Crunch on this refreshingly fragrant salad while basking in the sun at your next cookout.
As the weather gets warmer, I tend to desire salads for lunch more often. Something about the sunshine and birds chirping outside just makes me crave garden-fresh vegetables. Cue this cucumber-mint salad—a phenomenal blend of juicy English cucumbers, red onion, mint leaves, and a zesty white wine vinaigrette. As far as spring and summer salads go, there’s not much more you could ask for.
It might seem basic at first, but the beauty of this dish is that it’s simple and versatile. There are tons of yummy ways to spruce it up with more fresh herbs like cilantro, or kick the heat up a notch with a dash of cayenne pepper. Not to mention, cucumber-mint salad can also bring some family fun to the kitchen. From removing the cucumber seeds to tossing the salad together, this is a crafty but easy recipe that can be perfect for little chefs in training. What a cool and tangy way to get kids to eat their veggies!
Of course, it’s not just kids who can enjoy cucumber-mint salad. This dish is designed to be shared with the whole family, and even a crowd if you double the batch. I suggest getting one of those large mixing bowls that has a top so you can toss it easily without tongs. Whichever way you mix it, cucumber-mint salad is a crunch-lover’s bowl of paradise.
Experi-mint with other ingredients!
Not only do I enjoy a good pun, I also savor the opportunity to experiment with every salad I try. This one is particularly fun because it goes great with a variety of dressings, not just white wine vinaigrette. If you’d like, you can swap that out for creamy Greek Yogurt Dressing, Tahini Dressing with Lemon, or Avocado Dressing. Additionally, if you’re seeking to add more plant protein to this dish, I suggest topping your bowl of cucumber-mint salad with Air-Fryer Chickpeas, sunflower seeds, or toasted almond slices. And if you’re craving more leafy greens, try adding some spinach or kale.
How do I store leftovers?
Ideally, cucumber-mint salad should be enjoyed right away. If you have leftovers, it’s best to store the salad without dressing so it doesn’t get soggy. But if you have to, simply transfer the dressed salad to an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 2 or 3 days. Don’t freeze it, as this will ruin the satisfying crunchy texture.
Serving suggestions
This recipe offers the option of sprinkling sugar onto the salad to balance out the sharpness of the dressing and onions. But I like to drizzle mine with honey—a naturally sweet nectar that harmonizes everything wonderfully. By itself, cucumber-mint salad goes great with a glass of homemade Lemonade or Cucumber-Mint Water. You can also serve this salad as a refreshing side to Sweet Potato Veggie Burgers, Hawaiian BBQ Chicken, Vegan Stuffed Mushrooms, or Cubano Sandwiches. Clearly, both veggie-lovers and meat-eaters alike can benefit from having this salad on their table.
Ingredients
- 2 English cucumbers washed
- 1 teaspoon salt for draining cucumbers, plus more for seasoning
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
- 1/3 cup fresh mint leaves roughly chopped
- 4 tablespoons white wine vinegar
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Granulated sugar to taste (optional)
Instructions
- Slice the cucumbers in half lengthwise. Use a teaspoon to remove the seeds, then cut them into thin rounds. Place the slices in a colander, sprinkle with salt, and let them drain for 30 minutes. After draining, pat them dry with a clean paper towel.
- Soak the red onion slices in a small bowl of ice water for 10 minutes to reduce their sharpness. Drain and pat dry with a towel.
- In a large bowl, combine the drained cucumbers, red onion, and chopped mint. Drizzle with white wine vinegar and olive oil, season with black pepper (adjust salt, and add sugar, if desired), and gently toss. Let the salad sit for 10 minutes at room temperature to meld the flavors before serving.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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