italian cucumber salad recipe

The Best italian cucumber salad recipe

I’m so excited to share with you my family’s favorite Italian cucumber salad recipe. This refreshing side dish is a staple in our household, and for good reason. The combination of crunchy cucumbers, tangy red onions, and zesty Italian seasonings is simply irresistible.

My kids love helping me prepare the ingredients, and they always get excited when they see the finished product on the table. As a busy mom, I appreciate how easy this recipe is to make – just chop, mix, and serve! Plus, it’s incredibly healthy, making it a great option for a quick weeknight dinner or a potluck gathering.

The best part? It’s perfect for any occasion – whether you’re serving it as a side dish for a holiday meal or just need a simple snack for a summer picnic. I’ve even been known to make it just for myself on a lazy Sunday afternoon.

The flavors are bright and fresh, and the textures are amazing – crunchy cucumbers, soft onions, and the perfect balance of creamy dressing. My family loves it when I serve this salad at barbecues and picnics because it’s so easy to transport and store. And let’s be real – who doesn’t love a good excuse to eat more veggies?

In fact, this recipe has become such a staple that I’ve started experimenting with different variations – adding in some chopped bell peppers or substituting the red onions with thinly sliced carrots. The possibilities are endless! But don’t worry if you’re not feeling adventurous – the classic recipe is still my personal favorite.

With its simplicity and versatility, this Italian cucumber salad recipe is sure to become your go-to side dish too.

Italian Cucumber Salad

4.7 from 905 votes

A refreshing and crisp Italian cucumber salad with a tangy vinaigrette. Thinly sliced cucumbers are tossed with red onion, fresh herbs, and a simple dressing.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time15 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time15 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 120 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Salad

2 large English cucumbers, thinly sliced
1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped

For the Dressing

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper

👨‍🍳Directions

1Place the sliced cucumbers and red onion in a large bowl.
2Add the chopped parsley and dill, then toss gently to combine.
3In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper until the dressing is emulsified.
4Pour the dressing over the cucumber mixture and toss until all ingredients are evenly coated.
5Let the salad sit at room temperature for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
6Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 hours for a chilled salad.

🔧Equipment

Large bowl
Small bowl
Whisk
Knife
Cutting board

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 120 kcal🧈Total Fat: 10g💛Saturated Fat: 1.5g❤️Cholesterol: 0mg🧂Sodium: 150mg🌾Total Carbs: 7g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 3g🥩Protein: 1g

📝Notes

For a milder onion flavor, soak the sliced red onion in cold water for 10 minutes and drain before adding to the salad.

Watch Video Of How Italian Cucumber Salad Works

One of the best things about this Italian cucumber salad recipe is that it’s incredibly easy to store and reheat – simply refrigerate until ready to serve, then give it a quick stir before serving.

For added flavor and texture, consider adding some toasted breadcrumbs or croutons on top of the salad before serving.

This salad also makes an excellent base for many other dishes; try adding some grilled chicken or salmon on top for a quick protein-packed meal.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Italian Cucumber Salad

Q: What type of cucumbers should I use for this recipe?

In this recipe, we prefer using English or hothouse cucumbers because they have fewer seeds and a milder flavor than other varieties.

Q: Can I use store-bought Italian dressing instead of making my own?

While store-bought Italian dressing can be convenient, we highly recommend making your own using high-quality ingredients like fresh herbs and spices.

Q: How long can I store this salad in the refrigerator before serving?

This salad will keep in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before serving.

Q: Can I add other vegetables like cherry tomatoes or bell peppers to the salad?

We encourage you to experiment with different vegetables to find your favorite combinations!

Q: Is this salad suitable for vegetarians or vegans?

This salad is vegetarian-friendly but not vegan-friendly due to the presence of dairy-based Italian dressing; feel free to substitute with a vegan alternative if needed.

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