Crunchy, refreshing, and ready in minutes, this Cucumber Salad with Herbs and Lemon combines crisp cucumbers, tangy lemon, and fresh herbs for a vibrant, low-calorie dish perfect for summer or as a healthy side.
| Prep Time | 15 mins |
|---|---|
| Cook Time | 0 mins |
| Total Time | 15 mins |
| Servings | 4 |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Cuisine | Healthy |
Why This Recipe Works
This salad shines for its simplicity and balance. The lemon juice adds brightness without extra fat, while herbs like dill and parsley enhance the natural sweetness of cucumbers. No cooking required, just mix and serve.
I first tried this version at a farmers’ market and replicated it at home. The herbs make a difference, transforming plain cucumbers into a restaurant-quality dish.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cucumber | 2 large | Seedless or English |
| Cucumber | 2 large | Seedless or English |
| Red onion | 1 small | Use shallot for milder flavor |
| Garlic | 2 cloves | Minced |
| Cherry tomatoes | 1 cup | Or grape tomatoes |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp | Extra virgin |
| Lemon | 1 | Juice and zest |
| Rice vinegar | 1 tbsp | Or apple cider vinegar |
| Dill | 2 tbsp | Chopped |
| Parsley | 1 tbsp | Chopped |
| Himalayan salt | To taste | Adjust to preference |
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Phase
-
Slice cucumbers crosswise into 1/4-inch rounds. Toss with 1 tbsp salt in a bowl. Let sit 10 minutes for moisture reduction.
-
Rinse cucumbers under cold water, pat dry with paper towels to retain crunch.
-
Thinly slice red onion and let sit 5 minutes for mellow flavor.
-
Halve cherry tomatoes and lightly press garlic into dressing bowl.
Assembly Phase
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Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice (1 tbsp reserved), vinegar, and lemon zest.
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Add cucumber, onion, garlic, tomatoes, and herbs to dressing. Toss gently.
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Let marinate 15 minutes for optimal flavor absorption.
Chef Tips for Perfect Results
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Salt Cucumbers 10 minutes to remove excess water while keeping texture. Don’t skip this step.
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Chill ingredients beforehand to maintain cold serving temperature without ice.
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Use room-temperature olive oil so it emulsifies with lemon juice instead of clumping.
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Reserve zest first, lemon juice is easier to measure after zest removal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Oversalting cucumbers – Use 1 tbsp total salt for 2 cucumbers. Excess makes them soggy.
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Marring ingredients too early – Wait 15 minutes to serve to prevent sogginess from marination.
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Overusing acidic ingredients – Balance 1 tbsp lemon juice with 1 tbsp vinegar for tang without sharpness.
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Adding whole herbs – Chop thyme/dill for better flavor distribution in the dressing.
Variations and Substitutions
| Ingredient | Substitution | Impact on Flavor |
|---|---|---|
| Cherry tomatoes | Cherry bell peppers | Less sweet, more vibrant color |
| Lemon juice | Lime juice | Smaller more intense citrus punch |
| Dill | Flat-leaf parsley | Standard freshness without floral notes |
| Olive oil | Avocado oil | Subtler neutral oil flavor |
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Pair this crisp salad with griddled halloumi, grilled halal chicken, or as a topping for crusty bread. Excellent at picnics, barbecues, or as a light lunch with whole-grain wraps.
Storage and Reheating
| Method | Duration | Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigeration | 3 days | Store in airtight container. Shake before serving. |
| Freezing | Not recommended | Cucumbers become soggy after thawing |
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 70 |
| Protein | 1g |
| Carbohydrates | 8g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugar | 3g |
| Fat | 4g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.5g |
| Sodium | 200mg |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I skip the rice vinegar?
Yes, substitute 1 tbsp additional lemon juice or 1 tsp white vinegar for acidity without altering flavor balance.
How to tell when cucumbers are done soaking?
After 10 minutes, cucumbers should feel slightly less taut but not limp. Rinse immediately to stop salting effect.
Why are my leftovers soggy?
Cucumbers continue releasing liquid. Serve leftovers within 3 days, or drain excess moisture before storing.
Can I make this ahead for a party?
Assemble 2 hours before serving. Add cherry tomatoes last 10 minutes to retain crunchiness for guests.
What to do if the dressing separates?
Whisk again before serving or add 1 tsp Dijon mustard to create stable emulsification if oil is overpowering.
Print
Cucumber Salad Recipe with Herbs and Lemon
- Total Time: 15
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A crisp, refreshing summer salad combining juicy cucumbers, bright citrus, and fragrant herbs. Ready in 15 minutes and perfect for a low-calorie side dish.
Ingredients
2 large cucumbers, seedless or English
1 small red onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 lemon, juice and zest
1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Himalayan salt, to taste
Instructions
Slice cucumbers crosswise into 1/4-inch rounds. Toss with 1 tbsp salt in a bowl. Let sit 10 minutes then rinse and dry.
Thinly slice onion and let sit 5 minutes to mellow flavor.
Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice (reserve a squeeze for garnish), vinegar, and lemon zest.
Combine cucumbers, onion, garlic, tomatoes, and herbs in a bowl. Add dressing and toss gently.
Let marinate 15 minutes before serving chilled.
Notes
Substitute shallot for red onion for a milder flavor
Use lemon zest before squeezing juice to maximize flavor
Room-temperature oil blends better with lemon juice
Chill all ingredients beforehand for optimal cold temperature
- Prep Time: 15
- Category: Lunch & Dinner
- Method: Cold preparation
- Cuisine: Healthy