Ingredients

For the Salad

  • 5โ€“6 medium English cucumbers
  • 3 cloves fresh garlic, finely minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped green onions
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sunflower seeds, optional

For the Dressing

  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€๐Ÿณ Instructions

1. Prepare the Cucumbers

Wash the cucumbers thoroughly and pat them dry.

Slice the cucumbers into thin rounds, approximately 1/4 inch thick. You can also cut them into half-moons if you prefer.

Place the sliced cucumbers into a large mixing bowl.

If your cucumbers contain a lot of water, sprinkle them with a small amount of salt and let them sit for 10โ€“15 minutes. Drain any excess liquid and gently pat them dry with paper towels. This helps keep the salad crisp.

2. Prepare the Fresh Ingredients

Finely mince the garlic.

Chop the fresh dill, parsley, and green onions.

Add the garlic, dill, parsley, green onions, sesame seeds, red pepper flakes, and black pepper to the cucumbers.

Gently toss everything together.

3. Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, combine:

  • Olive oil
  • Fresh lemon juice
  • Apple cider vinegar
  • Honey or maple syrup
  • Dijon mustard
  • Garlic powder
  • Oregano
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Whisk everything together until the dressing becomes smooth and well combined.

Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning if needed. Add more lemon juice for extra tanginess or a little honey if you prefer a slightly sweeter flavor.

4. Combine Everything

Pour the dressing over the cucumber mixture.

Using salad spoons, gently toss the cucumbers until every slice is coated with the flavorful dressing.

Be gentle while mixing so the cucumber slices don’t become crushed or watery.

5. Let the Flavors Develop

Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for 20โ€“30 minutes before serving.

This resting time allows the cucumbers to absorb the garlic, herbs, lemon, and spices.

For an even stronger flavor, you can refrigerate it for up to 1 hour.

6. Final Touches

Before serving, give the salad another gentle toss.

Taste it one final time and add additional:

  • Lemon juice
  • Black pepper
  • Red pepper flakes
  • Fresh dill
  • Salt

according to your preference.

Sprinkle a few extra sesame seeds and fresh herbs over the top for a beautiful finish.

๐ŸŒฟ Optional Additions

You can easily customize this cucumber salad by adding:

  • ๐Ÿง€ Crumbled feta cheese
  • ๐Ÿฅ‘ Diced avocado
  • ๐Ÿ… Cherry tomatoes
  • ๐Ÿง… Thinly sliced red onion
  • ๐Ÿฅœ Chopped peanuts
  • ๐ŸŒป Sunflower seeds
  • ๐Ÿซ’ Sliced olives
  • ๐ŸŒถ๏ธ Fresh chili peppers
  • ๐Ÿฅ• Shredded carrots

For a high-protein version, add grilled chicken, boiled eggs, chickpeas, or grilled shrimp.

๐Ÿ’ก Tips for the Best Cucumber Salad

Use English or Persian cucumbers: They are crisp and have fewer large seeds, making them ideal for this recipe.

Don’t oversalt the cucumbers: The dressing already contains salt, so start with a small amount.

Use fresh garlic: Freshly minced garlic gives the salad a much stronger and more delicious flavor than garlic powder alone.

Don’t leave it at room temperature for too long: Keep the salad refrigerated until you’re ready to serve.

Add delicate ingredients later: If you’re adding avocado or feta, add them just before serving.

๐Ÿฅ’ Serving Suggestions

This cucumber salad pairs beautifully with:

  • Grilled chicken
  • Steak
  • Grilled fish
  • Burgers
  • Kebabs
  • Rice dishes
  • Sandwiches
  • Wraps
  • Roasted vegetables

It also makes an excellent light lunch or meal-prep side dish.

โฑ๏ธ Preparation Time

15 minutes

โ„๏ธ Chilling Time

20โ€“30 minutes

๐Ÿฝ๏ธ Total Time

About 45 minutes

๐Ÿฅ— Servings

4โ€“6 servings

โญ Final Result

Crunchy cucumbers + fresh dill + garlic + lemon + herbs + a slightly spicy dressing = a fresh, flavorful, and incredibly addictive cucumber salad.