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Experience a burst of freshness with every bite of this Refreshing Cucumber Salad! Crisp cucumber spears meet juicy cherry tomatoes tossed in a zesty lemon juice and earthy cumin dressing.
The tangy notes of the lemon perfectly balance the salad, while the hint of cumin adds a warm, aromatic touch. Enjoy this light dish as a side to your favorite meal or as a quick snack that captures the essence of summer in every delicious bite!
Table of Contents
Recipe Overview
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Preparation Method: Freshly Chopped and Mixed
Skill Required: Easy, perfect for beginners
Signature Taste: Crisp, tangy, and slightly earthy with a hint of spice
Diet Info: Vegan, gluten-free, and low-carb options
Why This Cucumber Salad Is So Special?
Quick and Easy: This recipe requires minimal prep and uses just a handful of ingredients, making it perfect for a busy day or a last-minute dish.
Light and Refreshing: The crisp cucumber, juicy tomatoes, and zesty lemon dressing offer a delightful burst of freshness.
Healthy and Versatile: This salad is packed with hydration and low in calories, making it suitable for vegan, gluten-free, and low-carb diets.
Customizable Flavors: Adjust the cumin or add extra herbs to match your taste, making it your signature salad every time!
Ingredients
English Cucumber: Peel the cucumber to enhance its smooth, crisp texture, making it perfect for soaking up the tangy dressing.
Cherry Tomatoes: Left whole, cherry tomatoes add a burst of juicy sweetness and vibrant color, balancing the salad’s acidity and providing a satisfying bite.
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed, it adds a bright, citrusy zing that elevates the salad’s flavors, while also acting as a natural preservative.
Ground Cumin: A dash of cumin brings a warm, earthy note that pairs beautifully with the fresh ingredients, adding depth and a subtle hint of spice.
Salt: Just a pinch enhances the natural flavors of the cucumber and tomatoes while balancing the tartness of the lemon juice.
Scroll down for recipe details.
Variations and Substitutions
Cucumber Variations: Use Persian or Kirby cucumbers for a slightly different texture and taste, or leave the skin on for added crunch and nutrients.
Tomato Substitutes: For a different flavor profile and texture, swap cherry tomatoes for diced bell peppers, radishes, or even avocado.
Switch the Citrus: Replace lemon juice with lime juice or a splash of apple cider vinegar for a different tangy twist.
Add Herbs: Mix in fresh herbs like dill, mint, or parsley for extra flavor and aroma.
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes, ground coriander, or smoked paprika for a bit of heat.
Dressing Twists: Add a splash of olive oil for a richer dressing, or replace the dressing with a light tahini or yogurt-based sauce for a creamy texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this salad chilled in a shallow bowl to highlight its vibrant colors and fresh ingredients. It’s perfect as a light appetizer or side dish.
Although this cucumber salad is delicious all on its own, it would do wonders if paired with protein and other appetizers.
If you are thinking protein, pair it with chicken, beef, or fish, for a balanced meal. Serve it alongside Lebanese Chicken Shish Tawook, Tender Slow Cooked Roast Beef, Baked Blackened Salmon, and many other delicious recipes.
It also complements Middle Eastern appetizers, such as Creamy Hummus with Tahini, Roasted Mixed Vegetables, Spinach Pie Pockets, Crunchy Air Fryer Cauliflower, or Meat Pies – Lahme Bi Ajeen.
This versatile salad is ideal for picnics, barbecues, or a refreshing snack on a warm day!
Tips and Tricks
Control Moisture: To avoid a watery salad, lightly salt the cucumber slices and let them drain for a few minutes before mixing with the dressing.
Bitter Cucumbers: If you are dealing with bitter cucumbers, then soak them in salt water for a bit. This will also help with watery cucumbers.
Maximize Flavor: Allow the salad to sit for a few minutes after dressing to let the flavors meld, but not too long, as the cucumber can release water.
Prep Ahead: Peel and cut the cucumber ahead of time, but keep it in cold water in the fridge to maintain its crunch.
Chill for Freshness: Serve the salad cold for maximum refreshment, especially on a hot day.
Add Some Crunch: Top with crushed nuts or seeds like sesame, sunflower, or pumpkin for added texture.
Storage Tips
To store this salad, keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For the best texture, store the dressing separately and mix it in just before serving to keep the cucumbers crisp.
If the salad is already dressed, you may notice some liquid at the bottom due to the cucumbers releasing water; simply drain it before enjoying.
Frequently Asked Questions
I use English cucumbers because they are rich in flavor and contain fewer seeds than other types. But if you don’t have any, regular seedless cucumbers work just fine.
You can prepare this cucumber salad in advance. Just make sure you mix the dressing in a separate jar, and toss it with your salad when ready to serve.
Lightly salt the cucumber slices and let them drain for a few minutes before mixing.
Yes, add chickpeas, grilled chicken, or feta for extra protein.
Other Salad Recipes You Will Love
- Viral la Scala Chopped Salad
- Grilled Peach Burrata Arugula Salad
- Mediterranean Orzo Pasta Salad
- Cucumber Avocado Salad Recipe
- Houston’s Kale Salad Copycat Recipe
- Roasted Eggplant with Burrata Salad Recipe
Cucumber Salad
Ingredients
- 1 English cucumber
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes
- 1 lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- salt, to taste
Instructions
- Peel the cucumber and cut into 3 wholes. Slice them in half, then into thin spears size to your liking. Place in a shallow serving bowl.
- Mix the lemon, cumin, and salt in a tiny bowl, then drizzle the mixture all over the cucumbers. You can either mix the dressing on the side or mix it in with the cucumbers like I do.
- Add whole cherry tomatoes then garnish with a sprinkle of cumin (I enjoy extra cumin on my salad). Enjoy right away.
Notes
- Control Moisture: To avoid a watery salad, lightly salt the cucumber slices and let them drain for a few minutes before mixing with the dressing
- Maximize Flavor: Allow the salad to sit for a few minutes after dressing to let the flavors meld, but not too long, as the cucumber can release water.
- Prep Ahead: Peel and cut the cucumber ahead of time, but keep it in cold water in the fridge to maintain its crunch.
- Chill for Freshness: Serve the salad cold for maximum refreshment, especially on a hot day.
- Add Some Crunch: Top with crushed nuts or seeds like sesame, sunflower, or pumpkin for added texture.
