Easy Cucumber Salad – Refreshing and Healthy
This refreshing cucumber salad is light, crisp, and perfect for a quick, healthy side dish. With the right balance of tangy and sweet, it's ideal for any meal or occasion. The combination of thinly sliced cucumbers, red onions, and a simple vinaigrette dressing creates a dish that's both flavorful and satisfying. Great for summer picnics, barbecues, or a simple weekday lunch, this cucumber salad is as easy to make as it is to enjoy.
Ingredients
- 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup white vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional for a hint of sweetness)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (optional)
Directions
Thinly slice the cucumbers and red onion using a sharp knife or mandoline for even slices.
In a small bowl, whisk together the white vinegar, olive oil, sugar, salt, and pepper until the dressing is well combined.
In a large bowl, toss the cucumbers and red onions with the dressing. Make sure all the slices are evenly coated.
Let the salad sit for at least 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Garnish with freshly chopped dill if desired, and serve chilled.
Recipe tips
For extra crunch, add some thinly sliced radishes or carrots. If you prefer a sweeter salad, increase the sugar to 2 tablespoons. Letting the salad marinate in the fridge for an hour before serving enhances the flavor. English cucumbers or Persian cucumbers work best because of their thin skin and minimal seeds.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Fattoush is a vibrant and refreshing Middle Eastern salad that's perfect for any time of the day. The combination of fresh vegetables, crispy pita bread, and a zesty sumac dressing makes it a delightful and healthy dish. This salad is not only full of flavor but also a great way to use up leftover pita bread. It's quick to prepare, and the balance of textures—crunchy and fresh—makes it a favorite for a light meal or side dish.
Shrimp salad is a refreshing and delicious dish, perfect for a light lunch or dinner. The tender shrimp, combined with fresh vegetables and a tangy lemon dressing, makes for a vibrant and healthy meal. You can customize the salad with your favorite greens and add-ons like avocado or cherry tomatoes. This recipe is quick to make, perfect for busy days, and offers a balance of flavors and textures. Plus, it’s packed with protein and healthy fats, making it a great option for those focusing on nutritious meals.
This refreshing corn salad is a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors, making it a versatile dish that can be served on its own or as a side. With its vibrant colors and fresh ingredients, it’s ideal for summer barbecues or light lunches. The crisp corn kernels, juicy tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and creamy avocado come together in a simple lime dressing, giving you a healthy, flavor-packed salad in no time.
If you're looking for a light yet satisfying meal that's packed with fresh flavors and textures, this Chopped Salad is the perfect choice. It's a combination of crisp vegetables, creamy avocado, savory cheese, and a tangy homemade dressing that brings everything together. Whether you're enjoying it as a main course or a side dish, this salad is versatile, nutritious, and ideal for anyone who wants to eat healthy without sacrificing taste. Plus, it’s easy to customize based on your preferences, so feel free to get creative!
Caprese Salad is a classic Italian dish that showcases the simplicity and elegance of fresh ingredients. With its vibrant colors and bright flavors, this salad is a celebration of summer on a plate. Juicy, ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil are drizzled with extra virgin olive oil and a splash of balsamic vinegar for a taste that’s both refreshing and satisfying. It’s the perfect dish when you want something quick, healthy, and bursting with flavor.
This vibrant and refreshing Fruit Salad is a delightful blend of seasonal fruits, perfect for any time of day. The natural sweetness of ripe fruits, combined with a light citrus dressing, makes this salad not only delicious but also incredibly nutritious. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast, a healthy snack, or a light dessert, this fruit salad is a simple yet satisfying choice. The recipe is versatile and can be customized with your favorite fruits or whatever is in season, making it a go-to dish for any occasion.
A classic Nicoise salad, bursting with vibrant colors and fresh flavors, brings a taste of the French Riviera to your table. This recipe combines tender potatoes, green beans, crisp greens, hard-boiled eggs, briny olives, and seared tuna, all tossed in a zesty, homemade Dijon vinaigrette. Simple yet elegant, it’s perfect for a light lunch or a refreshing dinner that’s both healthy and satisfying.
This Lentil Salad is a vibrant, hearty dish perfect for a light meal or side. Packed with nutritious lentils, fresh vegetables, and a zesty vinaigrette, it’s flavorful and easy to prepare. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or a refreshing dinner option, this lentil salad will leave you feeling satisfied and nourished.
