30 Fresh and Flavorful Cucumber Salad Recipes to Try!

Crisp, hydrating, and endlessly versatile—cucumber salads are a summer must. Whether you want something spicy, creamy, or bursting with herbs, this list has you covered. Scroll through these 30 refreshing cucumber salad recipes, each with a unique flavor twist and easy-to-follow steps.

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1. Asian Pickled Cucumber Salad

Flavor: Tangy, slightly sweet, and refreshingly crisp, often with hints of garlic or sesame.

Steps:

1. Thinly slice 1 large English cucumber.
2. In a bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup rice vinegar, 1/4 cup water, 2 tablespoons sugar, and 1 teaspoon salt until dissolved. Optional: add 1 minced garlic clove or 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil.
3. Add the cucumber slices to the brine, toss to coat, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

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2. Asian Cucumber Carrot Salad

Flavor: Crunchy, lightly sweet, and savory with a nutty sesame twist.

Steps:

1. Julienne or thinly slice 1 medium cucumber and 2 medium carrots.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, and 1/2 teaspoon sugar or honey.
3. Toss the vegetables with the dressing just before serving. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon sesame seeds if desired.

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3. Chinese Smashed Cucumber Salad

Flavor: Garlicky, savory, and tangy with a satisfying texture and optional chili heat.

Steps:

1. Gently smash 1 large cucumber (or 2 Kirby cucumbers) with the side of a knife, then roughly chop into bite-sized pieces.
2. In a bowl, combine the cucumber with 2-3 minced garlic cloves, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and optional 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes or oil.
3. Toss well and let marinate for 10-15 minutes before serving.

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4. Japanese Cucumber Salad (Sunomono)

Flavor: Light, tangy, subtly sweet, and exceptionally refreshing, sometimes with wakame.

Steps:

1. Slice 1 Japanese or English cucumber paper-thin. Sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon salt, let sit for 10 minutes, then squeeze out excess water firmly. (Optional: rehydrate 1 tbsp dried wakame and add).
2. Whisk together 3 tablespoons rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon sugar, and a pinch of salt until dissolved.
3. Combine the drained cucumbers (and optional wakame) with the dressing. Garnish with 1 teaspoon sesame seeds if liked.

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5. Korean spicy cucumber salad (Oi Muchim)

Flavor: Spicy, savory, garlicky, and slightly sweet with addictive crunch from Korean chili flakes (gochugaru) and sesame oil.

Steps:

1. Slice 2 Kirby cucumbers (or 1 small English cucumber) into 1/4-inch thick pieces. Toss with 1 teaspoon salt and let sit for 15-20 minutes; rinse and gently squeeze dry.
2. In a bowl, mix the cucumbers with 1-2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon gochugaru (adjust to taste), 1 teaspoon soy sauce (or fish sauce), 1 teaspoon sesame oil, 1/2 teaspoon sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon rice vinegar.
3. Toss well and garnish with 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds.

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6. Thai Cucumber Peanut Salad

Flavor: A vibrant mix of sweet, sour, spicy, and savory, balanced with the crunch of peanuts.

Steps:

1. Whisk together 2 tablespoons lime juice, 1 tablespoon fish sauce, 1-2 teaspoons sugar (palm sugar preferred), 1 minced garlic clove, and 1/2 minced Thai chili (if using) for the dressing.
2. In a separate bowl, combine 1 sliced large cucumber, 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion or shallots, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro.
3. Pour the dressing over the cucumber mixture and toss gently.
4. Top with 1/4 cup crushed roasted peanuts just before serving.

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7. Vietnamese Spring Roll Cucumber Salad Bowl

Flavor: Fresh, herby, and light, capturing spring roll flavors with nuoc cham dressing.

Steps:

1. Cook 4 oz rice vermicelli noodles according to package directions; rinse under cold water and drain well.
2. Prepare nuoc cham dressing by combining approx. 1/4 cup fish sauce, 1/4 cup water, 2 tbsp lime juice, 2 tbsp sugar, 1 minced garlic clove, and 1 minced chili.
3. Layer bowls with noodles, 1 cup sliced cucumber, 1 cup shredded lettuce, 1/2 cup mixed fresh herbs (mint, cilantro, basil), and optional protein (cooked shrimp/tofu).
4. Drizzle generously with nuoc cham dressing before serving.

