Easy Cucumber Salad Recipe

I always keep this easy cucumber salad recipe on hand for when I need a refreshing side dish in under 30 minutes. The sound of the crisp cucumbers against the creamy dressing is a welcome contrast to heavy main courses.

It’s a lifesaver for family dinners when I need something quick, healthy, and high-protein that everyone will actually eat. This version, featuring a creamy smoked paprika dressing, elevates the classic salad beyond the ordinary. The simple technique of salting the cucumbers first guarantees a crisp texture that holds up beautifully for meal prep, making this a great option for healthy eating.

Ingredients

• 600g (2 medium) English Cucumbers: Choose large, firm English cucumbers for a smooth texture without large seeds; these work best for thin slicing. Peel them if preferred, but leaving the peel on adds color and extra fiber.
• 200g (1 cup) Plain Full-Fat Yogurt: Use full-fat plain yogurt for the creamiest, most stable dressing base. (Greek yogurt also works, but start with less since it’s thicker; you may need to add a splash of milk or water to reach the desired consistency.) For a non-dairy option, use full-fat plain coconut yogurt, which adds a slight sweetness.
• 10g (2 teaspoons) Fine Sea Salt: This is critical for drawing out moisture from the cucumbers, ensuring the salad stays crisp and prevents a watery dressing. You’ll use 1 teaspoon for draining and 1 teaspoon for seasoning the dressing itself. Do not substitute with coarse kosher salt for the initial salting, as the finer granules dissolve faster and coat more thoroughly.
• 5g (1 teaspoon) Smoked Paprika: Adds a warm, smoky, slightly sweet flavor that transforms a simple creamy dressing into something special. Ensure you are using smoked paprika, not regular sweet paprika, for this distinct flavor profile. You may want to have extra on hand for garnish.
• 1 Large Clove Garlic (minced, approximately 5g): Finely mince or use a microplane to ensure the garlic disperses evenly without large, harsh chunks. Use fresh garlic for the best flavor; avoid using garlic powder unless absolutely necessary.
• 15ml (1 tablespoon) Fresh Lemon Juice: Provides essential acidity to balance the richness of the yogurt and the smokiness of the paprika. Always use fresh lemon juice, not bottled juice, for the brightest flavor.
• 2.5ml (1/2 teaspoon) Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Adds a mild, sharp note to enhance the overall taste. Adjust to taste, adding more if you prefer a spicier kick.
• 15ml (1 tablespoon) Extra Virgin Olive Oil & 5g (1 tablespoon) Fresh Herbs (Dill or Parsley): These are used for garnish and add a pop of brightness and color. Dill complements the creamy dressing beautifully, while parsley offers a fresher, more neutral flavor.

Optional (plan-ahead): If you’re shopping for the week, I put this into a 4-Week Meal Plan + Grocery Lists so dinner’s already decided before your day gets busy.

Instructions

I find this quick and easy cucumber salad recipe to be one of the best healthy eating options.

