Smoked Paprika Cucumber Salad

By Lauren Mitchell, Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed 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-inspired salads (vegetarian) ready in about 15 minutes pairs cucumbers, red onion, 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 "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
• 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.