This cucumber salad is all about balance—crunchy cucumbers paired with a vibrant herb and garlic vinaigrette that zings with flavor. The tang from the red wine vinegar, the bite of fresh garlic, and the subtle complexity of dried herbs create a dressing that transforms humble ingredients into something refreshing and delightful. It’s a go-to when you need something cool and bright on the table fast. Perfect for warm-weather dining, potlucks, or alongside grilled meats and seafood, this salad is as versatile as it is simple. Whether you’re dressing up a picnic table or plating a light lunch, the bold flavors and crisp textures will always deliver. No fancy steps—just fresh produce, a shakeable dressing, and instant flavor payoff.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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3 standard cucumbers (or 2 long Telegraph/English cucumbers)
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1/2 red onion, finely diced
Herb & Garlic Dressing:
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1 1/2 tbsp red wine vinegar
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3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
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1 garlic clove, minced
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1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
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3/4 tsp mixed dried herbs (or 1/4 tsp each basil, oregano, thyme)
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1/2 tsp sugar (optional)
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1/2 tsp salt
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1/2 tsp black pepper
Directions:
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Trim the cucumber ends and slice into 3 mm (1/8 inch) thick rounds.
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Place cucumber slices in a large bowl with finely diced red onion.
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In a jar, combine all dressing ingredients and shake vigorously until emulsified.
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Pour dressing over cucumbers and onions. Toss gently to coat.
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Serve immediately for crisp freshness.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 0 minutes | Total Time: 10 minutes
Kcal: 110 kcal | Servings: 5 servings
A Crisp Classic: Cucumber Salad with Herb and Garlic Vinaigrette
Light, refreshing, and delightfully simple—this cucumber salad with herb and garlic vinaigrette is one of those timeless recipes that deserves a permanent place in your rotation. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, preparing a weeknight dinner, or looking for a palate cleanser between rich dishes, this salad offers a satisfying crunch with a zesty punch of flavor.
Cucumbers are one of the most versatile vegetables in the kitchen. They’re hydrating, low in calories, and lend themselves well to bold dressings, especially vinaigrettes like this one infused with garlic and mixed herbs. This dish embraces simplicity while delivering big on freshness, making it the perfect side for just about any meal.
The Origins and Inspiration Behind This Salad
Cucumber salads are a staple in many global cuisines. From Thai-style spicy cucumber slaws to creamy German cucumber salads, cucumbers are often celebrated for their ability to balance heavier dishes and introduce cool, crisp contrast.
This particular version—cucumber slices tossed in a red wine vinaigrette spiked with garlic and herbs—is rooted in Mediterranean simplicity. It’s inspired by rustic salads often found in Greek or Italian households, where fresh, seasonal vegetables are paired with olive oil, vinegar, and dried herbs. The inclusion of Dijon mustard in the dressing is a French touch that helps emulsify the vinaigrette, creating a creamy consistency that coats the cucumber slices beautifully.
What makes this salad special is how it elevates a humble vegetable through balance—acidity, saltiness, herbal notes, and just a hint of sweetness come together in every bite.
Why This Salad is So Good For You
Beyond taste, this cucumber salad offers a range of health benefits, making it an excellent choice for anyone aiming to eat more mindfully. Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional highlights:
- Hydration: Cucumbers are composed of about 95% water, which makes them perfect for hydration, especially in the hotter months. Including them in your meals can help support your body’s fluid balance naturally.
- Low Calorie, High Volume: At just around 110 calories per serving (mainly from the olive oil), this salad fills you up without filling you out. It’s perfect for those watching their caloric intake but still wanting something flavorful and satisfying.
- Digestive Support: Red onion provides prebiotic fibers that help nourish your gut microbiota. Additionally, the fiber in cucumbers aids digestion and keeps you feeling full longer.
- Heart Health: Olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fats, which are known to support heart health. Combined with the garlic, which can help lower cholesterol and blood pressure, this salad is a cardiovascular-friendly option.
- Anti-inflammatory Benefits: Herbs like oregano, thyme, and parsley have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Even in dried form, they add small but significant boosts to your wellness.
In short, it’s a powerhouse of light nutrition, making it ideal for clean eating and balanced diets.
Let’s Talk About the Dressing
The magic of this salad lies in the vinaigrette. While many cucumber salads go the creamy route (often using yogurt, sour cream, or mayo), this one uses a tangy, herbaceous vinaigrette that keeps it light and vibrant.
