5-Minute Cucumber Salad with Mint and Lemon
A refreshing, crisp salad featuring thinly sliced cucumbers, zesty lemon, and bright mint, perfect for hot days. This mediterranean-inspired salads (vegetarian) ready in about 5 minutes pairs medium, thinly sliced cucumbers, chopped fresh mint, juiced lemon into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 120 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 medium, thinly sliced cucumbers
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh mint
- 1, juiced lemon
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup, thinly sliced red onion
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Place 2 thinly sliced cucumbers in a bowl and sprinkle with 1/4 tsp salt. Toss gently and let sit for 5 minutes to draw out excess water.
- Step 2: While cucumbers drain, whisk together 2 tbsp olive oil, 1/4 cup chopped mint, 1/4 cup lemon juice, 1/8 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion.
- Step 3: Discard any liquid from cucumbers, then add to the dressing bowl. Toss until evenly coated. Serve immediately at room temperature.
Frequently asked questions
How long does 5-Minute Cucumber Salad with Mint and Lemon take to make?
Total time is about 5 minutes (5 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover 5-Minute Cucumber Salad with Mint and Lemon?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep chopped fresh mint from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in 5-Minute Cucumber Salad with Mint and Lemon?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale 5-Minute Cucumber Salad with Mint and Lemon for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is 5-Minute Cucumber Salad with Mint and Lemon vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
- ★★★★☆
Nice recipe! Presentation was beautiful. Flavor was good, not great.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
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