I looove cucumbers.
There was a whole summer during college when my dinner almost every night consisted of pasta with olive oil and parmesan and a side of peeled, sliced cucumbers. It was the most “cooking” I could handle as a 19-year-old. Possibly not the most nutritious meal, but totally delicious. If I ever find myself eating that these days, it immediately takes me back. And then I hurry to add a beer or glass of wine to my meal, for old time’s sake. The summer I’m talking about was spent in Berlin, after all.
Given my love of plain cucumbers, it’s no surprise that I’ve always loved this simple cucumber salad, which my mom has made for as long as I can remember. It’s easy, tasty, and refreshing… and does anyone else think cucumbers are kind of fun to slice? It’s the perfect side dish for a Memorial Day barbecue or picnic.
And dare I say that it tastes amazing with steak tips?
Yes, this vegetarian (of almost a year now!) can still dream about steak tips.
If I were making them this weekend, I would 100% serve them with this salad on the side.
Instead, we’re off to Pennsylvania to celebrate the wedding of our friends Bill and Aspen! Bill is a personal chef, so I have no doubt the food at their wedding will be fabulous. It will be great to see a few friends from home, too!
Whether you’re planning a barbecue or picnic or just having a low-key weekend, this salad would make a great addition. Even if the main dish is just pasta, olive oil, and parmesan. :)
Have a great long weekend! I’ll be back on Tuesday with another recipe… and there won’t be a salad in sight.
- 4 cucumbers, peeled and thinly sliced (I used a mandolin)
- 1/2 of a red onion, very thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup white vinegar
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- sprinkle of salt and pepper
- Add sliced cucumbers and red onion to serving bowl. Pour vinegar and sprinkle sugar over the top and toss to thoroughly combine. Taste and adjust sugar and vinegar to suit your tastes. Finally, sprinkle with a pinch of salt and a healthy shake of pepper. Toss again.
- Serve and enjoy! Salad is best on the same day it's made.
This is SO perfect for the BBQ that I’m hosting on Sunday! I love how healthy it is :) Happy Memorial Day weekend!
Such a refreshing recipe for this time of year. This sushi restaurant I go to serves cucumber salad as an appetizer and I always think to myself that I should make it at home so I’m thrilled to see this recipe!
All of a sudden I am craving steak tips! However, I’d definitely eat this salad any day over steak tips. So refreshing. Have fun at the wedding!
I used to hate cucumbers…and then my mom started making a very similar cucumber salad once cucumbers started popping up in my dad’s garden. I am all about them doused in sweet vinegar! Such a good summer side dish.
This is perfect for the humid days we’re facing DC in June!
Also, your photos are beautiful!
Thank you LC!
I absolutely love cucumber salad…and this one looks delicious and simple!
I made this as part of the items I brought to my mother for Thanksgiving. I replaced the onion with red pepper (I don’t like onion) so it would have some color. And I just realized I forgot to add the salt and pepper. People were still raving about it! I made it the night before and the flavors really soaked into the cucumbers.
So glad you liked it, Erica! I love the idea of the red pepper with the cucumbers.