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8. Indian cucumber pepper salad (Kachumber variation)

Flavor: Simple, fresh, cooling, and zesty with a distinct black pepper kick.

Steps:

1. Finely dice 1 large cucumber. Optional: add 1 finely diced small tomato and 1/4 finely diced small red onion.
2. In a bowl, toss the diced vegetables with 1-2 tablespoons fresh lime or lemon juice, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and a generous 1/4 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper.
3. Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro. Serve immediately.

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9. Mediterranean salad with tomato cucumber and onion

Flavor: Fresh, vibrant, tangy, and summery with classic olive oil and lemon notes.

Steps:

1. Chop 1 large cucumber, 2 ripe Roma tomatoes (or 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved), and thinly slice 1/4 cup red onion.
2. In a small jar or bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano (optional), salt, and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
3. Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss gently to combine.

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10. summer Keto Cucumber Salad

Flavor: Cool, refreshing, and low-carb, available in creamy or vinaigrette styles.

Steps:

1. Thinly slice 1 large cucumber and optionally 1/4 cup red onion.
2. For creamy dressing: whisk 1/2 cup sour cream or mayonnaise with 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill, salt, pepper, and keto-friendly sweetener to taste (optional).
3. For vinaigrette: whisk 1/4 cup olive oil, 2 tablespoons vinegar, salt, pepper, and herbs.
4. Combine cucumbers/onion with your chosen dressing and chill before serving.

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11. cucumber Avocado tuna salad

Flavor: Creamy from avocado and tuna, with fresh crunch from cucumber, brightened by lemon.

Steps:

1. Drain 1 can (5 oz) tuna well and flake into a bowl.
2. Add 1/2 diced large cucumber and 1 diced ripe avocado.
3. Gently stir in 2-3 tablespoons mayonnaise or Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Optional: add 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill or 1/4 cup diced celery.
4. Mix gently and serve immediately.

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12. Crispy Rice salmon cucumber salad

Flavor: Contrasting textures and temperatures – warm crispy rice topped with cool, savory salmon and cucumber salad.

Steps:

1. Season 1 cup cooked sushi rice with 1 tablespoon rice vinegar and salt. Press firmly into a small pan, chill, cut into shapes, and pan-fry in oil until golden and crisp.
2. Flake 4 oz cooked salmon. Dice 1/2 cup cucumber.
3. Mix salmon and cucumber with 2 tablespoons Kewpie mayonnaise (or regular), 1 teaspoon sriracha (optional), and 1 teaspoon soy sauce (optional).
4. Spoon the salmon-cucumber mixture over the warm crispy rice and garnish with sesame seeds.

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13. healthy Cucumber Shrimp Salad

Flavor: Light, bright, refreshing, and protein-rich with a citrusy or light creamy dressing.

Steps:

1. Combine 8 oz cooked, cooled, peeled shrimp with 1 chopped large cucumber. Optional: add 1/2 diced red bell pepper or 1/4 cup chopped red onion.
2. For vinaigrette: whisk 3 tbsp olive oil, 1.5 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill, salt, pepper.
3. For creamy: whisk 1/3 cup Greek yogurt, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp dill, salt, pepper.
4. Pour chosen dressing over shrimp and veggies, toss gently, and chill slightly before serving.

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14. cucumber salad with crab meat

Flavor: Sweet crab meat complemented by cool cucumber, available creamy or light.

Steps:

1. Gently combine 6-8 oz lump crab meat (picked over for shells) with 1 large cucumber (peeled, seeded, and diced).
2. For creamy style: Mix in 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (optional), 1 teaspoon lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
3. For light style: Toss with 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp lemon juice, salt, pepper, and fresh parsley.
4. Chill well before serving.

