Name: Trending Cucumber Salad (Mas Healthy) Recipe
Prep time: 14 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 24 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced; 1 red onion, thinly sliced; 1 medium tomato, chopped; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar; 1 teaspoon lemon juice; 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup; Salt to taste; Pepper to taste; 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped

Cool cucumber salads have been my secret weapon for crushing summer hunger with a refreshing and light mediterranean-inspired approach.

Crisp veggies dance with zesty herbs in this innovative health-conscious recipe.

Nutrients pack a powerful punch without sacrificing incredible flavor profiles.

Lean ingredients combine seamlessly to create a delightful dish you can enjoy guilt-free.

Quick preparation means minimal kitchen time and maximum satisfaction.

Simple chopping techniques transform ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

Summer wellness looks deliciously achievable with this cucumber masterpiece that will make you feel incredible from the first bite.

Ingredients Needed to Make This Cucumber Salad

For the Vegetables:

Cucumbers: Crisp and refreshing base vegetable that provides a light and hydrating foundation for the salad.
Red Onion: Adds a sharp, tangy flavor and creates a nice color contrast in the salad.
Tomato: Brings juiciness and a sweet, slightly acidic taste to complement the other vegetables.

For the Dressing Ingredients:

Olive Oil, Apple Cider Vinegar: Creates a smooth, tangy base that helps bind the salad together and enhance overall flavor.
Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and helps balance the dressing with a fresh, citrusy note.
Honey: Provides a subtle sweetness that rounds out the dressing's flavor profile.

For the Seasoning and Herbs:

Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the natural flavors of the vegetables.
Fresh Dill: Introduces a delicate herbal aroma and adds a traditional cucumber salad touch.

Step 1: Slice And Chop Vegetables

Grab your cutting board and sharp knife. Slice cucumbers into thin, elegant rounds.

Dice red onion into delicate, translucent pieces. Chop tomatoes into cheerful bite-sized chunks that will add vibrant color to your salad.

Step 2: Whip Up Zesty Dressing

In a small mixing bowl, combine:

Extra virgin olive oil
Apple cider vinegar
Fresh lemon juice
Honey (optional)
Sea salt
Freshly ground black pepper

Whisk everything together until the mixture looks smooth and well-blended, creating a tangy and bright dressing.

Step 3: Create Veggie Magic

Transfer sliced vegetables into a large serving bowl.

Drizzle the prepared dressing over the vegetables. Gently toss everything together, ensuring each vegetable gets coated with the delicious liquid.

Step 4: Sprinkle Herbal Happiness

Scatter fresh dill generously across the top of your salad. The herbs will add a delightful aromatic touch and make your dish look incredibly appetizing.

Step 5: Let Flavors Dance

Allow the salad to rest for 10-15 minutes. This short waiting period lets the ingredients mingle and develop a deeper, more complex flavor profile.

Serve chilled and enjoy your refreshing, nutritious creation.

Tips to Keep It Crisp and Flavorful

Use a sharp knife to create thin, uniform cucumber and onion slices for a professional-looking and evenly dressed salad.
Adjust the dressing's sweetness and tanginess by tweaking honey and vinegar quantities to suit your taste preferences.
Experiment with different fresh herbs like parsley or basil to add a unique, vibrant twist to the traditional recipe.
Prepare the salad up to 2 hours in advance, storing it in the refrigerator to let the flavors develop and intensify.
Skip the honey for a keto-friendly version, or replace it with a low-carb sweetener for a diabetic-friendly alternative.

Variations to Change Up Your Salad

Mediterranean Magic: Replace dill with fresh oregano and add crumbled feta cheese for a Greek-inspired cucumber salad with tangy Mediterranean flavors.
Spicy Southwest Kick: Mix in diced jalapeños, chopped cilantro, and replace honey with a dash of chili powder for a zesty, warm cucumber salad with southwestern flair.
Asian Fusion Crunch: Swap apple cider vinegar with rice vinegar, add sesame oil, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds, and garnish with sliced green onions for an East Asian inspired version.
Protein Power Boost: Incorporate grilled chicken strips or canned tuna to transform the light salad into a protein-packed meal that keeps you full and energized.

Pairing Suggestions for a Balanced Meal

Pair with Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complement the cucumber salad's light, fresh flavors, cutting through the tangy dressing with their zesty acidity.
Serve Alongside Grilled Proteins: Complement the salad with herb-crusted chicken, lemon-garlic shrimp, or grilled salmon to create a balanced, nutritious meal that highlights the salad's refreshing qualities.
Match with Mediterranean Bread: Rustic sourdough or warm pita bread provide a perfect textural contrast, helping to soak up the delicious vinaigrette and add a satisfying carbohydrate element to the dish.

How to Store Cucumber Salad Properly

Transfer leftover salad to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep dressing separate to prevent soggy vegetables.

Before serving stored salad, drain any accumulated liquid and gently stir to redistribute dressing and herbs.

Place container in the coldest part of the refrigerator to maintain crisp vegetable texture and preserve fresh flavors.

Do not freeze this salad, as cucumbers and tomatoes will lose their crisp texture and become watery when thawed.

FAQs

Why is apple cider vinegar used in this salad?

Apple cider vinegar adds a tangy flavor and helps tenderize the vegetables, creating a bright and zesty dressing that enhances the overall taste of the salad.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this salad a few hours in advance. Just keep it refrigerated and add the fresh herbs right before serving to maintain their vibrant flavor and color.

Is this cucumber salad good for weight loss?

Absolutely! This salad is low in calories, high in nutrients, and packed with hydrating vegetables that can support weight management and provide essential vitamins and minerals.

How can I add more protein to this salad?

You can easily boost protein by adding grilled chicken, feta cheese, chickpeas, or tofu to make it a more filling and nutritious meal option.

Boost Your Nutrition: Packed with fresh vegetables, this cucumber salad delivers a powerful punch of vitamins and minerals, supporting your overall health with every crisp bite.
Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or adjust seasonings to match your taste preferences, making this recipe incredibly versatile for different dietary needs and flavor profiles.
Quick Kitchen Magic: Prepare this vibrant salad in minutes, perfect for busy individuals seeking a fast, nutritious side dish that doesn't compromise on taste or quality.
Summer Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for potlucks, barbecues, and family gatherings, this refreshing salad brings a light, zesty touch that appeals to everyone from kids to health-conscious adults.

Nate Harper

Founder & Recipe Curator

Expertise

Single-Recipe Development, Farm-to-Table Cooking, Seasonal Menu Planning, Culinary Storytelling, Home Kitchen Innovation

Education

Cascade Culinary Institute – Central Oregon Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Focus: Farm-to-table cuisine, sustainable cooking practices, and seasonal recipe creation.

Nate studied under experienced chefs who emphasized local sourcing, minimal waste, and building recipes from fresh, simple ingredients.

Nate Harper is the founder and creative force behind Make, Take, Bake. Raised in the wild beauty of Oregon’s high desert, Nate grew up surrounded by family gardens, farmers’ markets, and home kitchens that celebrated the seasons.
His early love for simple, honest food evolved into a professional passion when he attended Cascade Culinary Institute, where he sharpened his skills in creating recipes that are sustainable, satisfying, and made for everyday life.
Nate’s goal is to make cooking feel accessible, free of fuss, and full of flavor. He believes a single, thoughtfully built dish can stand alone, and sometimes even steal the show.

Fresh & Zesty Cucumber Salad (Mas Healthy) Recipe