Cucumber salad is one of those refreshing, tangy dishes that can brighten up any meal.
Made with simple ingredients like cucumbers, white onion, white vinegar, sugar, water, and dill, it’s both easy and quick to prepare.
You’ll love how light and flavorful this salad is, perfect for hot summer days!
One of my favorite things about this cucumber salad is its versatility.
It pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or can be enjoyed on its own as a refreshing snack.
And here’s a tip: make sure to chill the salad for about 15 minutes before serving.
This lets the flavors meld together beautifully.
How to Make Joy of Cooking Cucumber Salad
Ingredients
- 4 Cucumbers
- 1 Small White Onion
- 1 cup White Vinegar
- 3/4 cup White Sugar
- 1/2 cup Water
- 1 tbsp Dried Dill
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1:
Thinly slice the cucumbers.
For uniform slices, consider using a mandoline.
Add them to a large bowl.
Step 2:
Thinly slice the small white onion.
Toss the onion slices with the cucumber slices in the bowl.
Step 3:
In a separate bowl, mix the white vinegar, white sugar, water, and dried dill.
Stir until the sugar completely dissolves.
Step 4:
Pour the vinegar mixture over the cucumbers and onions.
Toss everything together to ensure an even coating.
Step 5:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour.
This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe
Slice Thinly
Thin slices ensure that the cucumber absorbs the flavors well.
A mandoline can make this task easier and quicker.
Chill Time
Letting the salad refrigerate for at least an hour helps the flavors to mix perfectly.
It’s worth the wait.
Balancing Flavors
If you prefer a less sweet salad, reduce the amount of sugar.
Taste the dressing before adding it to adjust to your preference.
Fresh Dill
For an added burst of flavor, use fresh dill instead of dried dill.
Fresh herbs can enhance the taste remarkably.
Storing
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge.
It will keep well for up to three days.
What to Serve with Joy of Cooking Cucumber Salad
Grilled Chicken Skewers
You can serve cucumber salad with grilled chicken skewers marinated in teriyaki or lemon garlic.
These skewers offer a protein boost and add vibrant flavors to your meal!
Garlic Butter Shrimp
Garlic butter shrimp brings a savory touch that perfectly complements the crispness of the cucumber salad.
The combination provides a delightful mix of textures and flavors.
Lemon Herb Salmon
Lemon herb salmon is another excellent pairing with cucumber salad.
This dish is zesty, nutritious, and rich in omega-3s, making it a wholesome option.
Roasted Vegetable Medley
A roasted vegetable medley adds texture, variety, and color to the meal.
The hearty vegetables enhance the light and refreshing cucumber salad.
Couscous Salad
Couscous salad is an out-of-the-ordinary but fantastically complementary side dish.
It can be served warm or cold, providing a unique twist to your summer meal.
Variations and Substitutions
Adding a Little Spice
For a spicy kick, try adding thinly sliced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
The heat pairs wonderfully with the cool cucumbers and tangy vinegar.
Your guests can adjust the spice level to their liking.
Playing with Vinegars
Instead of white vinegar, experiment with apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar.
Each offers a unique twist and flavor profile.
Try balsamic vinegar for a sweeter, more robust taste.
Fresh Herb Alternatives
While dill is traditional, you can use fresh herbs like mint, cilantro, or basil.
Each herb lends a unique aroma and taste to the salad.
Mix and match to discover your favorite combination!
Sweetness Variations
If you prefer less sugar, substitute it with honey or agave nectar.
You can also use natural sweeteners like stevia.
Adjust the sweetness to your palate.
Crunch Additions
For added texture, include thinly sliced radishes or carrots.
You can also top the salad with toasted nuts or seeds.
This adds a delightful crunch that complements the cucumbers.
Onion Alternatives
If you’re not a fan of white onions, try using red onions or green onions.
Red onions add a pop of color and a milder flavor.
Green onions provide a subtle, fresh taste.
How to Store Leftover Joy of Cooking Cucumber Salad
Let’s talk about storing that delicious cucumber salad!
If you have leftover cucumber salad, put it in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
Store it in the refrigerator to prevent spoilage.
Keeping Freshness
Cucumber salads are best consumed within two to three days.
Leaving them any longer will cause the cucumbers to soften due to the dressing.
If you are worried about sogginess, store the salad and dressing separately.
Avoid Freezing
Do not freeze your cucumber salad.
Cucumbers contain a lot of water and will get mushy once thawed.
Freezing can compromise the texture and flavor of the salad.
Using Paper Towels
Place a paper towel inside the container to absorb excess moisture.
Doing this helps keep the cucumbers crisp and fresh.
Change the paper towel if it becomes too damp.
Enjoy your leftover cucumber salad while it’s still fresh!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overlooking Proper Salting
One common mistake is not salting the cucumbers before adding them to the salad.
Salt helps draw out excess moisture, which prevents a watery salad.
Make sure to sprinkle the cucumbers with salt and let them sit for about 30 minutes before patting them dry.
Skipping the Acidity
Another mistake is not including enough acidity in the dressing.
Cucumber salads benefit from a good balance of sweet and tangy flavors.
Consider using white vinegar or lemon juice to add that essential tang.
Using Too Much Onion
Using too much onion can easily overpower the delicate flavor of cucumbers.
Stick to a small amount of thinly sliced white or red onion.
If you find the raw onion flavor too strong, soak the slices in cold water for a few minutes before adding them to the salad.

Joy of Cooking Cucumber Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 Cucumbers
- 1 Small White Onion
- 1 cup White Vinegar
- 3/4 cup White Sugar
- 1/2 cup Water
- 1 tbsp Dried Dill
Instructions
- Thinly slice the cucumbers.
- For uniform slices, consider using a mandoline.
- Add them to a large bowl.
- Thinly slice the small white onion.
- Toss the onion slices with the cucumber slices in the bowl.
- In a separate bowl, mix the white vinegar, white sugar, water, and dried dill.
- Stir until the sugar completely dissolves.
- Pour the vinegar mixture over the cucumbers and onions.
- Toss everything together to ensure an even coating.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour.
- This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.