Why This Easy Cucumber Salad is a Must-Try
This easy cucumber salad is crisp, refreshing, and packed with flavor. With Persian cucumbers, fresh parsley, and a tangy lemon and sumac dressing, it’s a quick and healthy side dish that’s perfect any time of year.
The Secret to the Best Cucumber Salad
I love making this salad year-round because it’s so simple and uses ingredients I almost always have on hand. The Persian cucumbers are ideal because you don’t need to peel them—the skin is tender and adds extra crunch. A splash of lemon juice and sumac elevates the flavor, giving it a bright, zesty taste that’s light yet satisfying.
This was inspired by my Authentic Greek Salad, and pairs well with this One Pot Chicken and Vegetable Stew or One Pot Chicken and Fried Rice.
Copycat Olga's Kitchen snackers are one of my favorite things to serve alongside this salad — they scoop up the dressing beautifully. [Here's my copycat Olga's Snackers recipe] if you want the full spread.
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Ingredients for Easy Cucumber Salad
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this refreshing salad:
- Persian cucumbers
- Fresh parsley
- Red onion
- High-quality olive oil
- Red wine vinegar
- Lemon juice
- Sumac
- Salt and pepper
See recipe card for quantities.
4 Summarized Steps for Easy Cucumber Salad
Making this salad is almost too easy—here’s a quick overview:
- Step 1: Slice the Persian cucumbers thinly.
- Step 2: Chop the parsley and thinly slice the red onion.
- Step 3: Add olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, sumac, salt, and pepper.
- Step 4: Toss everything together and serve immediately.
Hint: Chill for 10–15 minutes to allow the dressing to fully meld with the cucumbers and onions.
Variations for Easy Cucumber Salad
Want to mix it up? Here are some easy ways to switch it up:
- Add crumbled feta for a Mediterranean touch.
- Mix in cherry tomatoes for extra color.
- Include thinly sliced radishes for crunch.
Substitutions for Ingredients
If you’re missing an ingredient or want a twist:
- Regular cucumbers work if Persian aren’t available.
- White wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar can replace red wine vinegar.
- Lemon zest adds extra citrus flavor.
Equipment Needed
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or spoon
Storage Information
Best served fresh, but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
Top Tip
Slice the cucumbers very thin for maximum crunch and toss gently to avoid breaking them.
FAQ
Yes! You can slice the cucumbers, onion, and parsley a few hours ahead and store them separately in the fridge. Combine everything with the dressing right before serving for the freshest flavor and texture.
Absolutely. If you’re using standard cucumbers, consider peeling the skin or scraping out some of the seeds since they can be tougher and add extra water to the salad.
Sumac has a tangy, lemony flavor that brightens up dishes without being sour. It adds depth and complexity to the dressing—if you’ve never used it, this is the perfect recipe to start with.
Yes! This recipe is naturally vegan, gluten-free, and made with clean, wholesome ingredients.
How long does cucumber salad last in It’s best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. After that, the cucumbers begin to soften and release moisture.
Salad Ideas
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Main Dishes
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Cucumber Salad:
Easy Cucumber Salad with Lemon and Sumac
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Wash and dry cucumbers. Cut in half horizontally, then slice thinly.
- Chop parsley and add to cucumbers.
- Thinly slice red onion and combine with salad.
- Add olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, sumac, salt, and pepper.
- Toss gently. Serve immediately or chill for 10–15 minutes.
Video
Notes
- For ultra-thin cucumber slices, use a mandoline slicer or a sharp chef’s knife.
- Always taste and adjust the dressing before adding it—sumac strength can vary depending on brand.
- Add a sprinkle of extra sumac or cracked black pepper before serving for a pop of color and flavor.
- This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, fish, or any Mediterranean-inspired meal.
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