1. Slice the Cucumbers: Wash the English cucumbers thoroughly. Using a mandoline slicer set to 2-3 mm (1/8 inch) thickness will give you uniform slices that drain evenly and look beautiful. If slicing by hand with a very sharp knife, try to keep the slices consistent in thickness for the best texture. (Time: 5-7 minutes)
2. Salt and Drain: Place the sliced cucumbers in a colander set over a large bowl to catch the liquid. Sprinkle 5g (1 teaspoon) of fine sea salt evenly over the cucumbers and toss gently to coat every slice. Allow them to sit for 20-30 minutes; this critical step draws out excess water, ensuring your easy cucumber salad stays crisp and prevents a soggy dressing. (Time: 20-30 minutes)
3. Prepare the Smoked Paprika Dressing: While the cucumbers drain, prepare the dressing in a separate medium bowl. Whisk together the plain full-fat yogurt, 5g (1 teaspoon) smoked paprika, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, the remaining 5g (1 teaspoon) fine sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper until the dressing is smooth and evenly combined. (Time: 5-10 minutes)
4. Remove Excess Water from Cucumbers: After 20-30 minutes, gently squeeze the drained cucumbers to release any remaining liquid. Press them firmly against the side of the colander or gently pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel. If you are sensitive to salt, you can rinse them briefly under cold water, but be sure to pat them very dry afterward to avoid diluting the dressing. (Time: 5 minutes)
5. Combine and Chill: Add the dried cucumber slices to the bowl containing the creamy smoked paprika dressing. Toss gently until every cucumber slice is evenly coated in the dressing. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and for the salad to chill completely before serving. If you find the dressing looks too thick after chilling, add a splash of cold water or milk to reach the perfect consistency. (Time: 15 minutes minimum)
6. Garnish and Serve: To serve, transfer the chilled easy cucumber salad into a shallow bowl for presentation. Drizzle generously with extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle with the freshly chopped dill or parsley. For a final flourish, add a light dusting of extra smoked paprika over the top to highlight the flavor profile. (Time: 2 minutes)

Serving Suggestions for This Easy Cucumber Salad Recipe

The creamy coolness of this easy cucumber salad recipe makes it the perfect complement to rich, savory dishes. It’s a fantastic side dish for backyard barbecues, pairing well with grilled chicken, burgers, or pulled pork. I also serve it alongside simple deli sandwiches or light wraps for a refreshing lunch. For family dinners, it provides a light and crunchy element next to comfort foods like meatloaf or baked potatoes.

Make-Ahead Tips and Storage

The main trick to making this salad ahead successfully is the pre-salting step. By removing excess water initially, the cucumbers stay crisp, and the dressing avoids becoming watery. Store the finished salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days for the best quality. Because of the fresh ingredients and yogurt base, freezing is not recommended as it ruins the texture. This easy cucumber salad recipe is best enjoyed fresh or within a couple of days.

Quick Swaps and Variations

• Vegan/Dairy-Free: Swap out the full-fat yogurt for an unsweetened, non-dairy yogurt (almond or coconut work well), ensuring it has a thick consistency similar to Greek yogurt.
• Extra Vegetables: Add finely sliced red onion, cherry tomatoes (halved), or fresh corn kernels for more texture and flavor.
• Herb Options: If dill isn’t your preference, fresh parsley or chives offer a milder, fresher flavor that still complements the creamy paprika dressing.

FAQs about Easy Cucumber Salad

Why do I need to salt the cucumbers first?

Salting draws out excess water from the cucumbers through osmosis. This prevents the salad from becoming watery and keeps the cucumbers crisp, ensuring the creamy dressing doesn’t get diluted.

Can I use regular garden cucumbers instead of English cucumbers?

Yes, but you must scoop out the large, watery seeds before slicing to achieve the same result. The skin on regular cucumbers is also thicker, so peeling is recommended for a better texture.

How long does this creamy cucumber salad last in the fridge?

When properly drained and stored in an airtight container, this easy cucumber salad recipe will stay fresh and crisp in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.

What can I use instead of smoked paprika?

If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular sweet paprika will provide color, but you will miss the smoky depth of flavor. A small pinch of cayenne pepper can add heat if desired.

Why did my dressing become watery after a few hours?

This usually happens because the cucumbers were not thoroughly drained after salting. Make sure to squeeze out as much excess water as possible before adding the dressing.

Can I use Greek yogurt for the dressing?

Yes, Greek yogurt works well, but it is much thicker than regular yogurt. To match the texture of the recipe, I recommend starting with less and adding a small amount of water or milk to reach a smooth, pourable consistency.

Conclusion

This easy cucumber salad recipe with a creamy smoked paprika dressing twist is a refreshing, fast side dish that holds up well thanks to the salting method. Save this delicious and healthy recipe to your Pinterest board for your next meal prep or family dinner.

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