Easy Cucumber Salad Recipe

Easy Cucumber Salad Recipe is a easy American recipe that serves 4. 35 calories per serving. Recipe by Inspired Taste on YouTube.

Prep: 1 hr 6 min | Cook: PT0M | Total: 1 hr 16 min

Cost: $2.13 total, $0.53 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1.5 pounds Cucumbers (thinly sliced; peel if skin is thick and waxy)
  • 1 teaspoon Salt (for drawing out moisture from cucumbers)
  • 0.25 medium Red Onion (thinly sliced; soak in cold water to mellow flavor)
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon Mustard (adds tangy depth to dressing)
  • 0.25 cup Vinegar (any mild vinegar such as white wine or apple cider)
  • 2 teaspoons Sugar (balances acidity)

Instructions

  1. Slice cucumbers

    Trim the ends, peel if needed, and slice cucumbers into thin rounds (about 1/8 inch thick).

    Time: PT5M

  2. Salt cucumbers

    Place cucumber slices in a bowl, sprinkle 1 teaspoon salt, toss to coat, then transfer to a colander to drain.

    Time: PT2M

  3. Let cucumbers rest

    Allow cucumbers to sit in the colander for 30 minutes.

    Time: PT30M

  4. Prepare red onion

    Thinly slice 1/4 medium red onion; submerge slices in a bowl of cold water while cucumbers rest.

    Time: PT5M

  5. Rinse and dry cucumbers

    After 30 minutes, rinse cucumber slices under cold water to remove excess salt, then pat dry with a clean dish towel.

    Time: PT5M

  6. Whisk dressing

    In a large bowl, whisk together 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard, 1/4 cup vinegar, and 2 teaspoons sugar until fully dissolved.

    Time: PT2M

  7. Toss salad

    Add the drained cucumber slices and soaked red onion to the bowl with the dressing; toss gently to coat evenly.

    Time: PT2M

  8. Chill

    Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes before serving, or serve straight away if desired.

    Time: PT15M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
35
Protein
0.5g
Carbohydrates
8g
Fat
0g
Fiber
1g

Dietary info: Vegan, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Low-Calorie

Allergens: Mustard

Last updated: April 15, 2026

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Easy Cucumber Salad Recipe

Recipe by Inspired Taste

A crisp, refreshing cucumber salad tossed in a simple sweet‑and‑tangy Dijon mustard dressing. Perfect as a side for summer meals or a light snack.

EasyAmericanServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
1h 6m
Prep
0m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 16m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$2.13
Total cost
$0.53
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Salting cucumbers and letting them rest for 30 minutes to draw out moisture.
  • Rinsing and thoroughly drying cucumbers before adding the dressing.
  • Balancing the dressing sweetness with sugar to taste.

Safety Warnings

  • Use a sharp knife carefully to avoid cuts.
  • Handle the bowl of vinegar with care; avoid splashes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of cucumber salad in American cuisine?

A

Cucumber salad has long been a staple of American summer meals, originating from European pickled cucumber traditions and adapted as a fresh, no‑cook side dish for picnics and barbecues.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of cucumber salad in the United States?

A

In the South, cucumber salad often includes dill and a creamy base, while in the Midwest it may feature a sweet vinegar dressing similar to this recipe. Pacific Northwest versions sometimes add rice vinegar and sesame seeds.

cultural
Q

How is cucumber salad traditionally served in American households?

A

It is typically served chilled as a side to grilled meats, fried chicken, or sandwiches, and is especially popular at potlucks and outdoor gatherings.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is cucumber salad traditionally associated with in American culture?

A

Cucumber salad is a go‑to side for Fourth of July barbecues, summer picnics, family reunions, and casual dinner parties because it is quick, refreshing, and pairs well with many main dishes.

cultural
Q

How does cucumber salad fit into the broader American side‑dish tradition?

A

It exemplifies the American love for simple, seasonal side dishes that can be prepared quickly with pantry staples, highlighting fresh produce and a balance of sweet‑tangy flavors.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for cucumber salad versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Traditional ingredients include fresh cucumbers, red onion, vinegar, sugar, and mustard. Acceptable substitutes are white wine or apple cider vinegar for the vinegar, honey or maple syrup for sugar, and whole‑grain mustard instead of Dijon.

cultural
Q

What other American dishes pair well with cucumber salad?

A

Cucumber salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, BBQ ribs, fried fish, burgers, and even hearty chili, providing a crisp, refreshing contrast.

cultural
Q

What makes this cucumber salad special or unique in American cuisine?

A

The use of Dijon mustard adds a sophisticated tang, while the quick salting technique ensures maximum crunch without the need for pickling, setting it apart from simpler vinegar‑only versions.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making cucumber salad?

A

Common mistakes include under‑salting the cucumbers, not rinsing and drying them thoroughly (which makes the dressing watery), and not balancing the sweet‑tangy dressing to taste.

technical
Q

Why does this cucumber salad recipe use a brief 30‑minute salt rest instead of a longer pickling process?

A

A short salt rest draws out excess moisture quickly, giving the cucumbers a crisp texture while keeping the salad fresh and ready to serve within an hour, unlike longer pickling which changes flavor and texture.

technical
Q

Can I make this cucumber salad ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, you can prepare the dressing up to two days ahead and keep it refrigerated. Salt the cucumbers just before assembling, then store the finished salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Inspired Taste specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Inspired Taste specializes in quick, approachable home‑cooking recipes that focus on fresh ingredients, simple techniques, and everyday meals for busy home cooks.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Inspired Taste's approach to American side‑dish cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

Inspired Taste emphasizes minimal prep time, clear step‑by‑step visuals, and practical tips like salting cucumbers for crunch, whereas many other channels may use more elaborate techniques or longer cooking times.

channel

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