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
Slice cucumbers
Trim the ends, peel if needed, and slice cucumbers into thin rounds (about 1/8 inch thick).
Time: PT5M
Salt cucumbers
Place cucumber slices in a bowl, sprinkle 1 teaspoon salt, toss to coat, then transfer to a colander to drain.
Time: PT2M
Let cucumbers rest
Allow cucumbers to sit in the colander for 30 minutes.
Time: PT30M
Prepare red onion
Thinly slice 1/4 medium red onion; submerge slices in a bowl of cold water while cucumbers rest.
Time: PT5M
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
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
Toss salad
Add the drained cucumber slices and soaked red onion to the bowl with the dressing; toss gently to coat evenly.
Time: PT2M
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
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Cucumbers: Zucchini (for a different texture)
- Instead of Salt: Kosher salt, Sea salt
- Instead of Red Onion: White onion, Sweet onion
- Instead of Dijon Mustard: Whole grain mustard, Yellow mustard (less sharp)
- Instead of Vinegar: Lemon juice, Rice vinegar
- Instead of Sugar: Honey, Maple syrup (use less)
Equipment Needed
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Colander
- Large Bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring Spoons
- Measuring Cup
- Dish Towel
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- 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.
Chef Tips from the Video
- For extra crunch, sprinkle a handful of toasted sliced almonds or pumpkin seeds just before serving.
- Combine English cucumbers with Persian cucumbers for varied texture.
- Finish with a sprinkle of fresh dill or mint for added freshness.
Troubleshooting
Cucumbers are soggy.
Make sure to dry the cucumbers thoroughly after rinsing and consider extending the salting time by a few minutes.
Dressing is too acidic.
Add a little more sugar or a pinch of honey to balance the acidity.
Onion flavor is too strong.
Soak the onion slices longer or rinse them after soaking to remove excess bite.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
Freezer: Not recommended; texture will degrade.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the dressing up to 2 days ahead and store it in the refrigerator.
- Salt cucumbers just before assembling to keep them crisp.
- Keep the finished salad covered to prevent it from absorbing other fridge odors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of cucumber salad in American cuisine?
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.
What are the traditional regional variations of cucumber salad in the United States?
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.
How is cucumber salad traditionally served in American households?
It is typically served chilled as a side to grilled meats, fried chicken, or sandwiches, and is especially popular at potlucks and outdoor gatherings.
What occasions or celebrations is cucumber salad traditionally associated with in American culture?
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.
How does cucumber salad fit into the broader American side‑dish tradition?
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.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for cucumber salad versus acceptable substitutes?
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.
What other American dishes pair well with cucumber salad?
Cucumber salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, BBQ ribs, fried fish, burgers, and even hearty chili, providing a crisp, refreshing contrast.
What makes this cucumber salad special or unique in American cuisine?
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.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making cucumber salad?
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.
Why does this cucumber salad recipe use a brief 30‑minute salt rest instead of a longer pickling process?
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.
Can I make this cucumber salad ahead of time and how should I store it?
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.
What does the YouTube channel Inspired Taste specialize in?
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.
How does the YouTube channel Inspired Taste's approach to American side‑dish cooking differ from other cooking channels?
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.
Last updated: August 29, 2026
