Crisp and cool, these healthy cucumber salad recipes offer fresh twists and enticing flavors that are downright crave-worthy. These unexpected combos are anything but boring, and sure to become summer staples.

Why You’ll Love these Cucumber Salad Recipes

• Low Effort. Most of these salads come together in 20 minutes or less– no ovens, food processors, or fancy kitchen tools required.
• Bold Flavors. From sumac and sesame to feta-dill and garlicky chili oil, these recipes go way beyond your standard vinegar and salt duo.
• Nutritious. Hydrating, crisp, and loaded with nutrients, these cucumber salad recipes offer feel-good ingredients in every bite.
• Versatile. Enjoy these salads for a light lunch or pair them with anything hot off the grill this summer for dinner. You can even prep them ahead for potlucks.
• Vegetarian. These salads are all vegetarian, gluten free, and easily made nut free, if needed! Great for a variety of dietary preferences or restrictions without sacrificing flavor.

Preparation Tips and Tricks

• Choose the right cucumber. Use seedless cucumbers, such as English, Persian, or “snacking” cucumbers, which have thinner skins and fewer seeds. These types of cucumbers are less bitter, easier to prepare, and offer a refreshing crunch.
• Smash or slice. You can either smash the cucumber pieces to break open the flesh, or thinly slice them into uniform pieces. If you prefer a thinner cucumber slice, using a mandoline can help you achieve uniform rounds.
• Pre-salt if making ahead. To maintain a satisfying crunch, lightly sprinkle the cucumber flesh with salt about 15 minutes ahead of time. Then, pat the cucumbers dry with a paper towel to soak up any water they expelled.

Serving Suggestions

These cucumber salad recipes pair well with just about anything – sandwiches, grilled chicken, fish, tacos, burgers, and more. Here are a few suggestions:

• Burgers. Classic beef burgers, Chipotle Black Bean Burgers, Lentil Burgers, Salmon Burgers, or Portobello Burgers.
• Sandwiches. I love a crisp cucumber salad with a hearty sandwich! Especially these Green Goddess Chicken Salad Sandwiches.
• Summer-fresh soups. Try my Creamy Tomato Basil Soup or this Corn Chowder for the ultimate summer lunch pairing.
• Fish. For a lighter meal, serve any of the cucumber salads alongside this Mediterranean Baked Cod, Coconut Poached Fish, or spicy Moroccan Baked Fish.
• Chicken. This recipe for Curried Chicken Thighs is excellent alongside a crisp cuke salad!
• Tacos. Tacos always pair well with something refreshing and crunchy. Especially these Baja Fish Tacos, Chipotle Shrimp Tacos, and Salmon Tacos.

Cucumber Salad Recipes

Without further ado, here are the recipes that deserve a spot on your table.

Smashed Cucumber Salad – tossed with feta-dill dressing and pistachios. This recipes leans on minimal ingredients with big flavor.

Cucumber Peach Salad with herbs and avocado. Easy, loaded with fresh herbs, and kissed with sumac for a burst of bright floral flavor.

Cucumber Avocado Salad with sumac-marinated shallots, toasted sesame seeds, and fresh dill. Cooling, crunchy, and refreshing, the ingredients couldn’t be simpler, yet they work together to create a spectacular side dish.

Cucumber Edamame Salad with sesame-ginger dressing and scallions. A personal favorite that gets a protein and fiber boost from edamame. I also love that this salad can be made ahead!

Cucumber Sesame Salad with garlicky chili oil and yogurt. At once cooling, spicy, crunchy, and so refreshing, this speedy salad is a summer staple!

10 Minute Asian Cucumber Salad calls for minimal ingredients, yet is always a hit. Crisp, bright, and a with kick of spice, I especially love serving this one alongside fish or noodles.

Storage Tips:

• Store: refrigerate leftover cucumber salads in an airtight container and enjoy within 1 to 2 days. Once dressed, cucumbers start to soften and release water quickly, so while the texture may not be as crisp, the salads will remain flavorful.
• Drain excess liquid, if needed. If your salad does get a little watery in the fridge, just drain off any extra liquid before enjoying. If your salad tastes watered down, brighten it back up with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or jolt of vinegar.

If you try any of these cucumber salad recipes, snap a pic and tag #dishingouthealth. Also, follow along on Facebook and Pinterest for the latest recipe updates!