Name: Refreshing Cucumber Salad Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 small cucumbers; ½ small red onion; 1 large tomato; 3 tbsp mayonnaise; 1 tbsp white vinegar; ¼ tsp salt; ½ tsp ground black pepper

This refreshing cucumber salad is a light and cool side dish, perfect for any summer meal. With its refreshing flavors and easy preparation, it's a staple in warm weather dining. Not only is it full of fresh and vibrant ingredients, but it also has the added benefits of being low in calories and high in hydration.

Photos of Refreshing Cucumber Salad Recipe

The main ingredient in this recipe is cucumber, which is commonly found in most households. However, you may not always have white vinegar or red onion on hand. When you're at the supermarket, remember to pick these up. You might also want to grab a fresh tomato, as the ripe, juicy ones at the store will provide better flavor.

Ingredients Needed for the Refreshing Cucumber Salad

Cucumbers: These are the star of the dish, providing a crunchy texture and a fresh, mild flavor.

Red onion: This adds a sharp, tangy taste that contrasts nicely with the other ingredients.

Tomato: A ripe tomato adds sweetness and a burst of juicy flavor.

Mayonnaise: Mayonnaise gives the salad a creamy texture and a rich taste.

White vinegar: A splash of vinegar adds a tangy flavor that balances out the creaminess of the mayo.

Salt: Enhances the flavors of the ingredients.

Black pepper: Adds a slightly spicy kick.

One reader, Claire Ashford says:

This refreshing cucumber salad recipe is a game-changer! The combination of crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and zesty dressing is a burst of flavor. It's the perfect side dish for any meal, and the cool, refreshing taste is a hit with everyone. A must-try for a healthy and delicious treat!

Claire Ashford

Techniques Required for Making a Refreshing Cucumber Salad

How to prepare the vegetables: Wash and dry the cucumbers, red onion, and tomato. Then, peel the cucumbers and thinly slice them. Finely chop the red onion and dice the tomato.

How to toss the vegetables: In a medium bowl, gently combine the sliced cucumbers, chopped red onion, and diced tomato until evenly mixed.

How to coat the salad: Gently stir in the mayonnaise, white vinegar, salt, and ground black pepper until the vegetables are evenly coated with the dressing.

How to refrigerate: Cover the salad and place it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill.

How to serve: Once chilled, serve the refreshing cucumber salad and enjoy its crisp, tangy flavors.

How To Make Refreshing Cucumber Salad

Nothing beats the refreshing flavors of this tasty cucumber salad. Thinly sliced cucumbers are tossed in mayonnaise and white vinegar for a healthy plate.

Preparation: 10 minutes

Cooking:

Chill Time: 1 hour

Total: 1 hour 10 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

2small cucumbers,thinly sliced
½small red onion,thinly sliced
1large tomato,halved, sliced
3tbspmayonnaise
1tbspwhite vinegar
¼tspsalt
½tspground black pepper

Instructions

In a medium bowl, toss together the cucumbers, red onion, and tomato.
Gently stir in the mayonnaise, vinegar, salt, and pepper until coated.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
Serve chilled, and enjoy.

Nutrition

Calories: 100.09kcal
Fat: 8.53g
Saturated Fat: 1.30g
Monounsaturated Fat: 2.11g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 5.07g
Carbohydrates: 5.73g
Fiber: 1.13g
Sugar: 2.87g
Protein: 1.04g
Cholesterol: 4.22mg
Sodium: 212.00mg
Calcium: 21.68mg
Potassium: 238.63mg
Iron: 0.40mg
Vitamin A: 20.67µg
Vitamin C: 8.41mg

How To Make Refreshing Cucumber Salad

Nothing beats the refreshing flavors of this tasty cucumber salad. Thinly sliced cucumbers are tossed in mayonnaise and white vinegar for a healthy plate.

Preparation: 10 minutes

Cooking:

Chill Time: 1 hour

Total: 1 hour 10 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

2smallcucumbers,thinly sliced
½smallred onion,thinly sliced
1largetomato,halved and sliced
3tbspmayonnaise
1tbspwhite vinegar
¼tspsalt
½tspground black pepper

Instructions

In a medium bowl, toss together the cucumbers, red onion, and tomato.
Gently stir in the mayonnaise, vinegar, salt, and pepper until coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
Serve and enjoy.

