, crisp produce. At its heart, it only needs five things:

To make a traditional cucumber salad, you need cucumbers, vinegar, a sweetener like sugar or honey, salt, and fresh herbs like dill or parsley. Optional ingredients include red onions, sour cream, or yogurt for creamy versions.

Here’s the base I use almost every week:

• 2 large English cucumbers or 5–6 Persian cucumbers
• 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sugar (or honey)
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• Fresh dill or mint

You can also toss in thin-sliced red onions, a spoonful of sour cream, or even a little garlic if you’re feeling bold. The beauty of this dish? It’s incredibly forgiving. Use what you’ve got and make it your own.

And if you’re salad-obsessed like I am, don’t miss my roundup of salad recipes that go way beyond greens.

Why salting cucumbers first is a total game-changer

Let’s talk texture. Ever bitten into a cucumber salad only to find it watery and limp? That’s what happens when you skip this step:

Salting cucumbers before making salad draws out excess moisture, keeping the salad crisp and preventing a watery dressing. Let them sit with salt for 10–15 minutes, then gently pat dry.

Here’s what I do:

1. Slice the cucumbers super thin (use a mandoline if you have one).
2. Toss them with 1/2 tsp kosher salt in a colander.
3. Let them sit in the sink or over a bowl for 10–15 minutes.
4. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towel.

That little bit of prep makes a massive difference, especially if you’re prepping ahead of time (we’ll cover that in Part 3).

Also worth checking out? This creamy egg salad recipe that uses a similar salt-and-dry technique for celery.

Cucumber Salad Recipe Styles From Around the World

What are the different types of cucumber salad?

Different types of cucumber salad recipes include German cucumber salad (Gurkensalat), creamy cucumber salad with sour cream, Asian cucumber salad with sesame and soy, and Japanese cucumber salad with rice vinegar and mirin.

The beauty of a cucumber salad recipe is its passport. No matter where you’re from, there’s probably a version that’s familiar, refreshing, and part of your table.

Here are a few favorites I’ve made (and remade!) in my own kitchen just outside Austin:

1. German Cucumber Salad Recipe (Gurkensalat)

This one’s a family reunion favorite. It’s cold, tangy, and often made with sour cream or yogurt, depending on the region.

What you need:

• Thinly sliced cucumbers
• Thin red onion
• White vinegar + sugar
• Fresh dill
• Optional: sour cream for a creamy twist

Pro tip: Let it chill for at least 2 hours before serving. It gets better the longer it rests. And yes, it’s dreamy next to schnitzel or even grilled bratwurst.

If you love German-inspired flavors, don’t skip my German potato salad either, it pairs beautifully with this salad.

2. Asian Cucumber Salad Recipe (Sweet + Spicy)

If you want something zippy and bold, this Asian cucumber salad recipe is IT.

What you’ll need:

• Cucumbers, sliced or smashed
• Rice vinegar
• Soy sauce
• Sesame oil
• A pinch of sugar
• Crushed red pepper or sliced chili
• Garlic
• Toasted sesame seeds

Toss everything together and let it sit for at least 30 minutes. This salad sings with spicy grilled chicken or crispy tofu. I like it with my spicy sesame noodles or as a side to sushi bowls.

3. Creamy Cucumber Salad

This creamy version is the one I crave when summer hits hard. It’s cool, tangy, and feels a little retro, in the best way.

What you’ll need:

• Cucumbers (you guessed it)
• Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
• White vinegar
• Fresh dill
• A touch of garlic powder
• Salt and pepper

It’s like ranch dressing met a cucumber at a backyard BBQ and never looked back. This easy cucumber salad is the kind that disappears before the burgers are even done grilling.

Looking for something creamy but heartier? Try this broccoli salad next time. It’s a creamy-crunchy miracle.

4. Japanese Cucumber Salad Recipe (Sunomono)

This light, sweet-and-sour salad is often served as a starter in Japanese restaurants.

You’ll need:

• Thin-sliced Japanese or Persian cucumbers
• Rice vinegar
• Mirin (or sugar)
• Soy sauce (optional)
• Wakame (dried seaweed), rehydrated
• Sesame seeds

It’s delicate, low-effort, and makes a beautiful presentation. This cucumber salad recipe proves that simple doesn’t mean boring.

5. Custom Combo: Add it to pasta!

Mix your cucumber salad into cold pasta with olives, feta, or even grilled corn. You’ll thank me later. For more inspo, I’ve got a ton of pasta salad recipes to play with.

