Hydrating Cucumber-Mint Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A refreshing, crisp salad packed with hydrating vegetables and a zesty lemon-mint dressing that helps soothe headaches and supports skin health. This mediterranean-inspired salads (anti-inflammatory) ready in about 15 minutes pairs cucumber, fresh mint, cherry tomatoes 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.

★ 4.2 (13 ratings) Prep: 15 min Serves 2 Mediterranean cuisine 120 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 2 medium peeled and diced cucumbers (1/4-inch cubes), 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh mint, 1/2 cup halved cherry tomatoes, and 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, 1/2 lemon juiced, zest of 1/2 lemon, 1/4 tsp sea salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until emulsified.
  3. Step 3: Pour the dressing over the vegetable mixture and toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated, then chill for 15 minutes before serving to enhance flavors.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Hydrating Cucumber-Mint Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette 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 Hydrating Cucumber-Mint Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette?

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 Hydrating Cucumber-Mint Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette?

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 Hydrating Cucumber-Mint Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette 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.

What goes well with Hydrating Cucumber-Mint Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette?

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.

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