Most Refreshing Cucumber Mint Salad

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

Crunchy cucumber slices tossed with fresh mint, lemon, and olive oil for a light, cooling side dish. This mediterranean-inspired salads (mediterranean) ready in about 10 minutes pairs medium cucumber, fresh mint, 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 80 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.

Prep: 10 min Serves 6 Mediterranean cuisine 80 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Dice 2 medium cucumbers into 1/2-inch cubes. Finely chop 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves.
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine cucumber, mint, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp pepper. Squeeze juice of 1 lemon over the mixture.
  3. Step 3: Drizzle in 3 tbsp olive oil and toss until evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
  4. Step 4: Before serving, give the salad a final toss and garnish with additional mint and lemon zest.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Most Refreshing Cucumber Mint Salad take to make?

Total time is about 10 minutes (10 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 Most Refreshing Cucumber Mint 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 medium cucumber from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Most Refreshing Cucumber Mint 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 Most Refreshing Cucumber Mint 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 Most Refreshing Cucumber Mint 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.

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