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Cucumbers at the peak of their season lend a crisp, fresh flavor to any salad. Sometimes they are the star of show, other times the vegetable is a supporting ingredient. Either way, people go bonkers for cucumber salads during the summer, and guess what? This refreshing side dish can be made in countless ways, with variations from all over the globe. Here are a few of our top-rated cucumber salads, along with suggestions on what to serve with them.
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Hungarian Cucumber Salad
There are just five ingredients in this gem, plus salt and pepper. This salad is super easy to put together in the morning for dinner that evening because it soaks up the marinade the longer it sits.
Sunomono (Japanese Cucumber Salad)
Allrecipes/Qi Ai
This Japanese favorite walks the fine line between sweet and tart, with this version offering an extra layer of yummy from the addition of minced ginger. A staple of the bento box, this salad shines alongside deep-fried seafood and veggies, as well as beef or chicken teriyaki.
Israeli Tomato and Cucumber Salad
The bright flavors are driven by citrus, olive oil, and mint, making this salad a brilliant complement to succulent grilled meats.
Thai Cucumber Salad
Cilantro and chopped peanuts set this lovely-to-look-at salad apart, giving it added crunch. Like its salty-sweet cousins from other countries, this offers an awesome contrast to so many dishes, but it’s especially cool when taming the heat from a fiery curry.
Spicy Korean Red Pepper Cucumbers
This one’s like Kimchi 101, a fresh, not fermented preparation. The chili-infused dish relies on gochujang for heat. That’s the way popular Korean paste is made—from chili, fermented soy beans, and glutinous rice.
Greek Tzatziki
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
This is a Greek cucumber classic that offers a creamy tang from yogurt. This sauce goes so well with foods cooked over flames.
Mexican Cucumber Salad
Tastes like summer on a spoon, combining corn, sweet onions, colorful bell peppers, and chopped cucumbers. The final touch? Garlic, cumin, and red pepper flakes.
Tiger Salad
Allrecipes Magazine
Cucumbers, green onion, and red and green bell peppers are tossed with a tangy dressing of rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, red pepper flakes, and fresh cilantro for a refreshing salad with a kick. Adjust the heat to your liking by adding or subtracting the amount of red pepper flakes.
Arabic Fattoush Salad
“Fattoush is one of the most well known Middle Eastern salads and a standard dish on the ‘mezza’ (small dishes) table,” says Allrecipes member Sonja Taha. “It’s a colorful tossed salad with a lemony garlic dressing, and if you’ve never made a single Arabic dish, this is a delicious and healthy place to start.”
Mizeria (Polish Cucumber Salad)
Spunky Buddy
Thinly sliced cucumbers are salted and drained, and then dressed with dill, sour cream, lemon juice, and a pinch of sugar and pepper. Reviewers say don’t forget to let the cucumbers drain thoroughly before adding the dressing.
Gurkensalat (German Cucumber Salad)
Allrecipes/Qi Ai
“A traditional German favorite that I have loved since I was a child. This recipe is quick, easy, and delicious,” says Allrecipes member hisunbeam. “Substitute cider vinegar for a different flavor. I prefer to leave the skins on the cucumbers for more texture and flavor, but they can also be peeled prior to slicing if desired. Flavor is best when marinated for several hours before serving.”
Tomato Cucumber Kachumbar
“Kachumbar is an Indian-style salad that is served on top of curry,” says Allrecipes member Gina Milanese. “Fresh herbs and lemon add a tangy crunch that lightens even the most intense gravies.”