Nutrition

Calories: 100.09kcal
Fat: 8.53g
Saturated Fat: 1.30g
Monounsaturated Fat: 2.11g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 5.07g
Carbohydrates: 5.73g
Fiber: 1.13g
Sugar: 2.87g
Protein: 1.04g
Cholesterol: 4.22mg
Sodium: 212.00mg
Calcium: 21.68mg
Potassium: 238.63mg
Iron: 0.40mg
Vitamin A: 20.67µg
Vitamin C: 8.41mg

Technique Tip for Achieving the Perfect Cucumber Salad

When preparing the cucumber for this salad, consider using a vegetable peeler to create thin, ribbon-like slices. This not only adds a touch of elegance to the dish but also allows the cucumber to absorb more of the dressing, enhancing the overall flavor of the salad.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Salad

Prep ahead: Chop and prepare the vegetables and dressing ahead of time, then simply toss them together when you're ready to serve.

Use a mandoline: A mandoline can help you quickly and uniformly slice the cucumbers and onions, saving you time and ensuring even cuts.

Double the recipe: Make a larger batch and store the extra salad in the fridge for a quick and easy side dish throughout the week.

Choose pre-cut vegetables: If you're short on time, consider using pre-cut cucumbers and onions to streamline the preparation process.

Multi-task: While the salad is chilling in the fridge, use that time to work on other components of your meal to maximize efficiency.

Substitute Ingredients For Refreshing Cucumber Salad Recipe

cucumbers - Substitute with zucchini: Zucchini has a similar crisp texture and mild flavor to cucumbers, making it a suitable substitute in a refreshing salad.
mayonnaise - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt provides a creamy texture and tangy flavor similar to mayonnaise, while also adding a boost of protein to the salad.
white vinegar - Substitute with lemon juice: Lemon juice offers a tangy and refreshing acidity that can replace the white vinegar in the salad dressing, adding a citrusy brightness to the dish.

Presentation Tips for a Refreshing Cucumber Salad

Elevate the salad with precision cutting: Use a mandoline to thinly slice the cucumbers and red onions, and carefully dice the tomato to ensure uniformity in each bite.
Create a visually stunning plate: Arrange the salad in a circular motion on a chilled plate, creating a vibrant and appealing presentation.
Incorporate a touch of elegance with garnishes: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or dill over the salad to add a pop of color and a hint of herbaceous freshness.
Enhance the dish with a drizzle of high-quality olive oil: Just before serving, delicately drizzle a fine, fruity olive oil over the salad to add a luxurious finish.
Serve in chilled ceramic bowls: Present the refreshing cucumber salad in chilled ceramic bowls to maintain its crispness and enhance the overall dining experience.

Essential Tools for Making a Cucumber Salad

Cutting board: A flat surface used for cutting and preparing ingredients.
Chef's knife: A versatile knife used for chopping, slicing, and dicing.
Mixing bowl: Used for combining ingredients and mixing.
Whisk: Used for blending and mixing ingredients together.
Measuring cups and spoons: Used for accurately measuring ingredients.
Vegetable peeler: Used for peeling vegetables and fruits.
Salad spinner: Used for washing and drying salad greens.
Garlic press: Used for crushing and mincing garlic.
Citrus juicer: Used for extracting juice from citrus fruits.
Grater: Used for grating cheese, vegetables, and other ingredients.
Tongs: Used for flipping and serving food.
Serving platter: Used for presenting and serving the finished dish.

Random Fact About Cucumber Salads

Cucumber salad is a popular dish in many cultures around the world and is often served as a refreshing side dish to accompany a main meal.

Is Making a Cucumber Salad at Home Cost-Effective?

This refreshing cucumber salad recipe is highly cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients, cucumbers, red onions, and tomatoes, are affordable and widely available. The addition of mayonnaise and white vinegar adds a burst of flavor without breaking the bank. With a total cost of approximately $5, this recipe is budget-friendly for a family of four. The refreshing taste and simplicity of this dish make it a great addition to any meal. I would rate this recipe a solid 9 for its affordability and delicious taste.

Is This Cucumber Salad Healthy?

The refreshing cucumber salad recipe is a relatively healthy dish, as it primarily consists of fresh vegetables like cucumbers, red onion, and tomato. These ingredients are low in calories and provide essential nutrients such as vitamin C, vitamin K, and potassium. The inclusion of these vegetables makes the salad a good source of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and promotes a feeling of fullness.

However, the use of mayonnaise in the dressing raises some concerns. Traditional mayonnaise is high in fat and calories, which can contribute to weight gain and other health issues if consumed in excess. The recipe also lacks a significant source of lean protein, which is essential for maintaining and repairing body tissues.

