Sweet & Tangy Cucumber Salad

My Grandma's Sweet & Tangy Cucumber Salad Recipe! A refreshing classic with a dill and red onion twist. Perfect for summer barbecues. Get the secret!

Grandma&#039 s Sweet &amp Tangy Cucumber Salad Recipe

June 4, 2025
By Chloe Patel.

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Alright, let's dive into a cucumber salad recipe . Honestly, who doesn't love a refreshing cucumber salad? It screams summertime, right? Think picnics in the park. I can smell the sunshine already!

Grandma's Sweet & Tangy Cucumber Salad: A Trip Down Memory Lane

This cucumber salad recipe isn't just any salad. it’s inspired by my grandma's secret recipe. (shhh! don't tell anyone!) this recipe isn’t just cucumber and vinegar.

This cucumber salad recipe takes the basic american cucumber salad to the next level with fresh herbs and a hint of zing!

It's all about thinly sliced cucumbers dancing in a sweet and tangy dressing. the fresh dill and a whisper of red onion make it something special.

Think of it as a healthy and easy side dish for your summer barbecues or even a light health dinner recipes on a hot day.

**Why You'll Absolutely Love This Cucumber Salad**

This isn't just salad. it's a burst of freshness. cucumbers are super hydrating, making this a perfect way to cool down on a scorching day.

One study showed that cucumbers are almost 96% water! so this salad is basically summer in a bowl!

It's ridiculously easy to make, so if you're short on time, this Healthy Meal Prep idea is your new best mate.

Serve this beauty at your next barbecue and watch it disappear. it's the perfect accompaniment to grilled chicken, sommer mad , or fish.

What makes it special? the perfect balance of sweet and tangy. you know? it's addictive! i usually make a massive batch!

Sweet &amp Tangy Cucumber Salad presentation

Let's Talk Ingredients - No Nonsense!

We've got 2 big English cucumbers , thinly sliced.
Just a touch of red onion for some zing.
And heaps of fresh dill. Seriously, don't skimp on the dill!

Next up, the dressing! It makes the dish taste the asian cooking way.

Ready to Get Started?

Now it is time to get started on the salad pasta and make it a Spicy Cucumber Salad. This salad is easy and quick! Let's move on.

Alright, let's dive into the nitty-gritty of making a killer cucumber salad recipe ! you know, the kind that makes you wanna slap yo' mama (but don't, 'cause grandma wouldn't approve!).

We're going for a sweet & tangy cucumber salad , kinda like my grandma used to make. seriously though, you'll love this easy sommer mad

Get Your Gear & Grub Sorted!

Here’s what you need. We will get into more detail about each ingredient

Main Ingredients: The Stars of the Show!

2 large English cucumbers, thinly sliced (about 600g / 21 oz ). Quality check? Firm to the touch, dark green skin.
1/4 red onion, thinly sliced (around 30g / 1 oz ).
1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped (roughly 10g / 0.35 oz ). It smells amazing!

Dressing: The Secret Sauce!

1/4 cup white vinegar ( 60 ml / 2 fl oz ).
2 tablespoons granulated sugar ( 30g / 1 oz ).
2 tablespoons vegetable oil ( 30 ml / 1 fl oz ).
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard ( 5g / 0.18 oz ).
1/2 teaspoon salt ( 3g / 0.1 oz ).
1/4 teaspoon black pepper ( 1g / 0.03 oz ).

Seasoning Notes: Flavor Bombs

For this healthy asian cucumber salad , dill is key . seriously. it gives it that fresh, summery vibe. you can sub it with mint if you're feeling crazy.

Want a spicy cucumber salad ? a pinch of red pepper flakes is your friend. i sometimes throw in a little grated ginger for that asian cooking kick.

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

Mandoline (optional, for super-thin slices)
Large mixing bowl
Whisk

Don't have a mandoline? no worries! a sharp knife works just fine. just take your time. a big bowl is crucial.

You need space to toss everything without making a mess. honest, i've been there. this could become part of your health dinner recipes .

This recipe also is a great health meal prep , to save for later.

Ready to rumble? let's get this cucumber salad recipe going! it's going to be delish! this also works great as a salad pasta if you add some pasta to it.

You can even have a keto dessert after this! this asian recipes will also be a great addition to your collection.

Alright, let's get cracking! a cucumber salad recipe , eh? classic! nothing says summer like a good, crunchy, refreshing cucumber salad.

Think picnics, barbecues, maybe even a spot of wimbledon. this one is inspired by my grandma, but don't tell her i shared it!

Prep Like a Pro for the Best Cucumber Salad

First things first, let's get organized. this healthy asian cucumber salad has a few bits, but nothing too crazy. we're talking mise en place , darling.

It’s french for "everything in its place." honestly, it just means get all your ingredients prepped before you start.

Essential Bits and Bobs

You'll need cucumbers, obvs! about 600g. also a red onion (30g), and some fresh dill. oh my gosh, fresh dill makes all the difference! for the dressing, grab some white vinegar, sugar, vegetable oil, dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.

Simple as that!

Time-Saving Tip

Thinly slicing cucumbers takes a bit of time. if you've got one, a mandoline is your best friend! otherwise, a sharp knife and a steady hand will do just fine.

Getting the red onion thinly sliced too can be tricky, so take your time.

Grandma's Sweet & Tangy Cucumber Salad: Step-by-Step

This ain't rocket science, but here's how to make it amazing:

Slice the Cucumbers & Red Onion: Super thin, remember? About 600g of cukes and 30g of onion.
Whisk the Dressing: Vinegar, sugar, oil, mustard, salt, and pepper. Whisk it good in a separate bowl, about 60 ml of vinegar.
Combine: Gently toss the cucumbers, onion, and dill (10g of dill) in a large bowl.
Dress it Up: Pour that dressing over the salad. Toss gently, gently , to coat.
Chill Out: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes . Up to 2 hours. This is crucial!
Serve & Enjoy: Boom! That's Sommer Mad in a bowl!