This Creamy Pasta Salad is a delightful mix of tender pasta, fresh vegetables, and a rich, tangy dressing. It’s perfect for those warm days when you want something light but satisfying. The flavors meld beautifully, making each bite refreshing and comforting. Whether you're hosting a backyard barbecue or just need a quick meal, this pasta salad will surely impress.
Caesar Salad is a classic dish known for its fresh and crisp flavors. This recipe combines the crunch of romaine lettuce with the savory taste of Parmesan cheese, the creaminess of Caesar dressing, and the satisfying crunch of croutons. It's perfect for a light lunch, a side dish, or even a main course with added protein like grilled chicken or shrimp. This salad is easy to make yet packed with flavor, making it a staple in any home cook's repertoire.
This classic Macaroni Salad is the perfect side dish for summer picnics, barbecues, or any family gathering. With its creamy dressing, crunchy vegetables, and tender pasta, it’s both refreshing and satisfying. It's easy to prepare, and you can customize it with your favorite ingredients like boiled eggs, pickles, or even a hint of mustard. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe delivers a delicious result every time.
This Mixed Greens Salad is a fresh, vibrant dish perfect for a light meal or a refreshing side. Packed with leafy greens, crunchy vegetables, and a simple vinaigrette, it’s easy to prepare and full of flavor. You can customize it by adding your favorite toppings like nuts, seeds, or cheese. Whether you need a quick lunch or a side for dinner, this salad will add a healthy and delicious touch to your meal.
Warm up with this hearty Italian Sausage Soup, full of rich flavors from Italian sausage, vegetables, and a touch of Parmesan. Perfectly seasoned and comforting, this one-pot wonder is ideal for chilly days or when you need a quick, satisfying meal that’s simple to prepare. With just a handful of fresh ingredients, this recipe brings out the delicious taste of Italian cooking in every spoonful. Serve it with a slice of crusty bread to soak up the savory broth, and you’ve got a meal the whole family will love!
Juicy and flavorful Teriyaki Chicken Skewers are perfect for grilling, baking, or even pan-frying. Marinated in a delicious homemade teriyaki sauce, these skewers bring together a balance of savory and sweet flavors that make a perfect meal or appetizer. Enjoy them on a warm summer evening or any time you crave a taste of Japan-inspired flavors. Serve over rice or alongside grilled vegetables for a complete dish!
This classic homemade chili is a hearty and flavorful dish perfect for any occasion. Made with ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and a robust blend of spices, this recipe delivers warmth and comfort in every bite. Whether you're cooking for a family dinner or preparing for a game day gathering, this chili is sure to satisfy everyone at the table. The best part? It's simple to prepare and can easily be customized to your taste.
These delightful Peach Hand Pies are the perfect treat for a sweet snack or dessert. Made with a buttery, flaky pie crust and filled with juicy, spiced peaches, they are easy to make and perfect for any time of year, especially summer. You can serve them warm with a scoop of ice cream or enjoy them as a grab-and-go snack. The individual servings also make them ideal for picnics or parties.
Lasagna is a hearty and comforting dish that brings rich layers of flavor with each bite. It’s a classic Italian meal that combines tender pasta sheets, savory meat sauce, creamy béchamel, and melted cheese. This recipe is ideal for family dinners or special gatherings, and its deep, satisfying taste makes it a favorite at the table. If you’ve never made lasagna from scratch before, don’t worry – with a little time and care, you’ll have a homemade lasagna that rivals any restaurant dish.
Cornstarch gravy is an easy and versatile sauce, perfect for adding rich flavor to your favorite dishes. Whether you're making it for mashed potatoes, roasted meats, or even vegetables, this simple recipe uses cornstarch as a thickener to create a smooth, glossy gravy without flour. It's quick to make and delivers a silky, flavorful sauce every time. The best part? You can customize it by using chicken, beef, or vegetable broth, depending on what you’re serving it with.
Grilled salmon is a simple, healthy, and flavorful dish that's perfect for a quick meal. This recipe combines the rich, buttery flavor of salmon with a citrusy marinade to enhance its natural taste. Cooking the salmon on the grill gives it a light smokiness, while keeping the fish moist and tender. It's a great dish for busy weeknights or summer BBQs and pairs wonderfully with fresh vegetables or a side of rice.
