5 Cucumber Salad Recipes You’ll Make on Repeat This Summer

There’s something about a cucumber salad that just feels like summer. Crisp, cool, and endlessly versatile, it’s the side dish that can steal the show at picnics, BBQs, or a simple midweek dinner. And thanks to their refreshing crunch and ability to soak up bold flavours, cucumbers are trending in kitchens everywhere this year.

We’ve rounded up five creative cucumber salad recipes to inspire your next meal—each with its own personality, from creamy classics to spicy, modern twists.

---

🥢 1. Asian Sesame Cucumber Salad

Light, tangy, and a little nutty, this Asian-inspired salad is as vibrant in flavour as it is on the plate.

Ingredients:

• 2 medium cucumbers, thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
• 1 clove garlic, finely grated
• 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
• 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Method:

1. Toss sliced cucumbers with a pinch of salt and set aside for 10 minutes. Drain off excess liquid.
2. Whisk vinegar, sesame oil, soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger in a bowl.
3. Add cucumbers to the dressing, sprinkle with sesame seeds and chilli flakes, and serve chilled.

✨ Perfect for pairing with grilled salmon or tofu.

---

🌿 2. Creamy Dill Cucumber Salad

A nostalgic favourite with a fresher, lighter spin thanks to Greek yogurt.

Ingredients:

• 3 cucumbers, thinly sliced
• 1/2 red onion, finely sliced
• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• Juice of 1/2 lemon
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Method:

1. Salt cucumbers and onions lightly and leave for 15 minutes. Pat dry with kitchen paper.
2. Stir yogurt, lemon juice, dill, salt, and pepper together in a large bowl.
3. Fold in cucumbers and onions until coated. Chill before serving for best flavour.

✨ Ideal as a BBQ side or tucked into a pita with falafel.

---

🌶 3. Spicy Korean-Style Cucumber Salad

This punchy Korean favourite (Oi Muchim) is quick to prepare and packs plenty of heat.

Ingredients:

• 4 small cucumbers, sliced or smashed into chunks
• 1 tbsp Korean chilli flakes (gochugaru)
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp rice vinegar
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds

Method:

1. Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and toss well.
2. Let sit for 10–15 minutes to allow flavours to develop before serving.

✨ Pairs beautifully with sticky rice and grilled chicken.

---

🥑 4. Cucumber & Avocado Summer Salad

For those who prefer their salads creamy but dairy-free, avocado steps in to add richness and texture.

Ingredients:

• 2 cucumbers, diced
• 1 ripe avocado, diced
• Juice of 1 lime
• 2 tbsp fresh coriander, chopped
• Salt and cracked black pepper to taste

Method:

1. Gently combine cucumber and avocado in a bowl.
2. Drizzle with lime juice, scatter with coriander, season, and toss carefully to avoid mashing the avocado.

✨ Serve with tortilla chips as a fresh summer snack.

---

🫒 5. Mediterranean Cucumber-Tomato Salad

Sunshine on a plate, with all the bold flavours of the Med.

Ingredients:

• 2 cucumbers, sliced into half-moons
• 3 tomatoes, roughly chopped
• 1/2 red onion, sliced
• 75g feta cheese, crumbled
• Handful of Kalamata olives
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Method:

1. Combine cucumbers, tomatoes, onion, olives, and feta in a bowl.
2. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice, season with oregano, salt, and pepper, and toss gently.

✨ The ultimate summer side for grilled lamb or halloumi.

---

🌞 The Takeaway

Whether you’re hosting a garden party or just need a quick, healthy lunch idea, these cucumber salads have you covered. With minimal prep and maximum flavour, they’re proof that the humble cucumber deserves its moment in the sun.