25 Delicious Cucumber Salad Recipes You’ll Keep Making
I used to think cucumber salad was just slices in vinegar—plain, boring, and something you only ate at potlucks.
Then one summer, my garden exploded with cucumbers. I had more than I could give away, and I was forced to get creative.
I tried spicy ones, creamy ones, ones with fruit (yes, really!)—and suddenly, cucumber salad became my favorite thing to make.
Now, it’s my go-to dish for BBQs, quick lunches, and impressing guests with almost zero effort.
These cucumber salad recipes aren’t just fresh and easy—they might just change your mind about this humble veggie.
Here are a few fun ways to toss it up:
1. Classic Creamy Cucumber Salad
This one’s straight from Grandma’s summer table—thin cucumber slices, red onion, and a tangy dressing made of sour cream, vinegar, and a pinch of sugar.
It’s creamy, crunchy, and just a little nostalgic.
Let it chill first—trust me, it gets better after a nap in the fridge.
2. Thai Cucumber Salad
Spicy, sweet, and tangy all at once.
Think cucumbers tossed in a mix of rice vinegar, lime juice, sugar, and chili flakes.
Top it with crushed peanuts and fresh cilantro.
It’s light, zesty, and totally addictive—perfect when you want something with a kick but still cooling.
3. Cucumber Tomato Feta Salad
Like a Greek salad’s cool cousin.
Crisp cucumbers, juicy cherry tomatoes, tangy red onion, and a good crumble of feta.
Add a glug of olive oil and a sprinkle of oregano.
It’s simple, fresh, and goes with pretty much everything—especially grilled chicken or warm pita.
4. Japanese Sunomono
Delicate, refreshing, and ridiculously easy.
Thin cucumbers marinated in rice vinegar, a bit of sugar, and salt.
Sprinkle with sesame seeds and you’ve got a light side that’s great with sushi or teriyaki.
It’s subtle and elegant—a little cucumber magic in every bite.
5. Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad (Oi Muchim)
Bold and punchy—this salad doesn’t hold back.
Cucumbers get tossed in sesame oil, gochugaru, garlic, and soy sauce.
It’s spicy, salty, and just a little sweet.
A perfect companion for rice bowls or grilled meats.
Bonus: it only takes 10 minutes to make!
6. Creamy Dill Cucumber Salad
Cool, creamy, and full of fresh dill—this is the ultimate summer side.
Greek yogurt (or sour cream), lemon juice, and garlic bring it all together.
It’s like a cucumber version of ranch, but better.
Serve it with salmon or scoop it up with crackers.
7. Mediterranean Chickpea and Cucumber Salad
Hearty yet fresh!
Cukes and chickpeas join forces with red onion, tomatoes, and parsley in a lemony olive oil dressing.
It’s filling without feeling heavy.
Great for meal prep, picnics, or when you want a salad that actually counts as lunch.
8. German Cucumber Salad (Gurkensalat)
Sweet, sour, and super refreshing.
This German-style salad uses a vinegar-sugar dressing, thin cucumber slices, and lots of dill.
Sometimes it’s creamy, sometimes not—either way, it’s the tangy side dish your grilled sausages didn’t know they needed.
Serve cold for best results.
9. Cucumber and Watermelon Salad
Sweet, crisp, and oh-so-summery.
Fresh cubes of watermelon and cucumber tossed with mint, lime juice, and a pinch of salt.
Add feta if you’re feeling fancy.
It’s the kind of salad that disappears fast at picnics—refreshing and totally unexpected.
10. Asian Sesame Cucumber Slaw
Cucumbers, shredded carrots, green onions, and a sesame-ginger dressing come together in a crunchy, slurpy salad-slash-slaw.
It’s great as a light side or piled on top of grilled meats.
Sesame seeds and a splash of soy sauce make it pop with umami flavor.
11. Avocado Cucumber Salad
Creamy avocado meets crunchy cucumber in this super chill side.
A little lime juice, a dash of salt, and some red onion pull it together.
It’s light but satisfying—kind of like guacamole’s fresh, crunchy cousin.
Serve with tortilla chips or grilled fish.
12. Greek Cucumber Salad
This stripped-down Greek salad is all about the cucumbers.
Toss them with red onion, olives, olive oil, and oregano.
