Caitlin Bensel
This cool, crunchy cucumber salad is the easy side dish your cookout needs. All you have to do is chop the cucumbers and onion and toss them with the zippy dressing. Let it hang out on the counter for half an hour, then serve it up with whatever you please: burgers, hot dogs, chicken, barbecue, or any other grilling recipes on your menu. It’s the perfect refreshing dish for a hot summer day!
What's in cucumber salad?
There are two main types of cucumber salad: creamy and vinegar-based. This recipe is the vinegar-based kind and uses a simple mix of cucumbers, red onion, vinegar, sugar, salt, pepper, and herbs. It’s a great choice for summer gatherings because it holds up well in the heat without mayonnaise or sour cream. If you’re looking for a creamy version, try this cucumber tomato salad with creamy herb dressing.
What kind of cucumbers are best for cucumber salad?
Seedless (or nearly seedless) cucumbers such as English or Persian varieties are best for this recipe. If you grow cucumbers in your garden, you're welcome to use them but you'll probably want to scoop out the seeds and remove the tough, bitter peels. Here are more cucumber recipes to enjoy your summer bounty!
What's the best way to thinly slice a cucumber?
A mandoline is a great tool for slicing veggies thinly and uniformly, but if you don't have one, just use a sharp knife instead.
Do you salt cucumbers for cucumber salad?
No, you don’t need to salt the cucumbers first for this salad. Salting can help remove extra moisture from watery vegetables like cucumbers, eggplant, and tomatoes, but it’s not necessary here. Just add the salt with the other ingredients. A little liquid from the cucumbers won’t hurt the salad.
Do you have to peel cucumbers for cucumber salad?
It’s all about personal preference. Cucumber peels are edible, and if you’re using English or Persian cucumbers, the skins are thin and tender. If you’re using a variety with a thicker, tougher peel, you may want to remove it for a less chewy bite. Just grab a vegetable peeler and run it lengthwise down the cucumber.
How long can cucumber salad sit out?
Cucumber salad should not sit out for more than 2 hours at a time, or 1 hour if the temperature is 90 degrees Fahrenheit or hotter. It’s most refreshing served cold, straight from the fridge!
Can you make cucumber salad ahead of time?
Yes, this cucumber salad can be made up to 1 day in advance, but wait to add the fresh herbs until just before serving so they don’t wilt.
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