How to Make Cucumber Salad Ahead Without Soggy Sadness

Can you make cucumber salad a day ahead?

Yes, you can make a cucumber salad recipe a day ahead by salting and draining the cucumbers first to remove excess moisture. Store the salad in an airtight container and add herbs or dairy ingredients just before serving.

Now, I know this from experience: trying to prep a cucumber salad recipe the night before a cookout can go either way, brilliant or watery disaster.

So here’s how I learned (the hard way) to do it right:

Step-by-step: How to prep cucumber salad for tomorrow

1. Salt those cucumbers first!
   This is the golden rule. Slice your cucumbers thin, toss them with 1 teaspoon of salt, and let them sit in a colander for 15–30 minutes. You’ll be shocked how much water they release.
2. Drain and pat dry.
   After salting, pat the slices dry with a towel. This keeps your easy cucumber salad crunchy, even after a night in the fridge.
3. Make your dressing separately.
   Mix up your vinegar, sugar, garlic, or creamy base and store it in a jar. Combine with cucumbers the day of, or add it right before serving for max freshness.
4. Add herbs last.
   Fresh dill, mint, or parsley tend to lose flavor and color overnight. Toss them in just before serving, especially if you’re making a creamy cucumber salad.
5. Use the right cucumber.
   English or Persian cucumbers have fewer seeds and less water than regular ones. They’re perfect for any make-ahead cucumber salad recipe.

My favorite combo for prepping ahead:

• English cucumbers (thinly sliced, salted, dried)
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp sugar
• Pinch of garlic powder
• Fresh dill (added right before serving)

I make this the night before potlucks and serve it with grilled chicken or sandwiches. Speaking of which, if you’re packing it for lunch, try it next to this chicken salad, it’s the most satisfying combo ever.

Pro Tip: Drain Again Before Serving

If your salad sits overnight and seems a little wet in the morning, just give it a gentle drain and toss. A sprinkle of fresh herbs will bring it right back to life.

Dill Is the Secret to the Best Cucumber Salad Recipe

How do you make cucumber salad with dill?

To make a cucumber salad with dill, slice cucumbers thinly, salt and drain them, then toss with vinegar, sugar, and lots of chopped fresh dill. Let it chill to allow the flavors to blend before serving.

Now here’s the thing, growing up, my mom always added a handful of dill to her cucumber salad recipe, and I didn’t appreciate it until I got older. Then one summer, after picking herbs from my backyard, I made a quick lunch for some friends: toasted bread, chicken salad, and a chilled cucumber salad with extra dill.

One of them paused mid-bite and said, “Abby… this tastes like a garden. I could eat this every day.”

That’s when it clicked: dill doesn’t just flavor the salad, it elevates it. (Not saying that word, just feeling it!)

Fresh Dill vs. Dried Dill: Which is better?

Fresh dill all the way, friend.

Type	Flavor	Best Use
Fresh dill	Bright, grassy, aromatic	Best for cold salads and pickles
Dried dill	Milder, less vibrant	OK for soups or baked recipes

If you’re making a cucumber salad recipe the night before, add fresh dill right before serving. It’ll stay green and punchy.

Dill-Boosted Cucumber Salad (Recipe Card Style)

Ingredients:

• 2 English cucumbers, thinly sliced
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 2 tbsp white wine vinegar
• 1 tsp sugar
• 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
• Freshly cracked black pepper (to taste)

Steps:

1. Salt sliced cucumbers and let sit 15 minutes.
2. Pat dry.
3. Whisk vinegar + sugar.
4. Toss cucumbers with dressing and fresh dill.
5. Chill for at least 30 minutes.

This dill-forward version pairs like a dream with anything off the grill, cold sandwiches, or even added into your macaroni salad for extra crunch.

Real-Life Review: What Someone Said

“I tried Abby’s cucumber salad with fresh dill for my weekly meal prep and wow, didn’t expect to be eating it with breakfast eggs, too. It’s bright, tangy, and actually feels like something I want to eat every day.”
— Jessa M., Dallas, TX

It’s the kind of thing that turns your fridge into a snack haven. You reach in for oat milk and somehow come back with a bowl of cucumber salad.

Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe for Peak Comfort Food Vibes

What is in a creamy cucumber salad?

A creamy cucumber salad recipe includes sliced cucumbers, sour cream or Greek yogurt, vinegar or lemon juice, fresh dill, garlic powder, and salt. It’s chilled and served as a refreshing, tangy side dish.

