Cucumber Salad (2024)

Believe it or not, there are actually more than 100 varieties of cucumbers! You're only likely to find a small fraction of them at the grocery store or farmers market, but it's worth noting that, generally speaking, there are two main categories: slicing and pickling. As you may guess from the names, slicing cucumbers are best eaten fresh, whereas pickling cucumbers typically have thicker skin and a lower water content, making them better suited for turning into pickles. Slicing cucumbers make the best cucumber salad.

For this recipe, we recommend using a seedless variety, such as English cucumbers. English cucumbers are the long, slim ones you usually see wrapped in plastic at the grocery store; not only do they have small, nearly imperceptible seeds, but their skins are thin, smooth, and sweet, eliminating the need to peel them. Persian cucumbers are also a good option here — they're far shorter than English cucumbers, but otherwise share many of the same traits. The most common type of cucumber is the garden cucumber, which is what you'll find standard at most stores. If you opt to use them for this recipe, you'll want to peel their bitter skins and scoop out the seeds first.

As for how to make cucumber salad, it couldn't be any easier. If you have one, simply slice your cucumbers using a mandoline, toss them with a bit of sugar and salt, then stir in vinegar and onion. A few extra minutes of marination time softens the bite of the onions and helps the tangy seasonings infuse every bite of cucumber.

Pair this salad with grilled hot dogs or pork chops in summertime, or serve as a cool contrast to roast chicken or poached salmon in colder months. Feel free to make this up to a day ahead and store it in the fridge — the salad will only get tangier and more delicious as it sits.

Cucumber Salad (2024)

FAQs

Is cucumber enough for salad? ›

But for that you have to add the right ingredients that are full of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, fiber and protein. So an ideal salad will be a medley of salad leaves, broccoli, bell pepper, tomatoes, cucumber, carrots, seeds.

Is cucumber good for urine infection? ›

Being low in calories and high in water content, Cucumbers are very effective for weight loss as well as managing dehydration. They can be taken as part of the daily diet in the form of raw salads. Additionally, taking Cucumber juice during breakfast helps provide relief from urinary tract infection.

Is cucumber enough vegetables? ›

Though commonly thought to be a vegetable, cucumber is a fruit. It's high in beneficial nutrients, as well as certain plant compounds and antioxidants that may help treat and even prevent some conditions.

Why soak cucumbers in salt water before making cucumber salad? ›

The secret to this incredible cucumber salad is salting the cucumbers for 30 minutes. As they sit, the cucumbers become even more “cucumbery” and release extra moisture, which, if not removed, would make the vinegar dressing watery.

Is salad enough for vegetables? ›

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, only 1 in 10 Americans eat the recommended 5 cups of fruits and vegetables per day. Since the base of a salad is usually at least 1 to 2 cups of leafy greens, eating a salad every day can help you meet the daily recommendations.

Can I eat only cucumber for lunch? ›

Cucumber is good, but it will give you some vitamins and minerals only. Mix it with sprouts for protein and banana for carbohydrate. This should be a complete meal without any fats.

Is cucumber good or bad for kidneys? ›

Cucumbers are among the best foods to support kidney health. Here are six reasons why: They're naturally high in water, which helps flush the kidneys and support fluid and electrolyte balance. Their high-water content also makes them a filling food, which can help with weight management and conquering cravings.

Why is cucumber not eaten at night? ›

Eating too much cucumber at night may cause indigestion - the high water content of cucumbers may also cause you to get up to urinate, interrupting your sleep. Snap a photo for instant plant ID, gaining quick insights on disease prevention, treatment, toxicity, care, uses, and symbolism, etc.

Is cucumber a natural antibiotic? ›

Its antibacterial properties and antifungal effects have been proven [15] .

What is the healthiest vegetable on earth? ›

According to the CDC, watercress is the most nutrient-rich vegetable on earth. Because high-level amino acid is found in it, it helps in digesting proteins and producing neurotransmitters.

Does eating cucumber count as drinking water? ›

Cucumbers are made up of around 96% water – that's the highest water content of any food. They're also low in calories, and a source of vitamins and fibre. Tip: Add cucumber to your salads, snack on cucumber vegetable sticks with hummus or blend cucumber with mint, lime and water to make a refreshing drink.

Why is my cucumber salad watery? ›

When it comes to making the best cucumber salads, I find that unless you take the time to properly salt and drain the cukes, the end product is watery, limp, and less than tasty. This easy extra step makes extra crunchy slices, takes almost no effort at all, but gives a big payout in the crunch department.

Can I eat as many cucumbers as I want? ›

Excessive intake of cucumbers may trigger Hyperkalemia, which is a rare medical condition caused due to the presence of high potassium content in the body. Excessive intake of potassium rich cucumber may lead to flatulence, abdominal cramps and in some cases it can affect the renal system and kidneys.

Is a cucumber a day too much? ›

Because cucumber is so low in calories, it's hard to eat too much when it comes to weight management. However, eating too much of anything can cause discomfort. Eating large amounts of cucumber in one sitting may lead to stomach pain or distress.

Is cucumber classed as a salad? ›

Cucumbers are part of your 5-a-day

For the 5-a-day recommendations, cucumbers are classified as salad vegetable, which is the culinary definition, because that is how most people learn about fruit and vegetables.

Is one cucumber enough for breakfast? ›

Eating just one cucumber in morning breakfast can be great! It also contains magnesium, potassium, vitamin C, vitamin K, water, and manganese. So, even if you were to eat more than one, it won't cause any harm.

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