There’s something incredibly refreshing and effortless about a crisp cucumber salad that just brightens up any meal. This Cucumber Salad Recipe is a delightful mix of tangy, sweet, and herby flavors—perfect for warm days or whenever you need a fresh side that’s easy to whip up.

In a white bowl on a white marbled surface, there is a cucumber salad made of many thin round slices of green cucumber layered and mixed with thin strips of light purple and white onion spread throughout. The cucumber slices have a fresh, moist texture with green skin edges, while the onion strips add contrast in color and texture. Small specks of herbs and seasoning are scattered evenly on top, giving the salad a light seasoning look. A light cloth is slightly visible in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Cucumber Salad Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Cucumber Salad Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Cucumber Salad Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I always keep this cucumber salad in my repertoire because it’s a wonderful balance of creamy and light with a lovely tang from the apple cider vinegar. Making it feels simple, yet it tastes like something special—kind of like your go-to kitchen secret.

Quick and Easy: Ready in under an hour with minimal prep, which means more time to relax.
Fresh Flavors: The combination of fresh dill, parsley, and a hint of honey adds layers of brightness.
Creamy Yet Light: Miracle Whip gives it a smooth texture without making it heavy or overpowering.
Versatile Side: Pairs beautifully with everything from grilled meats to sandwiches or just as a wholesome snack.

A white bowl holds a fresh salad made up of two main layers. The bottom layer is made of round cucumber slices with green edges and pale green centers, sprinkled with small green herb flakes. On top, there are thin slices of purple and white onions scattered evenly around the cucumbers, also coated lightly with the herb dressing that gives a slight shine to the vegetables. The background surface shows a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this cucumber salad plays a role in creating that perfect balance of flavor and texture. When you shop, I recommend looking for firm, fresh cucumbers and fragrant herbs because that makes all the difference.

Flat lay of thinly sliced English cucumbers arranged in neat overlapping layers, delicate rings of vibrant red onion fanned out beside them, a small pile of fresh bright green dill sprigs, a handful of finely chopped fresh parsley scattered gracefully, a golden pool of honey catching the light, a dollop of creamy white Miracle Whip, glistening minced garlic pieces, and a clear glass bottle of amber apple cider vinegar standing tall, all beautifully arranged on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

English cucumbers: Their thin skin and fewer seeds keep the salad crisp and less bitter compared to regular cucumbers.
Red onion: Adds a nice crunch and bite; slicing thinly keeps it from overpowering the delicate cucumbers.
Apple cider vinegar: Brings a tangy brightness that cuts through the creaminess beautifully.
Olive oil: Adds richness and helps blend the flavors smoothly.
Miracle Whip: Creates a creamy texture without heaviness; it’s tangier than mayo, which I love here.
Honey: Just enough sweetness to balance the vinegar and garlic.
Minced garlic: Gives a gentle kick without being too sharp—fresh garlic is key here.
Dill: A classic herb for cucumber dishes, bringing an aromatic freshness.
Fresh parsley: Brightens the salad and adds a subtle earthy note.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for enhancing all the flavors.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love making this cucumber salad recipe my own depending on what herbs I have on hand or how tangy I want the dressing. Feel free to swap or tweak ingredients to suit your taste—you'll find a base that always works but lets you play with flavors.

Variation: Sometimes I add a handful of cherry tomatoes or sliced radishes for a pop of color and extra crunch—it’s a fun twist I highly recommend trying!
Dietary tweak: For a vegan version, swap Miracle Whip for a dairy-free mayo and honey for maple syrup.
Seasonal change: In cooler months, I like to add chopped fresh mint or basil, which pairs surprisingly well.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cucumber Salad Recipe

Step 1: Slice and Salt the Veggies

Start by thinly slicing the English cucumbers and red onion. I like to use a sharp knife or mandoline for even slices—this ensures every bite has the same crispness. Toss them in a large bowl, then sprinkle with salt and pepper. The salt helps draw out excess moisture from the cucumbers, which keeps your salad from getting watery.

Step 2: Whisk Up the Dressing

Grab a small bowl and whisk together the apple cider vinegar, olive oil, Miracle Whip, honey, minced garlic, and dill. Take your time here so the honey dissolves fully and the dressing emulsifies into a smooth, tangy mix that clings beautifully to the veggies.

Step 3: Combine and Chill

Pour the dressing over the cucumber and onion slices, then toss gently but thoroughly so everything is coated evenly. Stir in the chopped fresh parsley at the end for a fresh burst of green. Cover and chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld—trust me, it's worth the wait!

Top Tip

When I first started making this cucumber salad recipe, I noticed the salad would sometimes get soggy quickly. Through trial and error, I learned a few things that really help keep it crisp and flavorful every time.

Slice Thinly: Using a mandoline slicer or very sharp knife, slice the cucumbers and onions thinly to prevent overwhelming crunch or bitter bites.
Salt Strategically: Lightly salting and letting the cucumbers rest draws out extra water, so the salad stays crisp rather than watery.
Whisk Dressing Well: Completely combine the honey and Miracle Whip into the vinegar and oil so your dressing is smooth, not separated.
Chill Before Serving: Letting the salad sit for 30 minutes or so really lets all those flavors shine by blending perfectly.

How to Serve Cucumber Salad Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping this cucumber salad with an extra sprinkle of fresh dill or chopped parsley just before serving. Sometimes a few toasted pine nuts or sliced almonds add a lovely texture contrast — it’s a simple way to make it feel even more special.

Side Dishes

This cucumber salad pairs so well with grilled chicken or fish, summer BBQ fare, and even sandwiches. When I’m serving a casual meal, I often toss it with some crusty bread and hummus on the side for a light but satisfying plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this salad in hollowed-out cucumber boats or layered it beautifully in a glass trifle bowl to show off the vibrant colors. It’s always a hit and looks fresh and inviting on any table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftover cucumber salad in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays crisp and tasty for up to 3-4 days, though I usually find it disappears sooner! Just give it a gentle stir before serving again.

Freezing

Freezing cucumber salad isn’t something I recommend; cucumbers release too much water and become mushy after thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for a few days.

Reheating

This cucumber salad is best served cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t necessary. If you’re pairing it with warm dishes, just let it sit out for a few minutes to take the chill off.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use regular cucumbers instead of English cucumbers?

Yes, you can use regular cucumbers, but they tend to have thicker skin and more seeds, which could make the salad slightly more bitter or watery. If using regular cucumbers, you might want to peel them and scoop out the seeds for best results.

What does Miracle Whip do in this cucumber salad recipe?

Miracle Whip adds creaminess and a subtle tang that balances the sharpness of the vinegar and garlic. It gives the salad a smooth texture without overpowering the fresh flavors of the cucumbers and herbs.

How long should I let the cucumber salad chill?

Chilling the salad for at least 30 minutes is ideal as it allows the flavors to marry and the cucumbers to soak in the dressing, resulting in a more flavorful and refreshing salad.

Can I make this cucumber salad recipe vegan?

Absolutely! Simply swap out the Miracle Whip for a vegan mayonnaise and replace the honey with maple syrup or agave nectar. This keeps the salad creamy and just as delicious without animal products.

Final Thoughts

This cucumber salad recipe feels like a little breath of fresh air every time I make it. It’s one of those dishes that’s straightforward but makes you feel like you’ve treated yourself to something delicious and bright. I hope you try it soon and find it becoming one of your go-to easy salads, just like I have!