Classical Cucumber Salad

Cucumber Salad is a refreshing and delicious salad made with thinly sliced cucumbers, dressed with a tangy and creamy dressing, and often topped with crunchy feta cheese and nuts. It’s a classic dish that originated in Greece and is perfect for hot summer days.

When selecting cucumbers for Cucumber Salad, look for ones that are firm, but not too hard, and have no bruises or soft spots. English or hothouse cucumbers work best, as they have a sweeter flavor and thinner skin than other varieties. Avoid using overly ripe or yellow cucumbers, as they may be too bitter.

The decision to peel cucumbers for a salad depends on personal preference and the desired texture and appearance of the final dish.
English or hothouse cucumbers are commonly used for cucumber salads, and their thin skins are edible and tender, so peeling is not always necessary.
However, if you want a more uniform look or prefer a slightly less crunchy texture, peeling the cucumbers can be a good option (as in this recipe).
Peeling also removes some of the bitterness and allows the dressing to penetrate the cucumber more easily.
On the other hand, leaving the skin on adds fiber and nutrients to the salad. In summary, whether or not to peel cucumbers is up to you and what you prefer.

The number of cucumbers needed for a salad varies depending on the size of the cucumbers, the number of servings desired, and how much of the cucumber will be used. Generally, 2-3 medium-sized cucumbers will yield enough slices for a small to medium-sized salad serving 4-6 people.
Larger cucumbers can be used for bigger salads or for creating a larger quantity of slices.
It’s important to note that the size and shape of the slices will also affect the amount of cucumber needed.
Thin slices will require more cucumbers than thicker slices.
To estimate, plan on about 1/2 cup of sliced cucumber per serving. So for a salad serving 4-6 people, you would need approximately 2-3 cups of sliced cucumber.

To prepare the cucumbers for Cucumber Salad, first wash them thoroughly in cold water, then drain and dry them with a clean kitchen towel.
Slice the cucumbers into very thin rounds, ideally using a mandoline or sharp knife to get uniform slices. Finally, place the sliced cucumbers in a colander and sprinkle with a little salt to remove excess moisture.

While English or hothouse cucumbers are traditional choices for Cucumber Salad, other varieties like lemons, Kirbys, or even pickling cucumbers can work well too.
Just avoid using overly large or thick-skinned cucumbers, as they may not have the same delicate flavor and texture.

If you want a different dressing from the one in our recipe above, a simple vinaigrette made with olive oil, lemon juice, and a touch of honey or sugar works beautifully.
You can also add some chopped fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or mint to give the dressing an extra burst of flavor.
Avoid using heavy or creamy dressings, as they can weigh down the delicate cucumbers.

Yes, absolutely! Some great options for adding extra veggies to Cucumber Salad include cherry tomatoes, sliced red onions, shaved carrots, or thinly sliced bell peppers. Just be sure to choose vegetables that complement the flavors and textures of the cucumbers and dressing.

Cucumber Salad is best served fresh, so it’s not recommended to store it for extended periods of time. If you must store it, keep it refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 hours before serving.
Be aware that the cucumbers may release moisture and become soggy if stored for too long.

Yes, Cucumber Salad is generally considered a healthy dish due to its high water content, fiber from the cucumbers, and nutrients from the fresh herbs and dressing. However, be mindful of the amount of dressing used and opt for low-fat or non-dairy alternatives if necessary. Additionally, choosing reduced-fat feta cheese or omitting it altogether can further reduce calories.

While it’s best to serve Cucumber Salad fresh, you can prep most of the components ahead of time to save on preparation. Prepare the cucumbers, dressing, and nuts or cheese separately, then assemble the salad just before serving. This will help maintain the crisp texture of the cucumbers.

There are many ways to mix things up when it comes to Cucumber Salad.
Try adding grilled chicken or shrimp for added protein, swapping out feta cheese for goat cheese or almonds for pistachios, or using different herbs like basil or tarragon in the dressing.
You could also experiment with smoked or pickled cucumbers for a unique twist.

Feta cheese is a classic choice for Cucumber Salad, but there are certainly other options you can explore.
Goat cheese, ricotta, or even crumbled Parmesan can offer distinctive flavors and textures.
Just be sure to choose a cheese that complements the other ingredients and doesn’t overpower the delicate cucumbers.

For the feta cheese, simply replace it with a plant-based alternative, such as crumbled tofu, tempeh, or a dairy-free vegan cheese.

To replace Greek yogurt, here are several alternatives you can use:
Silken Tofu: Blend silken tofu until smooth for a creamy texture. It offers a neutral flavor and good protein content.
Cashew Cream: Soak raw cashews in water and blend them until smooth to create a creamy base. You can add lemon juice, garlic, or other seasonings for flavor.
Coconut Yogurt: Unsweetened coconut yogurt can be a great substitute, providing a creamy texture with a hint of coconut flavor.
Almond or Soy Yogurt: Look for unsweetened almond or soy yogurt as a direct substitute for Greek yogurt.
Avocado: Mashed avocado can add creaminess and a rich flavor, though it will change the color of the dressing.
Nut or Seed Butters: Blending tahini or almond butter with water can create a creamy dressing that’s rich in flavor.
Vegan Sour Cream: There are various brands of vegan sour cream that can work well in dressings.
Hummus: Using hummus can create a creamy texture with added flavor.
Aquafaba: The liquid from canned chickpeas can be whipped or blended to mimic creaminess.
When using any of these alternatives, you may need to adjust seasonings, acidity (like lemon juice or vinegar), and consistency by adding water or oil to reach your desired taste and texture.

You can also swap out the honey in the dressing for maple syrup or agave nectar to make it fully vegan.

If you’re using any store-bought dressing or seasonings, don’t forget to check the labels to ensure they’re free from animal products.

Yes, but keep in mind that Greek yogurt provides a creamier texture and a slightly tangier flavor.

Parsley, basil, or mint work well as alternatives to dill.

Whisk the dressing ingredients vigorously until they combine smoothly. Start with the oil and vinegar, then add the yogurt and lemon juice. Add salt and pepper last.