Pro Tips for a Next-Level Cucumber Salad

Want to be a cucumber salad superstar? Here are a few tricks I've learned along the way.

Salty Situation

Don't over-salt! Cucumbers release water. Go easy at first. Taste and add if needed. Start with 3g of salt.

Dry it Out

For a less watery salad, slice the cucumbers, salt them, and let them sit in a colander for 15 minutes. Rinse and pat dry. Honestly, this makes a HUGE difference.

Dressing Dos and Don'ts

Start with less dressing. You can always add more, but you can’t take it away!

Now go forth and make the best cucumber salad recipe anyone has ever tasted! seriously, you got this! this is also a delicious edition to salad pasta or can be a health dinner recipe option! also you can change it around a bit to make it an spicy cucumber salad or a healthy asian cucumber salad ! plus, consider this for your healthy meal prep rotation.

Don't worry about a keto dessert , this is the perfect addition to your meal. give it a try with some other great asian recipes !

Alright, let's dive deeper into this cucumber salad recipe ! It's more than just cucumbers and dressing. Think of it as a blank canvas for your summer taste buds.

Recipe Notes: Elevating Your Cucumber Salad

This section is all about the extras. Honestly, it's where you make this cucumber salad recipe your own .

Serving Suggestions: It’s All About Presentation!

Right, picture this: you've made this amazing salad. don't just chuck it in a bowl! get a bit fancy. maybe layer the cucumber salad on a pretty platter.

Or, arrange it artfully next to some grilled salmon. think fresh herbs as a garnish, too. a sprig of dill? sorted.

As for sides? this salad is lush with bbq grub. think burgers, sausages, all that jazz. or, if you want something lighter, salad pasta is a shout.

Wash it down with a g&t? don't mind if i do. imagine this as a sommer mad , perfect for these warmer months.

Storage Tips: Keeping It Fresh

Okay, so you've got leftovers. no worries. this healthy asian cucumber salad keeps pretty well. pop it in an airtight container in the fridge.

It'll be good for about 3 days. freezing? not recommended, mate. cucumbers go all mushy. reheating? erm...it's a salad .

Just eat it cold. and for healthy meal prep consider storing the dressing separately!

Variations: Get Creative!

Fancy a kick? turn this into a spicy cucumber salad by adding a pinch of chilli flakes. or, if you're on a keto dessert kinda vibe, swap the sugar for sweetener.

Want a bit more oomph? feta cheese is your friend. if you’re into asian cooking , a dash of sesame oil does wonders.

These adaptations are fantastic ways to explore the depths of asian recipes .

Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Bite

Okay, i'm no nutritionist, but this salad is pretty darn healthy. we're talking low calories, high in vitamins. all that cucumber is hydrating.

And hey, it's mostly vegetables. winning! this recipe fits easily into health dinner recipes .

Seriously, this cucumber salad recipe is a winner. Easy, tasty, and totally customisable. Give it a go and let me know what you think! You'll be pleasantly surprised.

Vibrant Sommer Mad: Sweet &amp Tangy Cucumber Salad Secret

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my cucumber salad recipe getting watery? No one wants a soggy salad!

Cucumbers are mostly water, so they tend to release it when mixed with salt. To combat this, you can either salt the cucumbers very lightly or try pressing them! Place the sliced cucumbers in a colander, sprinkle with salt, and let them sit for about 15 minutes to drain excess water before adding them to the dressing. This will keep your cucumber salad crisp and refreshing, not waterlogged like a British summer!

Can I make this cucumber salad recipe ahead of time? I'm planning a BBQ, mate!

Absolutely! This cucumber salad recipe is actually better if made ahead of time, as it allows the flavors to meld together nicely. You can prepare it up to 2 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Any longer than that, the cucumbers may start to lose some of their crunch, but it'll still taste fab. So get prepped and avoid turning into a flustered Jamie Oliver on the day!

What are some good substitutions for ingredients in this cucumber salad? My local shop is a bit bare.

No worries, substitutions are a breeze! If you don't have white vinegar, apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar work well. For a sweeter option, maple syrup or agave nectar can replace the sugar, especially if you're going vegan. And if you're out of red onion, a shallot or even a bit of white onion will do in a pinch, just use it sparingly so it doesn't overpower the other flavours, eh?

How long will cucumber salad last in the fridge? Need to know if I can nibble on it for a few days!

Cucumber salad is best enjoyed fresh, but it will generally last for 2-3 days in the refrigerator if stored properly in an airtight container. Keep in mind that the cucumbers will continue to release water, so it may become slightly less crisp over time, but it will still be safe to eat. Just give it a good stir before serving to redistribute the dressing, and you're golden, guv'nor!

I'm not a big fan of dill. What other herbs can I use in this cucumber salad recipe?

No dill? No problem! You can easily substitute other fresh herbs that complement cucumbers beautifully. Mint is a classic pairing and adds a lovely, refreshing touch. Parsley or chives are also good options, offering a milder flavor that won't overpower the other ingredients. It's all about finding what tickles your fancy – like choosing your favourite biscuit to dunk in your tea!

Can I make this cucumber salad recipe creamy? I quite like that kind of thing.

You certainly can! For a creamy cucumber salad, simply add about 1/4 cup of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the dressing. This will give it a richer, more decadent texture that's absolutely delicious. Just be aware that adding dairy will slightly shorten the salad's shelf life, so it's best enjoyed within a day or two, old bean!