Smoked Paprika Cucumber Salad

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-04-14 · Updated 2026-04-14

A refreshing salad featuring crisp cucumbers and a smoky paprika dressing, perfect as a light side or appetizer. This French salad recipe (vegetarian), ready in about 15 minutes, pairs cucumbers, red onion, and olive oil 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 95 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. Tap "Add this recipe to your weekly plan" 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 cucumbers, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tbsp chopped dill
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/8 tsp black pepper

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp red wine vinegar, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper until emulsified. Add 2 thinly sliced medium cucumbers and 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion, then toss gently to coat evenly.
2. Step 2: Refrigerate for 20 minutes to allow flavors to meld, stirring once halfway through. Just before serving, sprinkle with 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill and toss lightly.
3. Step 3: Serve chilled as a side dish or over greens for a light lunch, ensuring the dressing coats every slice without making the cucumbers soggy.