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Fresh Low-Calorie Cucumber Salad Recipe for Easy Summer Refreshment

low-calorie cucumber salad - featured image

A light, refreshing cucumber salad perfect for summer, made with simple ingredients and a tangy dressing. Quick to prepare and low in calories, it’s ideal as a cooling side dish or guilt-free snack.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced (English cucumbers preferred)
  • 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
  • 3 tablespoons white wine vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (extra virgin recommended)
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Wash cucumbers well. Peel partially or fully if desired. Slice thinly about 1/8 inch (3 mm) thick using a mandoline or sharp knife. Pat dry if excess moisture is present.
  2. Thinly slice the red onion into half-moons. Soak in cold water for 5 minutes if a milder flavor is preferred, then drain and pat dry.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together white wine vinegar, olive oil, honey, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, toss cucumber slices, red onion, and chopped dill. Pour dressing over and gently toss to coat evenly without bruising cucumbers.
  5. Optional: Let the salad rest at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to meld flavors before serving.

Notes

Use English cucumbers for less seeds and better texture. Pat cucumber slices dry to avoid sogginess. Adjust dressing amount to prevent watery salad. Fresh herbs like dill are best; mint or basil can be used as alternatives. Letting salad rest enhances flavor. Store in airtight container up to 2 days; drain excess liquid before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: cucumber salad, low-calorie salad, summer salad, refreshing salad, healthy snack, easy cucumber recipe, light side dish