To make this salad healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Replace the regular mayonnaise with a low-fat or Greek yogurt-based alternative to reduce the calorie and fat content while still providing a creamy texture
Add a source of lean protein, such as grilled chicken, boiled eggs, or chickpeas, to make the salad more balanced and satisfying
Include a variety of other vegetables, like bell peppers, carrots, or leafy greens, to increase the nutrient density and add more color to the dish
Experiment with different herbs and spices, such as fresh dill, parsley, or garlic, to enhance the flavor without relying on excessive amounts of salt or sugar

By incorporating these changes, you can transform this refreshing cucumber salad into a more nutritious and well-rounded meal that still retains its delightful taste and texture.

Editor's Thoughts on This Refreshing Cucumber Salad Recipe

This refreshing cucumber salad recipe offers a delightful combination of crisp cucumbers, tangy red onions, and juicy tomatoes, all coated in a creamy and zesty dressing. The balance of flavors and textures creates a light and refreshing dish that is perfect for a summer day or as a side dish for any meal. The simplicity of the ingredients and the ease of preparation make this recipe a versatile and delicious addition to any menu. Whether served at a picnic, barbecue, or family dinner, this cucumber salad is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Enhance Your Refreshing Cucumber Salad Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Grilled Corn on the Cob: Try grilling some fresh corn on the cob and serve it alongside the refreshing cucumber salad for a delicious summer meal.

Garlic Parmesan Roasted Potatoes: Whip up a batch of crispy garlic parmesan roasted potatoes to complement the cool and crisp cucumber salad.

Honey Glazed Carrots: Prepare some honey glazed carrots as a sweet and savory side dish to pair with the tangy cucumber salad.

Alternative Recipes Similar to This Cucumber Salad

Savory Stuffed Bell Peppers: Fill bell peppers with a flavorful mixture of ground meat, rice, and seasonings, then bake until tender and golden brown.

Zesty Lemon Chicken: Marinate chicken in a zesty lemon and herb mixture, then grill or bake until juicy and tender. Serve with a side of roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Mango Coconut Popsicles: Blend ripe mangoes with creamy coconut milk and a touch of honey, then freeze into refreshing popsicles for a sweet and tropical treat on a hot day.

Suggested Main Courses and Desserts to Pair with Cucumber Salad

Main Courses:

Grilled Salmon: Marinate the salmon in a zesty citrus and herb mixture before grilling to perfection. Serve with a side of roasted vegetables for a healthy and flavorful meal.

Stuffed Bell Peppers: Create a filling of ground meat, rice, and savory seasonings to stuff inside colorful bell peppers. Bake until tender and top with melted cheese for a satisfying and delicious dish.

Desserts:

Chocolate Mousse: Indulge in a rich and creamy chocolate mousse, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder. The smooth texture and decadent flavor will satisfy any sweet tooth.

Berry Parfait: Layered with fresh berries, creamy yogurt, and crunchy granola, this berry parfait is a delightful combination of sweet and tangy flavors. It's a light and refreshing dessert that's perfect for any occasion.

Why trust this Refreshing Cucumber Salad Recipe:

This recipe guarantees a delightful experience with fresh, high-quality ingredients. The cucumbers, red onion, and tomato are carefully selected for optimal flavor and texture. The combination of mayonnaise and white vinegar creates a creamy yet tangy dressing that perfectly complements the crispness of the vegetables. The balance of salt and ground black pepper enhances the overall taste. The meticulous preparation and chilling process ensure that the flavors meld harmoniously, resulting in a refreshing and satisfying cucumber salad that's perfect for any occasion.

Share your thoughts on this refreshing cucumber salad recipe in the Recipe Sharing forum and let us know if you have any tips or variations to make it even better!

FAQ:

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise?

Yes, you can substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise to make a healthier version of the cucumber salad. It will give the salad a tangy flavor and a creamy texture.

How long can I store the cucumber salad in the refrigerator?

The cucumber salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, it's best enjoyed within 24 hours to maintain its freshness and crispness.

Can I add other vegetables to the salad?

Absolutely! You can customize the salad by adding bell peppers, radishes, or even some fresh herbs like dill or parsley to enhance the flavors and textures.

What can I serve this cucumber salad with?

This refreshing cucumber salad pairs well with grilled meats, sandwiches, or as a side dish for a barbecue or picnic. It's also great on its own as a light and healthy snack.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the salad ahead of time and refrigerate it for a few hours before serving. The flavors will meld together, making it even more delicious. Just be sure to give it a good stir before serving.