Garlic Cucumber Salad Recipe – Fresh & Easy
24 June 2025
Garlic Cucumber Salad Recipe – Fresh & Easy
If you’re looking for a simple, flavorful side dish, this Garlic Cucumber Salad Recipe is just what you need. It combines crisp cucumbers, fragrant garlic, fresh dill, and a savory soy-based dressing to create a refreshing salad you’ll want to make again and again. Perfect for summer meals, light lunches, or as a quick snack on busy days, this easy recipe is full of zingy, wholesome goodness with minimal prep.
So, if all that sounds good to you, read on!
Forget boring side dishes—this Garlic Cucumber Salad Recipe is about to steal the spotlight! I honestly don’t know how I went this long without making it part of every summer meal. It’s crunchy, tangy, a little garlicky, and totally addictive.
3 Reasons You’ll Love This Salad:
It’s Ridiculously Easy – Slice, mix, chill. That’s it. No fancy steps, no fuss.
Flavor That Pops – The combo of garlic, soy sauce, and vinegar is bold but beautifully balanced.
Fresh & Light – It’s the kind of dish that feels good to eat, refreshing and never heavy.
Want to know my favorite part? The cucumbers soak up all that savory dressing while staying crisp. It’s like they level up the longer they sit. I usually make a big batch and keep it in the fridge for a few days (though let’s be honest, it rarely lasts that long).
This salad’s perfect for summer barbecues, weeknight dinners, or whenever your fridge is full of cucumbers and you’re craving something cool and zippy. Honestly, it’s the kind of thing you’ll find yourself making on repeat.
More Fresh and Healthy Recipes to Try
If you love vibrant, wholesome dishes like this quick pickled radish, here are a few more recipes you’ll enjoy:
This Tomato Feta Salad is a refreshing and savory favorite, perfect for summer lunches or light dinners.
Craving something green and satisfying? The Green Goddess Salad is packed with flavor and color.
For a protein-packed option, try the Healthy Chicken Salad – ideal for meal prep or a quick lunch.
Explore these simple, nourishing recipes to bring even more color and crunch to your table!
Ingredients in Garlic Cucumber Salad Recipe
Here’s what you need to make Garlic Cucumber Salad Recipe:
Cucumber: Choose fresh, firm cucumbers for that satisfying crunch. Persian or pickling cucumbers are ideal thanks to their tender skins and minimal seeds.
Red Onion: Adds a sharp, slightly sweet contrast to the cucumbers. Slice it thinly for the best texture and flavor balance.
Garlic: Freshly grated or finely minced garlic gives the salad its bold, savory kick. A little goes a long way.
Dill: Use fresh dill for a burst of herbaceous flavor. It pairs beautifully with the vinegar and garlic.
Soy Sauce: Brings a salty, umami-rich depth to the dressing. Regular or low-sodium both work great here.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds brightness and a pleasant tang that balances the soy sauce perfectly.
Olive Oil: Smooths out the dressing and helps it coat the cucumbers evenly.
Sesame Seeds (optional): A nutty finishing touch that adds crunch and a little visual flair. Toasted sesame seeds are especially tasty.
Paprika (optional): For a hint of warmth and color. Smoked or sweet paprika both work, depending on your taste.
How to make Garlic Cucumber Salad Recipe
This salad comes together in no time, with just a bit of slicing, mixing, and a short rest to let the flavors shine. It’s one of those dishes that feels effortless but tastes like you spent way more time on it. The fresh garlic and soy dressing works its magic while the cucumbers stay crisp and refreshing. A quick marinate, and you're good to go!
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Instructions
Slice the cucumbers – Cut the cucumbers into thin slices, crinkle-cut adds extra texture, but regular slices work just as well. Choose whatever shape you like best!
Prep the aromatics – Thinly slice the red onion, mince or grate the garlic, and chop the fresh dill. Set them aside.
Combine everything in a bowl – Add the sliced cucumbers to a large bowl or container. Top with red onion, garlic, dill, sesame seeds (if using), and a sprinkle of paprika.
Make the dressing – In a small bowl or cup, whisk together soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and olive oil until well blended.
Toss to coat – Pour the dressing over the cucumber mix and toss gently to coat every slice. Make sure the dressing is well distributed.
Let it marinate – Cover and let the salad sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the cucumbers to soak up all that garlicky goodness.
Ready to Serve
Give it one last stir before serving. Enjoy chilled as a refreshing side dish or a light snack!
And just like that, your fresh, flavor-packed Garlic Cucumber Salad is ready to enjoy! It’s the kind of dish that proves simple ingredients can make something truly special. Whether you’re serving it at a backyard barbecue, pairing it with a cozy weeknight dinner, or just snacking straight from the bowl (no judgment!), this salad delivers every time.
If you try it, I’d love to hear what you think, or how you make it your own! Don’t forget to save this recipe for later and share it with a fellow garlic lover.
I’d love to know what you think if you give this a try! 🙂 – Angie
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Garlic Cucumber Salad Recipe – Fresh & Easy
Ingredients
- 500 g cucumbers
- 1 red onion
- 2 cloves garlic
- A handful of fresh dill
- 2 –3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp sesame seeds optional
- ½ tsp red paprika optional
Instructions
Slice the cucumbers
- Cut the cucumbers into thin slices—crinkle-cut adds extra texture, but regular slices work just as well. Choose whatever shape you like best!
Prep the aromatics
- Thinly slice the red onion, mince or grate the garlic, and chop the fresh dill. Set them aside.
Combine everything in a bowl
- Add the sliced cucumbers to a large bowl or container. Top with red onion, garlic, dill, sesame seeds (if using), and a sprinkle of paprika.
Make the dressing
- In a small bowl or cup, whisk together soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and olive oil until well blended.
Toss to coat
- Pour the dressing over the cucumber mix and toss gently to coat every slice. Make sure the dressing is well distributed.
Let it marinate
- Cover and let the salad sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the cucumbers to soak up all that garlicky goodness.
Serve and enjoy
- Give it one last stir before serving. Enjoy chilled as a refreshing side dish or a light snack!
Notes
Calories (Estimated)
Per Serving (1 of 4): ~60–70 kcal *Nutrition info is a rough estimate based on the ingredients. Note that values may vary from case to case.Did you make this recipe?
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