🥒 3 Easy Cucumber Salad Recipes That Are Blowing Up the Internet

Cucumber salads are having a serious moment right now—and honestly, we’re not mad about it. 😍 They’re fresh, crunchy, and perfect for literally any time of day. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue, looking for a healthy lunch, or just trying to eat more greens without getting bored, these cucumber salad recipes are the answer.

In this post, we’re diving into three totally different—but equally delicious—takes on the classic cucumber salad. From a creamy smoked salmon version to a spicy Korean-inspired dish and a herb-packed vinaigrette combo from a new cookbook, you’re about to level up your salad game big time. Let’s dig in!

🥯 1. Viral Cucumber Salad with Smoked Salmon & Cream Cheese

This creamy cucumber salad went viral for a reason—it tastes like a bagel in a bowl. 😄 It’s loaded with cream cheese, smoky salmon, and fresh dill. Perfect for a light meal or a fancy brunch.

Ingredients:

• 1 large cucumber, thinly sliced
• ½ red onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tsp capers, rinsed and roughly chopped
• 2 tbsp cream cheese
• 80g smoked salmon, torn into pieces
• 2g (about 2 tsp) fresh dill, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: pinch of MSG for that extra umami kick

Instructions:

1. Slice the cucumber into thin rounds using a mandoline or knife.
2. Add in thinly sliced red onion, chopped dill, and capers.
3. Add cream cheese and smoked salmon.
4. Season with salt and pepper (go easy—the salmon is already salty).
5. Mix everything well until the cream cheese coats the salad.
6. Taste and adjust with more seasoning or a tiny bit of MSG, if desired.

Tip: This cucumber salad works beautifully on its own or even stuffed into a sandwich for a no-cook lunch.

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🌶️ 2. Korean-Inspired Spicy Cucumber Salad

Want something tangy, spicy, and packed with flavor? This Korean-style cucumber salad is your new best friend. It’s got soy sauce, sesame, and just a hint of heat—amazing as a side dish for rice bowls or grilled tofu.

Ingredients:

• 1 large cucumber, sliced into thicker rounds (1–1.5 cm)
• 2 scallions (spring onions), thinly sliced
• 2g cilantro (coriander), chopped
• 2 tbsp light soy sauce
• 2½ tbsp rice wine vinegar
• 2 tsp toasted sesame oil
• 1½ tsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
• 2 tsp sesame seeds
• 2 tsp honey
• Ground white or black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Toss cucumber slices, scallions, and cilantro in a bowl.
2. In a separate bowl, mix all the sauce ingredients until well combined.
3. Pour sauce over cucumber mix and stir well.
4. Taste and adjust with pepper or extra vinegar, if needed.

Fun fact: Gochugaru is made from chili skin without seeds, so it’s not super spicy—just flavorful!

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🍅 3. Chunky Cucumber Salad with Tomatoes & Herbs

This one’s from the cookbook Dig In and it’s hands-down the most versatile cucumber salad ever. Fresh, juicy, and full of herbs—it’s a salad you’ll keep making again and again. ❤️

Ingredients:

• 1 large cucumber, cut into chunky triangle pieces
• 250g cherry tomatoes, halved
• ½ red onion, thinly sliced
• 2g each of fresh dill, parsley, and mint (tear by hand)
• 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 1½ tsp onion powder
• 1 clove garlic, grated or minced
• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
• Sea salt flakes and cracked black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Combine cucumber, tomatoes, onion, and herbs in a bowl.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk vinegar, onion powder, and garlic. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking to make a quick vinaigrette.
3. Pour dressing over the salad and toss everything together.
4. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Pro tip: Serve this one on a large flat plate as a table filler—it goes with everything from grilled veggies to pasta!

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💬 FAQs

1. Can I make these cucumber salads ahead of time?
Yes! They’re best eaten fresh, but you can prep ingredients in advance and mix just before serving. The tomato one holds up best overnight.

2. What type of cucumber works best for these recipes?
English cucumbers or Persian cucumbers are great—less watery and fewer seeds, but any kind will work in a pinch.

3. Can I make the smoked salmon version dairy-free?
Totally! Use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and you’re good to go.