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15. Cucumber Tomato Feta Salad

Flavor: Classic Mediterranean with salty feta, juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumber, and an oregano vinaigrette.

Steps:

1. Combine 1 chopped large cucumber, 2 chopped ripe tomatoes (or 1 pint halved cherry tomatoes), and 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese in a bowl. Optional: add 1/4 cup sliced Kalamata olives or 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion.
2. Whisk together 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar (or lemon juice), 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour dressing over salad ingredients and toss gently.

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16. Chickpea Cucumber Feta Salad

Flavor: Hearty and flavorful with earthy chickpeas, cool cucumber, salty feta, lemon, and herbs.

Steps:

1. Rinse and drain 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas.
2. Combine chickpeas in a bowl with 1 chopped large cucumber, 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese, 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or mint, and optional 1/4 cup chopped red onion.
3. Whisk together 1/4 cup olive oil, 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Pour over salad and toss.

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17. creamy cucumber dill salad with With Sour Cream

Flavor: The classic cool, tangy, herbaceous creamy cucumber salad featuring sour cream and dill.

Steps:

1. Thinly slice 1 large English cucumber (or 2-3 Kirby cucumbers). Optional: salt slices, let drain 20-30 mins, pat dry.
2. Whisk together 1/2 cup sour cream, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill, 1 tablespoon white vinegar or apple cider vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
3. Gently fold in the cucumber slices. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.

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18. Creamy Cucumber Salad With Mayonnaise

Flavor: Richer than the sour cream version, tangy and creamy, often includes onion and dill.

Steps:

1. Thinly slice 1 large cucumber and 1/4 small onion.
2. In a bowl, mix 1/2 cup mayonnaise with 1 tablespoon white vinegar or apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon sugar (optional), 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, and 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill.
3. Add the sliced cucumbers and onion, toss gently to coat, and chill well.

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19. Veggie cucumber avocado salad

Flavor: Fresh medley of creamy avocado, crunchy cucumber, and other veggies with a lime or lemon vinaigrette.

Steps:

1. Dice 1 large cucumber and 1 ripe avocado. Chop about 1 cup of other veggies (e.g., bell peppers, corn, cherry tomatoes, red onion).
2. Gently combine cucumber, avocado, and other veggies in a large bowl.
3. Whisk together 3 tablespoons olive oil, 1.5 tablespoons lime juice (or lemon juice), 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour dressing over the salad and toss carefully just before serving.

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20. cucumber salad with vinegar and sugar

Flavor: Old-school sweet and sour tang; simple, refreshing marinated cucumbers.

Steps:

1. Thinly slice 1 large cucumber (peeling optional) and optionally 1/2 small onion.
2. In a bowl or jar, whisk together 1/2 cup white vinegar, 1/4 cup water, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon salt until dissolved.
3. Pour the brine over the cucumbers and onions. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, tossing occasionally.

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21. homemade greek cucumber salad

Flavor: Robust Greek flavors: cucumber, tomato, olives, onion, bell pepper, feta, and oregano vinaigrette.

Steps:

1. Chop 1 large cucumber, 2 Roma tomatoes, 1/2 green bell pepper, and thinly slice 1/4 red onion.
2. Add 1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives and 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese to a bowl with the chopped veggies.
3. Whisk together 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Pour over salad and toss gently.

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22. Hawaiian pineapple cucumber salad

Flavor: Tropical, sweet, tangy, and refreshing with pineapple and cucumber.

Steps:

1. Dice 1 large cucumber and about 1.5 cups fresh pineapple chunks. Optional: add 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion.
2. Whisk together a simple dressing: 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon lime juice, 1 teaspoon honey or agave (optional), pinch of salt, maybe a dash of minced ginger.
3. Pour dressing over the pineapple and cucumber, toss gently, and serve chilled.

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23. Watermelon Cucumber Feta Cheese Salad

Flavor: Ultimate summer refresher with sweet watermelon, crisp cucumber, salty feta, and often mint.