Add a sprinkle of feta, and you’re golden.
It’s herby, briny, and made for warm nights and backyard dinners.
13. Cucumber and Quinoa Salad
Cucumbers and cooked quinoa get tossed with lemon, scallions, and parsley in this high-protein salad.
It’s wholesome and surprisingly flavorful, especially with a little olive oil and salt.
Perfect for lunchboxes, potlucks, or that one friend who’s always gluten-free.
14. Cucumber Mango Salad
Sweet meets spicy!
Ripe mango chunks and cucumbers mingle with lime juice, chili flakes, and fresh mint.
It’s juicy, colorful, and perfect for hot days.
This one feels like a mini vacation in a bowl—and it pairs beautifully with grilled shrimp or tacos.
15. Lebanese Cucumber Yogurt Salad (Khyar Bi Laban)
Thick yogurt, garlic, lemon, and mint bring this cucumber salad to life.
It’s creamy, garlicky, and fantastically cooling.
Scoop it alongside grilled meat or enjoy it solo with warm pita.
Basically, it’s comfort food for hot weather.
16. Cucumber and Radish Salad
This crunchy little number has bite.
Peppery radishes and crisp cucumbers tossed in a light lemon vinaigrette—it’s bold, zippy, and anything but boring.
Add green onions, fresh herbs like dill or parsley, and boom—your roasted chicken just found its new best friend.
17. Cucumber and Strawberry Salad
Sounds fancy, right? But it’s super easy.
Juicy strawberries, sliced cucumbers, and a handful of fresh mint or basil with a drizzle of balsamic glaze or honey lemon dressing.
Sweet, tangy, and refreshingly unexpected.
Serve it at brunch and watch everyone go, “Wait… what’s in this?!”
18. Vietnamese Cucumber and Herb Salad
This salad brings serious flavor.
Cucumbers, fresh mint, cilantro, Thai basil, and a punchy dressing made with fish sauce, lime, and sugar.
It’s light, fragrant, and a total star next to grilled pork or shrimp.
Toss on some roasted peanuts for crunch!
19. Cucumber Noodle Salad
Grab your spiralizer—this one’s fun.
Cucumber noodles tossed in a gingery sesame dressing with shredded carrots and scallions.
It’s a low-carb, high-flavor kind of dish that makes a great lunch or side.
Warning: it’s so slurpy and fresh, you might eat the whole bowl.
20. Cucumber and Corn Salad
Fresh, crunchy cucumbers meet sweet corn (grilled or raw!) in this bright summer salad.
Add cherry tomatoes, scallions, cilantro, and a lime vinaigrette for a zesty finish.
Want more flavor? Crumble in cotija or feta cheese. It’s sunshine in a bowl.
21. Cucumber Poppy Seed Salad
A little sweet, a little tangy, and totally unique.
Thin cucumber slices dressed in a honey-poppy seed vinaigrette with a hint of Dijon.
It’s light, refreshing, and feels fancy without trying. Pair it with fried chicken, pulled pork, or picnic sandwiches.
22. Cucumber and Green Apple Salad
Tart, crisp, and totally wake-you-up fresh.
Green apple and cucumber slices tossed in lemon juice with a pinch of salt and maybe a few crushed walnuts for crunch.
A touch of Dijon in the dressing makes it bright and balanced.
23. Indian Cucumber Raita
Yogurt, grated cucumber, cumin, and mint—this one’s meant to cool you down.
Raita is the soothing sidekick to spicy curries, biryani, or even kebabs.
It’s thick, creamy, and absolutely essential if your meal’s got heat.
Pro tip: chill it well before serving.
24. Cucumber and Edamame Salad
Protein-packed and super green!
Cucumbers and shelled edamame tossed in a sesame-soy dressing with scallions and sesame seeds.
It’s savory, crunchy, and ridiculously good cold.
I like to meal-prep this one—it holds up like a champ in the fridge.
25. Cucumber and Blueberry Salad
Unexpected? Totally. But delicious? Oh yes.
Juicy blueberries and cucumber slices dressed in honey-lime vinaigrette with a sprinkle of goat cheese and fresh mint.
It’s sweet, creamy, and crunchy all at once. Perfect for summer potlucks—or just a Tuesday afternoon snack.
