If you’re craving a fresh, tangy, and utterly irresistible side dish, this Cucumber Salad with Herb & Garlic Dressing (Vinaigrette) Recipe is your new best friend. Crisp cucumbers meet a lively blend of herbs, garlic, and a splash of red wine vinegar, all beautifully melded together in a vibrant vinaigrette. It’s light enough to refresh your palate, yet packed with enough zing and flavor to stand out at any meal. Trust me, once you try this salad, it will quickly become a staple in your cooking rotation, perfect for warm days or anytime you want a quick and healthy boost.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this salad is a breeze, and each one plays a crucial role in delivering that perfect balance of flavors and textures. From the crunch of fresh cucumbers to the punch of garlic and tang of vinegar, every element matters.
- 3 cucumbers: Choose standard or English cucumbers for their crisp texture and mild flavor to keep the salad refreshing.
- 1/2 red onion, finely diced: Adds a subtle sharpness and vibrant color contrast that complements the cucumbers.
- 1 1/2 tbsp red wine vinegar: Gives the dressing a bright, tangy kick that pairs wonderfully with herbs.
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil: For a rich, smooth consistency and fruity undertones in the vinaigrette.
- 1 garlic clove, minced: Provides a punch of savory depth without overpowering the lightness of the salad.
- 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard: Helps emulsify the dressing and adds a gentle complexity.
- 3/4 tsp mixed dried herbs: A fragrant blend that offers earthiness and enhances the fresh ingredients.
- 1/2 tsp white sugar (optional): Balances acidity and brings a subtle sweetness to the dressing.
- 1/2 tsp salt and black pepper (each): Essential seasonings that bring out all the flavors vividly.
How to Make Cucumber Salad with Herb & Garlic Dressing (Vinaigrette) Recipe
Step 1: Shake Up the Dressing
Start by combining the red wine vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, mixed dried herbs, white sugar, salt, and black pepper in a jar or small bowl. Seal it tightly and give it a good shake or whisk until everything is well emulsified and the dressing appears smooth and vibrant. This simple vinaigrette is the flavor powerhouse of your salad.
Step 2: Prepare the Cucumbers
Trim the ends off your cucumbers, then slice them into about 3 mm (1/8 inch) thick rounds. This thickness is perfect because it maintains a satisfying crunch but still absorbs the dressing beautifully. If you prefer, English cucumbers work wonderfully here for their thinner skin and fewer seeds.
Step 3: Mix in the Red Onion
Place your cucumber slices into a large bowl and gently fold in the finely diced red onion. The onion adds a bit of sharpness and lovely pops of color that elevate the overall visual appeal and taste harmony of the salad.
Step 4: Dress and Toss
Pour your prepared herb and garlic vinaigrette all over the cucumber and onion mixture. Toss everything gently to ensure each slice is coated evenly without bruising the delicate cucumbers. Serve immediately to enjoy the freshest flavors and the perfect crunch.
How to Serve Cucumber Salad with Herb & Garlic Dressing (Vinaigrette) Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of charm and texture, consider sprinkling some freshly chopped parsley or dill on top. Toasted pine nuts or sliced almonds add a delightful crunch and nutty contrast. A few thin shreds of lemon zest can also brighten each bite, making your presentation pop visually and flavor-wise.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with grilled proteins like chicken, fish, or shrimp, adding a fresh, vibrant counterpoint to smoky charred flavors. It also complements heartier Mediterranean dishes such as lamb kebabs or falafel, balancing richness with its crisp, zesty notes.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the cucumber salad in a clear glass bowl to showcase its beautiful colors or, for a fun twist, stuff the salad inside hollowed-out cucumber halves for an elegant appetizer. You can even serve it atop toasted rustic bread for a refreshing cucumber bruschetta perfect for warm-weather entertaining.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This cucumber salad is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. The cucumbers will soften slightly and the flavors will meld more deeply, but the salad might lose some of its crisp bite, so plan to enjoy it soon for optimal texture.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for this salad since cucumbers are made mostly of water and will turn mushy upon thawing. To keep your salad fresh, it is best to prepare it the same day you plan to eat it.
Reheating
Reheating is unnecessary and would not benefit this salad, as it shines best served cold or at room temperature. If you’d like a little warmth, consider pairing it with a hot dish rather than warming the salad itself.
FAQs
Can I use other types of vinegar instead of red wine vinegar?
Absolutely! While red wine vinegar offers a nice balance of acidity and fruitiness, you can substitute with white wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or even a mild rice vinegar for a slightly different but still delicious flavor.
Is there a way to make this salad vegan?
The recipe is naturally vegan, using only plant-based ingredients like olive oil, herbs, and cucumbers. Just ensure your Dijon mustard does not contain honey if strict veganism is important to you.
Can I add other vegetables to this salad?
Definitely! Thinly sliced radishes, cherry tomatoes, or even some finely chopped fresh herbs like mint or basil can add extra flavor and color, making the salad your own delightful creation.
What if I don’t have dried mixed herbs?
No worries! You can substitute with fresh herbs like parsley, oregano, or thyme. Use about three times the amount of fresh herbs as dried since fresh herbs are less concentrated.
How do I prevent the cucumbers from getting soggy?
Slice them just before serving and toss with the dressing right before eating. If you slice cucumbers too early, they release water and can become soggy. Keeping the salad chilled also helps maintain crispness.
Final Thoughts
This Cucumber Salad with Herb & Garlic Dressing (Vinaigrette) Recipe is a shining example of how simple ingredients come together to create something truly spectacular. Crisp, fresh, and bursting with herbaceous flavor, it’s a dish you’ll want to make again and again. I encourage you to give it a try — whether as a quick weeknight side, a picnic favorite, or a refreshing snack. Once you do, this salad might just become your go-to for cool, bright, effortless deliciousness!