Here’s why this dressing works so well:
- Red Wine Vinegar: Brings a bold tang that cuts through the wateriness of the cucumbers.
- Dijon Mustard: Adds a little zing and helps emulsify the dressing so that it clings to the cucumber slices instead of pooling at the bottom.
- Garlic: Fresh and minced, garlic infuses the salad with a pungent depth of flavor that sharpens the overall taste.
- Mixed Herbs: The dried herb mix—whether it’s oregano, basil, thyme, or your own blend—brings an aromatic complexity that complements the fresh crunch of the cucumbers.
The result is a dressing that’s more than the sum of its parts. A quick shake in a jar, and you have something that could dress up more than just cucumbers—try it on leafy greens, grilled vegetables, or even roasted potatoes.
Tips for Making the Perfect Cucumber Salad
Here are a few pro tips to help you nail this dish every time:
- Slice Evenly: Aim for slices around 3mm (⅛ inch) thick. Too thin and they’ll get soggy; too thick and they won’t absorb the dressing.
- Use Fresh Cucumbers: Whether you’re using long English cucumbers or standard Lebanese cucumbers, make sure they’re firm with no soft spots. Fresher cucumbers mean more crunch.
- Serve Immediately: This salad is best enjoyed fresh. Over time, cucumbers release water and lose their crispness. If you need to prep in advance, store the sliced cucumbers separately from the dressing and toss just before serving.
- Red Onion Hack: Soak the diced red onion in cold water for 10 minutes before adding to the salad. This tones down its sharpness and makes it more palatable.
- Customize It: Add fresh dill, feta cheese, cherry tomatoes, or avocado for variations. You can also throw in a handful of chickpeas or lentils to bulk it up into a full meal.
Perfect Pairings and When to Serve It
This cucumber salad is the ultimate supporting act. It enhances everything without stealing the spotlight. Here are a few dishes it pairs beautifully with:
- Grilled meats – Think lamb chops, chicken skewers, or steak.
- Fish and seafood – Especially salmon, shrimp, or grilled white fish.
- Barbecue spreads – Adds a cooling contrast to smoky, saucy mains.
- Spicy foods – Works wonderfully as a palate cleanser when served alongside spicy Asian or Mexican dishes.
- Picnic and potluck dishes – Travels well if kept cold and is universally liked.
It’s especially ideal for summer events or as part of a lighter lunch. In fact, you could eat this salad on its own for a quick, refreshing break from heavier meals.
How This Recipe Stands Out
You may be wondering what makes this cucumber salad the one you should keep coming back to. While there are many versions out there, this one strikes the perfect harmony between ease, flavor, and healthfulness.
- Speed: You can make this in under 10 minutes, which is faster than heating up leftovers.
- Flavor Impact: Despite the short ingredient list, the depth of flavor from the vinaigrette is incredible.
- Versatility: Suitable for vegan, gluten-free, and low-carb diets—this dish works for nearly everyone at the table.
- Visual Appeal: Its vibrant greens and purples from the cucumber and onion make it a beautiful addition to any spread.
This salad also avoids being overly watery or bland—two common pitfalls of cucumber dishes. The mustard in the vinaigrette helps emulsify the dressing so that it lightly coats the cucumbers, while the garlic and herbs ensure every bite is packed with flavor.
Make It Your Signature Salad
Once you’ve mastered this base recipe, it becomes a canvas. You can tailor the herbs based on seasonality, add protein to make it a meal, or double the batch for larger gatherings. Don’t hesitate to get creative.
Some variation ideas include:
- Mediterranean twist: Add olives, cherry tomatoes, and crumbled feta.
- Asian fusion: Swap the vinaigrette for rice vinegar, sesame oil, and a splash of soy sauce.
- Creamy remix: Stir in a dollop of Greek yogurt for a richer texture.
The simplicity of this recipe is what allows for endless customization while still being delicious just as it is.
Conclusion
In a world where food often tries to be overly complex or trendy, this cucumber salad with herb and garlic vinaigrette is refreshingly straightforward. It proves that with just a few everyday ingredients, you can create something that’s nutritious, flavorful, and beautiful.
Whether you’re eating seasonally, cooking for a crowd, or just want to refresh your lunch routine, this salad is an easy win. Its balance of tangy, savory, and fresh elements ensures it pairs with nearly anything—and leaves you feeling good after every bite. Make it once, and it just might become your go-to salad for every occasion.