Quick Cucumber and Mint Salad
A refreshing, no-cook salad with crisp cucumbers and zesty mint for a light meal. This mediterranean-inspired salads (vegetarian) ready in about 10 minutes pairs medium, thinly sliced cucumbers, thinly sliced red onion, chopped fresh mint 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, thinly sliced red onion
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh mint
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp honey
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine thinly sliced cucumbers, red onion, and chopped mint. Whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, honey, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl until emulsified.
- Step 2: Pour dressing over cucumber mixture and toss gently to coat. Refrigerate for 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld, then serve chilled.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Quick Cucumber and 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 Quick Cucumber and 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 thinly sliced red onion from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Quick Cucumber and 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 Quick Cucumber and Mint Salad 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 Quick Cucumber and Mint Salad 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
- ★★★★★
Perfect for a light meal. I'll make this again and again!
- ★★★★★
Easy and delicious. My family loved it for dinner.
- ★★★★★
This salad is my new go-to for hot days. So crisp and minty!
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