10 Refreshing Cucumber Salads for Summer Days

Spicy Thai Cucumber Salad

A refreshing and zesty salad with a kick of heat, this Spicy Thai Cucumber Salad is perfect for those who love fresh flavors combined with a hint of spice.

Ingredients:

• 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon red chili flakes
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
• 2 tablespoons roasted peanuts, crushed
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• Salt to taste

Cooking method:

1. In a large bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers and a pinch of salt, then let them sit for 5-10 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Drain any liquid that collects in the bowl.

2. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the red chili flakes, rice vinegar, soy sauce, lime juice, sugar, and minced garlic until the sugar is fully dissolved.

3. Pour the dressing over the cucumbers and toss gently to ensure the cucumbers are evenly coated.

4. Add the chopped cilantro, crushed peanuts, and sesame oil to the salad. Toss again to combine all the flavors.

5. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or lime juice as desired.

6. Serve the salad chilled for a refreshing and spicy side dish that pairs perfectly with any Thai-inspired meal. Enjoy!

Classic Greek Cucumber Salad

A vibrant and refreshing salad that’s perfect for a light summer meal, featuring the classic combination of cucumbers, tomatoes, and feta cheese.

Ingredients:

• 2 large cucumbers, diced
• 4 tomatoes, chopped
• 1 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. In a large bowl, combine the cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, and feta cheese.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
4. Let sit for 10 minutes before serving for flavors to meld.

Asian Sesame Cucumber Salad

This Asian-inspired cucumber salad is a delightful mix of crunchy cucumbers, nutty sesame seeds, and a hint of spice.

Ingredients:

• 3 cucumbers, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds

Cooking method:

1. Place the sliced cucumbers in a large bowl.
2. In a small bowl, mix the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, and red pepper flakes.
3. Pour the dressing over the cucumbers and toss to coat.
4. Sprinkle with sesame seeds just before serving.

Spicy Thai Cucumber Salad

A zesty and spicy salad that showcases the bold flavors of Thai cuisine, with fresh cucumbers and a kick of chili.

Ingredients:

• 2 cucumbers, julienned
• 1 red chili, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Cooking method:

1. Toss the cucumbers and red chili in a serving bowl.
2. In a separate bowl, combine the lime juice, fish sauce, and sugar until the sugar dissolves.
3. Pour the dressing over the cucumber mixture.
4. Garnish with chopped cilantro before serving.

Creamy Dill Cucumber Salad

Indulge in this creamy cucumber salad blended with dill for a cooling side dish or light lunch.

Ingredients:

• 3 cucumbers, sliced
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Cooking method:

1. Mix cucumbers with sour cream in a large bowl.
2. Add lemon juice, dill, salt, and pepper to the mixture.
3. Stir well until all ingredients are combined.
4. Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving.

Cucumber and Avocado Salad with Lime

This refreshing salad combines creamy avocado with crisp cucumber, all dressed in a zesty lime dressing.

Ingredients:

• 2 cucumbers, cubed
• 2 avocados, diced
• 1/4 cup lime juice
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Combine the cucumbers and avocados in a bowl.
2. Whisk together lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
3. Pour the dressing over the cucumber and avocado mixture.
4. Toss gently and serve immediately.

Japanese Cucumber Sunomono

A light and refreshing Japanese cucumber salad with a sweet and tangy flavor profile.

Ingredients:

• 2 cucumbers, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

Cooking method:

1. Sprinkle salt over cucumber slices and let sit for 10 minutes, then rinse and drain.
2. Combine rice vinegar, sugar, and soy sauce in a separate bowl.
3. Pour the dressing over the cucumbers and mix well.
4. Top with sesame seeds before serving.

Mexican Cucumber Salad

Add a touch of zesty Mexican flavor to your table with this delicious cucumber salad featuring lime and cilantro.

Ingredients:

• 3 cucumbers, sliced
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup red onion, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 3 tablespoons lime juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. In a large bowl, mix together cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and cilantro.
2. Drizzle lime juice over the salad and season with salt and pepper.
3. Toss well to combine and serve immediately.

Middle Eastern Cucumber and Yogurt Salad

Enjoy the cooling benefits of cucumber with yogurt in this traditional Middle Eastern salad.

Ingredients:

• 3 cucumbers, diced
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt to taste

Cooking method:

1. In a bowl, combine cucumbers, yogurt, mint, and garlic.
2. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt.
3. Stir until well mixed and refrigerate for 20 minutes before serving.

Italian Cucumber Tomato Salad

Capture the essence of Italy with this simple yet flavorful cucumber and tomato salad, perfect for any summer occasion.

Ingredients:

• 2 cucumbers, sliced
• 4 ripe tomatoes, chopped
• 1/4 cup basil leaves, torn
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Toss cucumbers, tomatoes, and basil in a large salad bowl.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and season with salt and pepper.
4. Gently mix and serve immediately.