Cucumber salad has always reminded me of summer lunches at my grandmother’s house. The crunch of chilled cucumbers, the sweet tangy dressing, and the burst of dill—pure nostalgia. If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to enjoy this fresh side dish, you’re in the right place. This cucumber salad recipe is perfect for busy days, picnics, or a light dinner. We’ll walk through how to make it in minutes, what pairs well with it, and what you should avoid mixing. You’ll also learn what dressing works best and how to replicate the popular 5-minute version simply.
The Story & Intro
Why This Cucumber Salad Recipe Is My Go-To
It all started on a hot July afternoon when I had cucumbers piling up from the garden. I remembered the old jar of vinegar in the pantry and thought, “What if I just made a cucumber salad the way grandma did?” A few slices, a splash of vinegar, some sugar and dill, and I had recreated that classic dish I didn’t even know I missed so much. Since then, this cucumber salad recipe has become my fast fix for something light and fresh. It fits into any meal prep and stores beautifully in jars for easy snacking or sides.
Fresh Ingredients Make the Difference
To get the best cucumber salad recipe, use simple, garden-fresh ingredients. Here’s a basic list:
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cucumbers | 2 large | English or Persian for fewer seeds |
| Red Onion | 1/2 medium | Thinly sliced |
| White Vinegar | 1/4 cup | Adds tang |
| Sugar | 1 tbsp | Balances acidity |
| Dill | 2 tbsp | Fresh, chopped |
| Salt | 1/2 tsp | Brings flavors together |
| Pepper | To taste | Optional for extra kick |
You can also check out our layered mason jar salad and Greek pasta jar salad if you’re prepping ahead.
What Not to Mix with Cucumber Salad
Some ingredients don’t play well with cucumbers. Avoid watery fruits like watermelon or pineapple unless you want a soggy mess. Also, creamy ingredients like mayo can overpower the delicate crispness. Tomatoes can work, but only if served fresh—if stored, they turn mushy and ruin the texture. Vinegar-based dressings do best here, keeping things light and shelf-stable for a few days. If you’re layering this in jars, don’t place wet or soft veggies next to cucumbers.
Common Additions That Work
If you want to play around with the cucumber salad recipe, these add-ins blend beautifully:
- Feta cheese: Adds a salty, creamy twist.
- Cherry tomatoes (served immediately): Boosts sweetness.
- Chopped nuts or seeds: Brings crunch.
- Crushed garlic: Gives depth.
For another spin, try our rainbow salad jars that also keep textures fresh.
Dressing and Simple Shortcuts
Best Dressings for Cucumber Salad
Vinegar-based dressings work best—think a mix of white vinegar, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Some love adding olive oil for smoothness, but it’s totally optional. Apple cider vinegar brings a fruity tang, while rice vinegar adds subtle sweetness. A dash of sesame oil turns it into an Asian-style cucumber salad.
If you’re curious about variations, our Asian noodle salad jar has a sesame-based dressing that complements cucumbers well.
How to Make a 5-Minute Cucumber Salad (Simply Recipes Style)
It really can be that quick. Here’s how:
- Thinly slice 2 cucumbers and ½ a red onion.
- Toss them in a bowl with ¼ cup white vinegar and 1 tbsp sugar.
- Sprinkle salt and chopped dill on top.
- Mix well and serve immediately or chill.
It’s the kind of no-fuss side dish that works with everything. If you want to make a week’s worth, prep it in jars just like we do with our meal-prep jar salads.
Crisp Combos & Pairing Ideas
Smart Flavor Pairings for Cucumber Salad
This cucumber salad recipe works with almost anything, but certain flavors make it pop. Grilled proteins like chicken or salmon add richness without overpowering the salad’s clean taste. A slice of crusty bread or pita on the side helps soak up the tangy dressing. You could also tuck it into a wrap with hummus for a fast lunch.
If you’re making a picnic spread, this pairs beautifully with mason jar potato salad or our egg salad jars.
Meal Prep Tips for Busy Weeks
Want to prep this cucumber salad recipe ahead? Easy. Slice the cucumbers and red onions and store them in a sealed mason jar. Pour the dressing into the bottom and keep herbs on top to stay fresh. This layering keeps everything crisp for 3–4 days in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, just shake the jar.
Cucumbers are mostly water, so try patting them dry after slicing. This keeps your salad from going soggy. For bonus flavor, let the salad sit for 15 minutes before serving—it allows everything to mingle without losing crunch.
If you’re into grab-and-go lunches, this works perfectly alongside our chickpea quinoa jar or mason jar tuna salad.
Why Cucumber Salad Is Always a Win
Common Mistakes to Avoid with Cucumber Salad
Even a simple cucumber salad recipe can go wrong with just a few missteps. First, don’t skip salting your cucumbers. A light sprinkle helps draw out excess water, which keeps your salad from turning watery after sitting. Let them sit for 10 minutes and then pat them dry with paper towels.
Next, don’t slice them too thick. Thinner slices absorb the dressing better and feel lighter to eat. Using a mandoline or sharp knife helps keep them even. Finally, never overdo the vinegar. The goal is balance—sharp but not overpowering.
These simple reminders also apply to our mason jar coleslaw and mason jar beet salad, where layering and moisture control are key.
Why It Belongs in Your Weekly Rotation
The beauty of this cucumber salad recipe lies in its simplicity. It’s fast, healthy, and can be tossed together with minimal effort. Whether you’re eating it straight from the jar or as a bright side dish, it refreshes your plate without weighing you down. It’s also budget-friendly and great for clearing out the fridge.
If you’re making multiple salads for the week, try pairing it with our Mediterranean jar salad or spicy taco jar salad to keep flavors exciting but balanced
FAQs About Cucumber Salad Recipe
What are the ingredients of cucumber salad?
The classic cucumber salad recipe uses just a few pantry staples. You’ll need fresh cucumbers, thinly sliced red onion, white vinegar, sugar, salt, pepper, and fresh dill. Some versions also include a splash of olive oil or apple cider vinegar for extra flavor. It’s a quick combo that brings out the cool crunch of cucumbers with a sweet-tangy punch.
What should not be mixed with cucumber salad?
Avoid combining cucumbers with very watery fruits like watermelon or overripe tomatoes unless you’re eating the salad immediately. These can make the texture soggy. Also, skip heavy dressings like mayonnaise or ranch in vinegar-based cucumber salads—they can clash with the light, crisp taste and make the salad spoil faster when stored.
What dressing goes on cucumber salad?
The best dressing is simple and vinegar-based: a mix of white vinegar, sugar, salt, and sometimes a bit of olive oil. Fresh dill adds brightness. For a slightly different twist, try apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar. Avoid overly creamy dressings unless you’re going for a different style, like a German cucumber salad.
How do you make Simply Recipes’ 5-minute cucumber salad?
To make it in under 5 minutes:
1. Slice 2 cucumbers and ½ red onion.
2. In a bowl, mix ¼ cup white vinegar, 1 tbsp sugar, and a pinch of salt.
3. Toss everything together with chopped dill.
4. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Conclusion
Cucumber salad is one of those dishes that never goes out of style. It’s light, crisp, and quick to make—even on the busiest days. Whether you’re prepping meals for the week or just want something to brighten up dinner, this cucumber salad recipe checks all the boxes. You’ll love how easy it is to tweak with different dressings or toppings, and the fact that it stores beautifully in jars makes it a natural choice for busy lives.
Want more salad-in-a-jar inspiration? Don’t miss our Caprese salad jar or lentil salad jar—both are fast, fresh, and endlessly packable.