Juicy, tender BBQ ribs that fall off the bone are a must-have for any barbecue lover. This recipe uses a flavorful dry rub, slow cooking, and a delicious homemade BBQ sauce to achieve a smoky, caramelized finish. Whether you're grilling in the backyard or slow-cooking in the oven, these BBQ ribs are sure to be a hit.
This Sweet Potato Soup is a creamy and flavorful dish that warms the soul. Made with tender sweet potatoes, a hint of spice, and creamy coconut milk, it’s the perfect balance of sweetness and savory. Ideal for a cozy dinner or as a light lunch, this hearty soup is both nutritious and comforting. Plus, it’s easy to make with simple ingredients you likely have on hand.
Who doesn't love a warm, gooey cheese dip? This recipe is your go-to for an easy, crowd-pleasing appetizer. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a dip that's creamy, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you're hosting a party or enjoying a quiet night in, this cheese dip will be the star of the show.
The Philly Cheesesteak is a mouthwatering sandwich that’s perfect for lunch or dinner. Originating from Philadelphia, this iconic dish is made with thinly sliced beef, melted cheese, and sautéed onions, all piled into a soft hoagie roll. The combination of savory flavors and gooey cheese makes it irresistible. Whether you're cooking for yourself or serving guests, this easy recipe will bring the flavors of Philly right into your kitchen!
There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm bowl of Tomato Basil Soup. With the perfect balance of tangy tomatoes and aromatic basil, this soup is a timeless classic that’s both simple and delicious. Ideal for those who enjoy homemade meals, this recipe is easy to follow and yields a rich, velvety soup that’s perfect for any time of the year. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer or a light meal, this Tomato Basil Soup is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
KFC-style gravy is a rich, savory sauce that’s perfect for drizzling over mashed potatoes, chicken, or even biscuits. With just a few simple ingredients, you can recreate that iconic flavor at home. This recipe is quick and easy, giving you smooth, flavorful gravy just like your favorite fast-food restaurant. Get ready to elevate your meals with this delicious gravy!
Borscht is a traditional Eastern European soup made with vibrant red beets, vegetables, and a hearty broth. This comforting dish is full of rich flavors from the sweet earthiness of beets, the tang of vinegar, and the freshness of dill. It’s a nourishing and satisfying meal perfect for any time of the year, especially during colder months. Borscht can be enjoyed hot or cold, with a dollop of sour cream on top and some crusty bread on the side.
Avgolemono soup is a traditional Greek soup that is both comforting and refreshing, made with a rich blend of chicken broth, rice, and a velvety lemon-egg mixture. This dish balances the warmth of chicken soup with the tangy brightness of fresh lemon, creating a hearty yet light meal. It's a perfect dish for cooler days or whenever you crave something flavorful and nourishing.
Homemade Pretzel Bites are the perfect blend of soft, chewy, and salty. These bite-sized delights are incredibly versatile—great for snacking, serving at parties, or even a fun weekend baking project. With a golden-brown crust and a fluffy interior, they’re irresistible when dipped in mustard or cheese sauce. Making these at home is surprisingly simple, and the results are well worth the effort.
Sangria is a refreshing and fruity drink that's perfect for gatherings, warm summer nights, or anytime you're in the mood for something light and festive. Made with red wine, fresh fruits, and a touch of sweetness, this classic Spanish beverage is easy to prepare and customizable to your taste. Whether you're hosting a party or simply relaxing at home, a pitcher of homemade sangria is sure to impress your guests.
This Szechuan Hot and Sour Soup brings bold, spicy, and tangy flavors straight to your kitchen. Traditionally a staple in Szechuan cuisine, this soup combines chili heat, peppercorn tingle, and vinegar tang, creating a symphony of flavors that’s deeply comforting and refreshing. Featuring mushrooms, tofu, bamboo shoots, and eggs in a beautifully seasoned broth, this soup is quick to make and perfect for chilly days or whenever you're craving something with a kick.
These Puff Pastry Tarts are light, flaky, and endlessly versatile. Whether you're filling them with fresh fruit for a breakfast treat or savory toppings for a snack, they come together quickly and bake into golden, crispy perfection. Perfect for any time of day, they’re an excellent recipe to keep in your back pocket for when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.
Fresh, light, and packed with colorful veggies, these Spring Rolls are a delightful appetizer or snack that you can easily whip up at home. Traditionally found in Vietnamese cuisine, these rolls are wrapped in rice paper and served with a savory peanut dipping sauce. They are versatile, refreshing, and perfect for those looking for a healthy yet satisfying dish.