Steps:

1. Cube about 3-4 cups of seedless watermelon and 1 large cucumber (peeling optional).
2. Place in a large serving bowl and crumble 1/2 to 3/4 cup feta cheese over the top.
3. Scatter 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves (torn or chopped) over the salad and toss gently.
4. Optional: drizzle lightly with 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp lime juice OR 1-2 tbsp balsamic glaze just before serving.

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24. fresh strawberry cucumber salad

Flavor: Sweet juicy strawberries and cool cucumber, often paired with poppy seed or balsamic dressing.

Steps:

1. Slice 1 pint fresh strawberries and 1 large cucumber. Optional: add 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion or a handful of baby spinach.
2. Prepare dressing: whisk 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, salt, pepper.
3. Combine strawberries and cucumber (and optional additions) in a bowl. Drizzle lightly with dressing and toss gently right before serving.

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25. simple high protein cucumber edamame salad

Flavor: Fresh, nutty, satisfying plant-based protein salad with crisp cucumber and an Asian-inspired dressing.

Steps:

1. Combine 1.5 cups cooked and cooled shelled edamame with 1 diced large cucumber in a bowl. Optional: add 1/2 diced red bell pepper or 2-3 thinly sliced scallions.
2. Whisk together dressing: 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, 1 tablespoon soy sauce (low sodium recommended), and optional 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat.

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26. crunchy cucumber cabbage salad

Flavor: Maximum crunch from cabbage and cucumber, with a tangy coleslaw-style or Asian dressing.

Steps:

1. Thinly slice or shred 1/2 small head of cabbage (about 3 cups) and 1 large cucumber (seeds removed if preferred). Optional: add 1 shredded carrot.
2. For creamy dressing: whisk 1/2 cup mayo, 2 tbsp vinegar, 1 tbsp sugar, salt, pepper.
3. For Asian dressing: whisk 3 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp sesame oil, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp honey/sugar.
4. Pour chosen dressing over shredded veggies, toss well, and let sit 10-15 minutes before serving.

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27. cucumber sweet pepper salad

Flavor: Bright, colorful, sweet crunch from peppers, cool crispness from cucumber, simple vinaigrette.

Steps:

1. Slice 1 large cucumber and 2 sweet bell peppers (various colors). Optional: add 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion.
2. Whisk dressing: 1/4 cup olive oil, 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, optional 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard or pinch of dried herbs.
3. Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss to coat.

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28. Tomato Cucumber Cottage Cheese Salad

Flavor: Simple, creamy, refreshing, and high-protein with cool cottage cheese, tomato, and cucumber.

Steps:

1. Spoon about 1 cup cottage cheese into a bowl.
2. Gently stir in 1 medium diced tomato and 1/2 large diced cucumber.
3. Season to taste with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and optional 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill or chives. Serve chilled.

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29. easy radish cucumber salad

Flavor: Peppery radish bite meets cool cucumber, adaptable to vinaigrette or creamy dressing.

Steps:

1. Thinly slice 1 large cucumber and 1 bunch of radishes (about 6-8).
2. For vinaigrette: whisk 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp white vinegar, salt, pepper, then toss with veggies.
3. For creamy: mix 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt, 1 tsp lemon juice, 1 tsp chopped fresh dill or chives, salt, pepper, then gently fold in sliced veggies.

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30. cucumber quinoa salad

Flavor: Healthy, hearty, nutty quinoa base with crisp cucumber, customizable with veggies/herbs and lemon dressing.

Steps:

1. Combine 1 cup cooked and cooled quinoa with 1 chopped large cucumber in a large bowl.
2. Add desired extras: 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper, 1/4 cup chopped red onion/scallions, 1/4 cup chopped parsley/mint, optional 1/2 cup chickpeas or crumbled feta.
3. Whisk dressing: 1/4 cup olive oil, 2-3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, 1 minced garlic clove (optional), salt, and pepper.
4. Pour dressing over salad and toss well to combine.

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There you go – 30 delicious ways to enjoy cool, crisp cucumbers! Pick a recipe that caught your eye, grab your ingredients, and get ready for some seriously refreshing salads. Enjoy!