Grandma’s Cucumber Salad

4.88 from 48 votes

August 6, 2024

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Grandma’s Cucumber Salad combines the crisp freshness of cucumbers with the tangy zest of a vinegar mixture, creating a refreshing and delicious salad that’s perfect for those hot summer days. Using simple ingredients like English cucumbers, thinly sliced onions, and bell peppers, this recipe is both easy to make and packed with flavor. If you’re in a cucumber kind of mood, you must also try my Cucumber Tomato Salad!

Why You’ll Love this Perfect for Summer Cucumber Salad

This easy Cucumber Salad recipe is one of my Grandma’s beloved recipes. I use the term ‘recipe’ loosely because she never really wrote any recipes down. “Just make it until it tastes right” is really hard to do with any of Grandma’s recipes, especially this cucumber salad. But don’t worry, I have cracked the code! “Just make it until it tastes right” is today’s “measure with your heart”.

This salad is a perfect side dish for a family dinner, a summer bbq, or even a picnic. Plus, it’s a great way to use up those fresh garden cucumbers. And, of course, it’s a classic recipe straight from Grandma’s kitchen, bringing a touch of nostalgia to your table.

Ingredients Needed for Cucumber Salad

Just a few, very simple ingredients are needed to make this fresh cucumber salad! Here’s what you’ll need:

English cucumbers: Fresh, crisp cucumbers with thinner skin, perfect for salads.
Onion: Thinly sliced; red onions or yellow onions work great.
Green bell pepper: Adds a nice crunch and color.
Garlic: Smashed for a subtle hint of flavor.
White vinegar: The base of the tangy dressing.
Cold water: To dilute the vinegar mixture.
Sugar: Balances out the acidity.
Salt and ground black pepper: For seasoning.

Variations

Persian cucumbers instead of English cucumbers for a different texture.
White onion or sweet onions for a milder flavor.
Red bell pepper for a pop of color.
Fresh herbs like fresh dill weed or fresh basil for added freshness.

But, Where is the Sour Cream?

The most common question I get about this recipe is how to make this cucumber salad recipe with sour cream. Lots of German grandmas used to make their cucumber salads with sour cream and mine did not, hence this recipe. The best answer I have for you is to add your sour cream sparingly and taste as you go. Find what is most delicious to you and go from there. Some stir in half a cup to the entire recipe while others just dollop it on top at the end. It’s totally up to you!

Or try using Plain Greek Yogurt, Ranch Dressing or Mayonnaise or Miracle Whip as your creamy stir in. Whatever floats your boat.

How to Make Cucumber Salad

This simple cucumber salad is filled with fresh crunchy ingredients. For full recipe details, including ingredient measurements, see the printable recipe card below. Here are my step by step instructions for making this cucumber salad:

1. Peel + Slice Cucumbers

You can use a knife or a mandoline slicer. You want your cucumbers 1/4-1/8 inch thick. The thinner they are, the easier they absorb the dressing. If you’re buying from a store, English cucumbers are the best choice, but if you have fresh garden cucumbers, feel free to peel, slice in half lengthwise and scoop out the larger seeds if needed.

A cutting board with sliced cucumber, shredded onion, and green vegetable slices, accompanied by a knife.

Pro Tip: Use a paper towel to pat the cucumbers dry and remove excess water.

2. Thin Slice the other Veggies

Slice onion, green pepper, and garlic. These don’t have to be nearly as thin as the cucumber but small enough to be bite sized.

3. Make the Dressing, Pour over Veggies + Marinate

This vinegar and water based marinating liquid is as good as it gets. Stir it together with salt, pepper, and sugar.

Pour the dressing over the cucumbers and marinate. The longer it sits, the better it tastes!

Refrigerate for minimum of 6 hours (or even overnight!) and then serve.

A measuring cup filled with a seasoned liquid, stirred with chopsticks. A bowl with sliced green vegetables is visible in the background.

A clear glass bowl contains sliced cucumbers, green bell peppers, and onions, with dressing being poured over the vegetables from a measuring cup.

Pro Tip: You need to store your cucumber salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator . You’re essentially pickling your cucumbers and the best way to do that is in an air-free environment. Also, you don’t want your fridge to stink! So, a bowl with a good lid, a large jar or a plastic container all would be great. My grandma used to use larger jars with a little plastic wrap under the seal for a little extra anti-leak insurance.

Storing + Make Ahead Directions for Cucumber Salad

Because this is vinegar based and essentially pickles, this cucumber salad can last in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, if stored in an airtight container like a mason jar kind of container. Of course it won’t last that long because it’s so good, but it should be good for at least two weeks.

To Make Ahead: This salad is one that actually tastes better after it has sat in the fridge for at least 6 hours! Prepare it the day before and let it chill overnight for the best flavor.

Freezing: I don’t recommend freezing it. Cucumbers break down and don’t hold the same texture after they are frozen. They would be mushy. No thank you. Also if you added any sour cream or mayo to the dressing, it would separate and really compromise the entire salad texture. Enjoy it fresh!

Cucumber Salad FAQ:

What kind of cucumbers should I use?

If I don’t have garden fresh cucumbers, I used English Cucumbers. I like these because they have thinner skins and don’t have to be peeled, but you certainly can. Persian cucumbers are another option. If you have garden fresh cucumbers coming out of your ears, feel free to use those too! You’ll want to peel or peel strips on your garden cucumbers because they typically have a thicker skin and can taste bitter. They also have bigger seeds that you can scrape away with a spoon.

What kind of onions are best with cucumbers?

For a sharp, strong oniony taste, use white onions. If you’re looking for a more mild flavor, try using red onions.

What about the green peppers?

Green pepper is the most bitter and unripe of all of the bell pepper colors. It goes perfectly with this cucumber salad.

How do you cut the cucumbers for this salad?

Use a knife or a mandoline slicer. You want your cucumbers 1/4-1/8 inch thick. The thinner they are, the easier they absorb the dressing.

How do you eat cucumber salad?

Remove cucumbers and vegetables from the jar using a slotted spoon to drain the liquid. Serve in a small bowl as a snack or easy side dish.

Main Course Ideas to Serve with Cucumber Salad

Here are a few of my favorite dinners that pair well with this delicious salad. Trust me, you’ll be making this salad all summer long!

More Summer Salad Recipes to Try…

Here are a few other simple summer salads that are delicious and perfect for potlucks, family get-togethers and BBQ’s:

With this easy recipe for my Grandma’s Cucumber Salad, you’ll have a fresh and delicious side dish ready for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it at a family dinner, a summer cookout, or just enjoying it on a hot summer day, this cucumber salad is sure to be a hit. The printable recipe card is below! Have a great day, friends! 🙂

This recipe can become an heirloom to pass down for your family too, so try making it the next time you’re looking for a salad. If you make this recipe, I would really appreciate it if you would give it a star review! If you have a picture of your finished dish, post it on Instagram using the hashtag #laurenslatest and tagging me @laurens_latest.