Fresh & Zesty Cucumber Salad Recipe for Summer Joy

Summer’s bounty brings a crisp cucumber salad recipe that dances with vibrant flavors and freshness.

Cool cucumbers mingle with zesty herbs and tangy dressing, creating a light and refreshing side dish.

Each bite promises a burst of garden-fresh goodness that complements grilled meats or stands beautifully on its own.

Creamy yet crunchy, this salad balances textures that keep you coming back for more.

Chopped herbs and a simple vinaigrette transform ordinary cucumbers into an extraordinary summer staple.

You’ll savor every forkful of this easy, delightful dish that screams warm-weather comfort.

Dive into this quick and delicious cucumber salad that will become your new seasonal favorite.

FAQs

• What are the health benefits of this cucumber salad?

This salad is packed with nutrients like vitamin K from cucumbers, beta-carotene from carrots, and antioxidants from green onions. The dressing ingredients like apple cider vinegar and ginseng powder can support metabolism and reduce inflammation.

• Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this salad up to 24 hours in advance. Keep it refrigerated in an airtight container. The flavors will actually enhance and blend together the longer it sits.

• Is this salad suitable for different diets?

This cucumber salad is naturally vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free. It’s low in calories and can easily fit into many dietary plans like keto or paleo with minor adjustments.

Why Cucumber Salad Is So Refreshing

• Craft a Chocolatey Delight: Indulge in a decadent twist on classic cinnamon rolls with rich chocolate dough and irresistible hazelnut icing that transforms an ordinary breakfast into a gourmet experience.
• Customize with Ease: Add your personal touch by sprinkling crushed nuts or adjusting the icing consistency, making this recipe adaptable to your taste preferences and baking skills.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Impress family and friends with a bakery-worthy treat that brings warmth and excitement to any gathering, from lazy weekend mornings to special celebrations.
• Minimal Kitchen Skills Required: Perfect for bakers of all levels, this recipe offers simple steps and forgiving techniques that guarantee delicious results even for novice bakers.

What’s Inside Fresh Cucumber Salad

• Cucumber: A crisp and hydrating vegetable that forms the base of the salad.
• Carrot: Adds a sweet and crunchy texture to the salad.
• Green Onions: Provides a mild, fresh onion flavor and vibrant color.

• Olive Oil, Soy Sauce, Apple Cider Vinegar: Creates a tangy and balanced liquid base for the dressing.
• Sugar: Balances the acidity and adds a subtle sweetness.
• Paprika: Introduces a mild, slightly smoky flavor and reddish color.
• Tienchi Ginseng Powder: Adds a unique herbal note and potential health benefits.

• Salt: Helps draw out excess moisture from the vegetables and enhances overall flavor.

Steps to Make a Cool Cucumber Salad

Step 1: Prep Crisp Cucumbers

Slice cucumbers into delicate thin rounds or elegant strips. Sprinkle a gentle pinch of salt and let them rest for 10 minutes to release excess moisture.

Carefully pat dry with a paper towel to ensure a crisp texture.

Step 2: Chop Vibrant Carrots

Skillfully peel and transform carrots into delicate julienne strips.

Gently add these colorful strips to the cucumber base.

Step 3: Enhance with Green Onions

Finely slice green onions into whisper-thin pieces.

Tenderly combine these zesty onions with the vegetable mix in a large mixing bowl.

Step 4: Craft Magical Dressing

• Olive oil
• Sugar
• Soy sauce
• Paprika
• Tienchi ginseng powder
• Apple cider vinegar

Blend until the ingredients dance together harmoniously.

Step 5: Marry Vegetables and Dressing

Pour the freshly whisked dressing over the prepared vegetables. Gently toss to ensure every morsel is lovingly coated with flavor.

Step 6: Chill and Infuse

Allow the salad to rest in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes. This magical resting period lets the flavors mingle and develop a delightful depth.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Present the chilled salad as a refreshing side dish or light, zingy snack. Perfect for sunny days and casual gatherings.

