The Ultimate Cucumber Salad Recipe

Not-so-hot take: Cucumbers are the most versatile and refreshing veggies in the produce aisle.

Their crispy, crunchy texture and mild flavor make them perfect for everything from light salads to quick snacks. Plus, the options are endless, whether you opt for a creamy cucumber salad with a sour cream base or an Asian cucumber salad using sesame oil and soy sauce.

If you’re not sure what to do with cucumbers and love the flavors of an everything bagel, today’s easy cucumber salad recipe is for you. Using everything bagel seasoning, it’s basically a healthier, lighter twist that swaps the bread with cukes.

We might be partial, but we think it’s one of the best cucumber salad recipes for a fresh, tangy side dish to pair with your favorite protein for a complete meal. Not to mention, it’ll help you get in on that viral TikTok trend about how to eat a whole cucumber.

Ready to dig in? Let’s go!

There are plenty of reasons to love a good cucumber salad. Here’s why this everything bagel one really stands out:

• It’s exceptionally easy to make. You can throw this cucumber recipe together in just a few minutes with basic ingredients you probably already have on hand. If you’re in a pinch and craving something fresh, crunchy, and satisfying, it’s a great alternative to reaching for a processed snack.

• It’s light and nourishing. It’s low in carbs and calories but big on yummy flavor and texture. Cucumbers are incredibly hydrating and packed with essential vitamins and minerals that support things like blood sugar balance, skin health, and even weight management. Since cucumbers make up the bulk of the dish, this salad fuels your body well while supporting a weight loss plan.

• It’s super versatile. This recipe can be enjoyed on its own or as a base — feel free to get creative with toppings and seasonings. You can eat it as a light snack or pair it with meat or another to make it a more substantial meal. The options are endless.

Here’s what’s in this cucumber recipe and why each ingredient is great.

Cucumbers

The obvious star of this salad! You can use English cucumbers (sometimes called hot-house cucumbers), Persian cucumbers, or even Sunomono cucumbers (which we love for this recipe).

Fresh cucumbers contain vitamin C (one cucumber contains roughly 9% of the daily recommended value of vitamin C) , antioxidants, and fiber, and their high water content makes them hydrating — a plus if you forget to drink enough water throughout the day.

Vinegar

This adds a tangy kick to the dressing. Rice vinegar is milder and less acidic than other types of vinegar, making it perfect for balancing the flavors in this salad.

• Vinegar comes in many varieties, including:

• Red wine vinegar (a bit fruity with a pinkish tint)

• White wine vinegar (softer and milder)

• Apple cider vinegar (milder and fruitier with a goldish tone)

• White vinegar (sharp and colorless)

• Balsamic vinegar (rich, sweet, syrupy, and super dark)

You can use any of them in this recipe, depending on what you prefer or already have in your kitchen. Vinegar also has some health benefits, with research suggesting acedic acid might help with digestion and mineral absorption.

Everything Bagel Seasoning

If you haven’t tried this magical seasoning yet, you’re in for a treat. The flavorful mix of sesame seeds, garlic, onion, salt, and poppy seeds adds tons of depth to whatever you’re serving.

Plus, seeds are a great addition to a balanced diet — tiny but mighty! They’re low in calories and high in fiber, which supports heart health and digestion and helps you stay fuller for longer.

Other Toppings and Mix-Ins

Other optional toppings you may want to add or mix in:

• Olive oil. For a little richness to balance the tang of the vinegar, you can drizzle a bit of olive oil on top.

• Fresh herbs. Fresh dill, tarragon, and chives can bring a burst of freshness and flavor.

• Lemon juice. A squeeze of lemon juice adds a fresh, zesty touch.

• Capers. Want to make it feel even more like an everything bagel? Add capers — and, if you like, some fresh salmon or lox.

• Sugar. To help balance out the flavors, you can add a tiny bit of sugar or another sweetener, like honey, to your vinegar mix.

• Dijon mustard. This is another possible addition to your salad dressing. It’ll thicken things up and balance the flavors while adding a touch of spice.

• Feta cheese. A little sprinkle of Greek feta or goat cheese adds creaminess and richness, balancing out the tang.

• Other veggies. Feel free to toss in some red onions, green onions, sweet onions, cherry tomatoes, or olives. And yes, olives are technically fruits, but they go so well with cucumbers that we had to mention them.

Let’s get started:

1. First, gather your kitchen tools. You’ll need a large bowl, a colander or salad spinner to wash your cucumbers, and a mandolin to get those perfectly thin cucumber slices. (No mandolin? No problem. A sharp kitchen knife works just fine — or even a spiralizer if you’ve got one lying around.)

2. Once you have everything ready, rinse your cucumbers well under cold water, slice them, and toss them in the bowl with the vinaigrette and seasoning.   Finish with a light sprinkle of salt and a crank of black pepper.

3. Now, you have two options. You can dig in right away and enjoy your fresh, crunchy salad. Or, you can let it marinate for a while to allow the flavors to blend. You can store it in an airtight container for some pickling action and refrigerate it to enjoy later, too.

Some people think cucumber salad is even better the next day, but keep in mind it might be less crunchy since the cukes absorb the liquids.

Servings: 2

Prep time: 5 minutes

Cook time: 35 minutes

Total time: 40 minutes

Salad and salad dressing ingredients:

• 2 English (aka hot-house) cucumbers

• ¼ cup seasoned rice vinegar

• 2 Tbsp. vinegar

• 1 Tbsp. everything bagel seasoning

Instructions:

1. Wash and dry cucumbers.

2. Slice cucumbers very thinly using a mandoline, sharp knife, or spiralizer.

3. Place sliced cucumbers in a bowl. Cover with vinegar and let marinate for 30 minutes.

4. Drain vinegar and water that’s exuded from the cucumbers.

5. Add another 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar to the cucumbers. Sprinkle on everything bagel seasoning and toss to combine.

6. Serve this with 5 to 6 ounces of your preferred protein to make a complete meal.

Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional info for this cucumber salad recipe.

Kcal: 66

Total fat: 12 grams

Saturated fat: 0 grams

Trans fat: 0 grams

Sodium: 985 milligrams

Total carbohydrates: 17 grams

Dietary fiber: 1 gram

Total sugars: 12 grams

Added sugars: 0 grams

Protein: 2 grams