This version of the cucumber salad recipe is pure nostalgia for me. It’s the kind of dish you’d find at every Southern potluck growing up, right next to the deviled eggs and a cold sweet tea pitcher. Creamy, tangy, and peppery in all the right ways.

Ingredients for a dreamy creamy cucumber salad

Here’s what I use when I want my easy cucumber salad to feel extra comforting:

• 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup sour cream (or plain full-fat Greek yogurt)
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
• Salt + cracked black pepper, to taste
• Optional: 1 tablespoon finely sliced red onion

The sour cream makes it rich. The vinegar gives it a little twang. The dill makes it sing. And the cucumbers keep it all fresh and light.

How to make it step-by-step:

1. Salt and drain the cucumbers first. This step is non-negotiable for creamy salads, otherwise, you’ll end up with cucumber soup.
2. Whisk the sour cream, vinegar, dill, and garlic powder in a bowl.
3. Add cucumbers and gently stir to coat.
4. Chill for 30–60 minutes to let the flavors bloom.

Want to add more bite? Fold in a little Caesar-style dressing or crumbled feta cheese.

Make it lighter or dairy-free

If you want a lighter version of this creamy cucumber salad, swap sour cream for:

Swap	Notes
Plain Greek yogurt	Extra protein, tangy flavor
Dairy-free yogurt	Keeps it creamy but plant-based
Vegan mayo	Silky and rich without the dairy

Pro tip: This version pairs so well with any of my pasta salad dressings, especially if you’re serving a crowd with mixed dietary needs.

Pairing suggestion: Summer cookouts & creamy sides

Creamy cucumber salad recipes balance spicy grilled meats perfectly. Try it with ribs, BBQ chicken, or even a smoky lentil burger. I like it next to my potato salad recipes to build a classic picnic plate.

How to Make the Best Cucumber Salad Recipe Ever

What makes a cucumber salad truly the best?

The best cucumber salad recipe balances crisp cucumbers, acidity, sweetness, salt, and fresh herbs. Using thin slices, salting beforehand, and adding bold flavors like dill or garlic boosts taste and texture.

The truth? A good cucumber salad recipe is easy. But a great one? That takes a few small, smart moves. Over the years, I’ve made dozens, some flops, some totally unforgettable. And I’ve learned exactly what separates the “meh” from the mouthwatering.

Flavor-boosting tips you don’t want to skip

Here’s how to get that “Whoa, can I get this recipe?” reaction every time:

1. Salt + drain = crunch

We’ve said it before, but it’s worth repeating: this one step turns your easy cucumber salad from soggy to crisp and addictive.

2. Balance sweet and sour

Taste your dressing before you mix it in. Too sharp? Add a pinch more sugar. Too bland? Try a splash more vinegar or lemon juice. A 2:1 vinegar-to-sugar ratio is usually my go-to.

3. Use fresh herbs generously

Dill, mint, parsley, basil, don’t hold back. They brighten every bite.

4. Layer your flavors

Want to win over garlic lovers? Add a grated garlic clove to your dressing. Craving something deeper? A teaspoon of Dijon mustard goes a long way.

5. Don’t forget the chill

Let your salad sit for at least 30 minutes (or up to 24 hours) before serving. It gives the cucumbers time to soak up all that good stuff.

Simple upgrades to your base cucumber salad

Want to make your go-to cucumber salad recipe feel new? Try adding:

Add-In	What It Adds
Sliced radishes	Peppery crunch and color
Cherry tomatoes	Juicy sweetness and acidity
Crumbled feta	Creaminess and salt
Red chili flakes	A gentle kick of heat
Toasted sesame oil	A nutty, savory twist (especially good in Asian-style)
Lemon zest	Brightness without extra acidity

If you love fresh flavor combos, check out my caprese salad recipe for another crunchy, herby crowd-pleaser.

Best salad + best vibes = best meal

You know what makes the best salad? When it’s eaten with people you love. Around a picnic table. After a long day. No stress. Just something fresh, simple, and full of flavor.

Cucumber Salad FAQs

Real Testimonial: What One Reader Said

“I made the creamy cucumber salad from EatWellWell for a Labor Day BBQ and it was the first bowl to disappear. Everyone asked for the recipe, even the ‘I don’t do cucumbers’ guy.”
— Mark L., San Antonio, TX

When your salad changes minds, you know you’ve nailed it.