Notes for Crisp Cucumber Salad Lovers

• Salt cucumber slices and let sit for 10 minutes to remove water, ensuring a crisp and not soggy salad texture.
• Use a sharp knife or mandoline to create uniform, thin cucumber and carrot strips for even flavor distribution and elegant presentation.
• Allow salad to chill for 10-15 minutes before serving, letting the dressing penetrate vegetables and intensify taste profile.
• Adjust paprika quantity to personal preference or replace with red pepper flakes for added heat and complexity.
• Replace soy sauce with tamari for gluten-free option or swap apple cider vinegar with rice vinegar for a milder tangy note.

Creative Mixes for Cucumber Salad Bowls

• Low-Sodium Option: Replace salt with a salt-free herb blend like Mrs. Dash or use fresh herbs such as dill or parsley for flavor without sodium.
• Vegan Asian Remix: Swap soy sauce for tamari and use maple syrup instead of sugar to create a plant-based friendly dressing with similar umami notes.
• Spicy Korean-Inspired Version: Add gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes) or sriracha to the dressing for a hot and tangy kick that transforms the original recipe's mild profile.
• Mediterranean Herb Variation: Substitute olive oil with Greek yogurt, add fresh mint and oregano, and use lemon juice instead of apple cider vinegar for a Mediterranean-style cucumber salad with bright, zesty flavors.

What Pairs Well With Cucumber Salad

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Complement the light, refreshing cucumber salad with a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, enhancing the salad's delicate flavors and providing a crisp, clean finish.
• Match with Grilled Protein: Serve alongside grilled chicken, fish, or tofu to create a balanced meal where the cool salad contrasts with the warm, slightly charred protein, adding texture and freshness.
• Create Sushi Companion: Use this cucumber salad as an excellent side dish for sushi rolls, Japanese-style teriyaki dishes, or as a palate-cleansing accompaniment to help balance rich, savory main courses.

Storing Cucumber Salad for Freshness

• Store the cucumber salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Keep the salad chilled to maintain its crisp texture and fresh flavor.
• Before storing, drain any accumulated liquid to prevent the salad from becoming soggy. Use a slotted spoon or colander to separate vegetables from extra dressing.
• Do not freeze this cucumber salad, as it will significantly change the texture of cucumbers and green onions, making them mushy and unappetizing.
• When ready to serve leftovers, give the salad a quick stir to redistribute the dressing and revive the vegetables' crispness. Add a tiny splash of apple cider vinegar if needed to brighten the flavors.

Cucumber Salad Recipe

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4.5 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Crisp Mediterranean cucumber salad brings zesty Mediterranean flavors dancing across your plate. Fresh herbs and tangy dressing create a light, refreshing side perfect for summer meals and gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Vegetables:

• 1 large cucumber
• 1 medium carrot
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced

Seasonings and Dressing:

• Salt, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, or use a sugar substitute)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon tienchi ginseng powder (Panax notoginseng)
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or rice vinegar)

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Instructions

1. Prepare cucumber by cutting into delicate, translucent rounds or elongated strips, then season with a gentle salt sprinkle. Allow 10 minutes for moisture extraction.
2. Carefully blot cucumber with absorbent paper to remove excess liquid and create crisp texture.
3. Transform carrot into fine, matchstick-like julienne strips using precise knife technique.
4. Combine cucumber and carrot in a spacious mixing vessel.
5. Finely chop green onions into whisper-thin rings, incorporating them with vegetable medley.
6. Craft dressing by whisking olive oil, sugar, soy sauce, paprika, tienchi ginseng powder, and apple cider vinegar in separate container until harmoniously integrated.
7. Gently cascade dressing over vegetable ensemble, using delicate folding motion to ensure uniform coating.
8. Refrigerate salad for 10-15 minutes at 40°F, allowing flavors to meld and intensify.
9. Present chilled salad as vibrant, refreshing accompaniment or light culinary interlude.

Notes

• Drain cucumber moisture to prevent watery, soggy salad by sprinkling salt and letting it sit before mixing.
• Create uniform veggie cuts using a sharp knife or mandoline slicer for consistent texture and professional presentation.
• Adjust dressing sweetness by experimenting with honey or maple syrup instead of sugar for different flavor profiles.
• Enhance protein content by adding edamame, tofu, or shredded chicken for a more substantial meal option.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: None
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 140 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg