Gin-Infused Cucumber Salad
A crisp and refreshing salad with gin, cucumber, and a tangy dressing that balances sweet and savory flavors. This mediterranean-inspired salads ready in about 15 minutes pairs cucumber, red onion, gin 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 110 calories and feeds 6, 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
- 500g cucumber
- 100g red onion
- 30ml gin
- 40ml olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Dice 500g cucumber into 1cm cubes and finely slice 100g red onion. Place in a large bowl.
- Step 2: In a separate jar, combine 30ml gin, 40ml olive oil, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1 tbsp honey, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Shake vigorously until the honey is fully dissolved.
- Step 3: Pour the dressing over the cucumber and onion, tossing thoroughly to coat. Let refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving, allowing the flavors to meld.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Gin-Infused Cucumber Salad take to make?
Total time is about 15 minutes (15 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 Gin-Infused Cucumber Salad?
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 cucumber from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Gin-Infused Cucumber Salad?
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 Gin-Infused Cucumber Salad for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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.
What goes well with Gin-Infused Cucumber Salad?
Mediterranean salads like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Quick to prep and the results are amazing. A real keeper.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.