The Best Summer Cucumber Salad

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A refreshing salad made with crisp cucumbers and a light lemon dressing, best when made with the freshest vegetables for a perfect summer side dish. This mediterranean-inspired salads (vegetarian) ready in about 15 minutes pairs large, peeled and sliced cucumber, thinly sliced red onion, tablespoons, chopped fresh dill 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 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.

★ 3.9 (15 ratings) Prep: 15 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 120 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 2 large peeled and sliced cucumbers, 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion, and 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1/4 cup olive oil, 1 tablespoon honey, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper until emulsified and well combined.
  3. Step 3: Pour the dressing over the cucumber mixture and toss gently until all the vegetables are evenly coated.
  4. Step 4: Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the cucumbers to soften slightly.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does The Best Summer Cucumber Salad 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 The Best Summer Cucumber 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 The Best Summer Cucumber 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 The Best Summer Cucumber Salad for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 The Best Summer Cucumber 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.

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