The Easiest Fresh Summer Side Dish
Looking for a fresh, healthy side dish that comes together in minutes? This Simple Cucumber Salad is crisp, refreshing, and packed with flavor. Made with crunchy cucumbers, juicy quartered cherry tomatoes, apple cider vinegar, and a touch of honey, this naturally gluten-free salad is the perfect addition to any meal.
Whether you’re serving grilled chicken, burgers, steak, or bringing a dish to a summer barbecue, this easy cucumber salad is always a hit. It is light enough for hot summer days, yet flavorful enough to keep everyone coming back for seconds.
One of my favorite things about this recipe is how versatile it is. Enjoy it as a simple side dish, meal prep it for lunches throughout the week, or add grilled chicken for a high-protein lunch that fits your macros. It is family-friendly, kid-approved, and made with wholesome ingredients.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Naturally gluten-free
- Ready in just 10 minutes
- Fresh, crisp, and refreshing
- Perfect for meal prep
- Made with simple ingredients
- Great for cookouts, picnics, and family dinners
Ingredients
- 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered
- 4 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Wash and thinly slice the cucumbers.
- Quarter the cherry tomatoes.
- Add the cucumbers and tomatoes to a large mixing bowl.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until the honey has dissolved.
- Pour the dressing over the cucumbers and tomatoes, then toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
- Serve immediately, or refrigerate for 15 to 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to blend together.
Tips for the Best Cucumber Salad
- English cucumbers work wonderfully because they have fewer seeds and a thinner skin.
- Chill the salad before serving for the most refreshing flavor.
- Taste before serving and adjust the honey, salt, or pepper as needed.
- Add fresh dill, parsley, or basil for an extra burst of freshness.
- Top with crumbled feta cheese if you’d like a creamy, tangy twist.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. While it’s best enjoyed fresh, the flavors continue to develop as it chills.
Simple Cucumber Salad
Description
This Simple Cucumber Salad is light, refreshing, and incredibly easy to make. With crisp cucumbers, juicy quartered cherry tomatoes, apple cider vinegar, and honey, it's the perfect gluten-free side dish for summer barbecues, meal prep, or busy weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
-
Prepare the Vegetables
Wash the cucumbers and slice them into thin rounds. Quarter the cherry tomatoes and add both to a large mixing bowl.
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Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and black pepper until the honey is fully dissolved and the dressing is well combined.
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Toss Everything Together
Pour the dressing over the cucumbers and tomatoes. Gently toss until all of the vegetables are evenly coated.
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Chill and Serve
Serve immediately for a fresh, crisp salad, or refrigerate for 15 to 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 55kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Sodium 10mg1%
- Potassium 260mg8%
- Total Carbohydrate 12g4%
- Dietary Fiber 2g8%
- Sugars 9g
- Protein 1g2%
- Vitamin A 6 IU
- Vitamin C 15 mg
- Calcium 2 mg
- Iron 2 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
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