This easy cucumber salad is THE EASIEST, freshest, and crispiest side dish you can add to any meal train, backyard BBQ, or simple weeknight dinner. Since it’s lettuce-free, it holds up beautifully in the fridge, making it a perfect make-ahead dish. But beyond just being a delicious and refreshing recipe, this salad is a reminder that food is more than just fuel—it’s a way to welcome people in. In today’s world, where loneliness is at an all-time high, something as simple as sharing a meal can be an act of kindness that fosters connection. This salad is a perfect addition to that meal.
I often bring this easy cucumber salad to friends who are having a hard day or are just overwhelmed with busyness. Sometimes, we can get sugared out, and I’ve found that this salad, with some protein thrown in, can be just as comforting—though maybe not as sweet. It’s my go-to for after-church meetings, where I always bring enough to share. I love how versatile it is—whatever protein I have on hand, whether it’s chicken, pepperoni, turkey, or shrimp, it all works beautifully in this fresh and flavorful salad.
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2. Why This Recipe is Perfect for Practicing Hospitality
This recipe is perfect for practicing hospitality because it’s incredibly easy to prepare, even if you’re not a confident cook. It’s make-ahead friendly, so there’s no last-minute scrambling before guests arrive, and its versatility allows it to pair well with almost any meal. Light and refreshing, it’s an ideal dish for warm-weather gatherings, and since it’s naturally gluten-free, it can easily be adapted to accommodate different dietary needs.
3. Ingredients & Simple Variations
Ingredients:
For the salad:
cucumbers– I prefer the small snacking cucumbers. They don’t usually have as many seeds and are really easy to cut.
cherry tomatoes– these add a sweet flavor. You can keep them whole or slice them in half.
red onion– dice it up small or leave it in longer slices depending on your preference.
feta cheese– in my opinion, this is what makes this salad stand out.
red wine vinegar– gives it a fresh, tangy flavor, but you can try different vinegars too.
olive oil– extra virgin olive oil adds a richness to the salad and balances some of the bitter flavors.
lemon pepper– this is my favorite seasoning to use.
garlic salt– because garlic is good.
Easy add-ins:
green onions– dice these up and throw them in.
bell peppers– red, yellow, orange or green. Chop them up and add them to the salad.
fresh dill– this adds a fun flavor to the salad.
carrots– I cut these into small, bite-sized pieces.
protein– I add protein and turn it into a main dish. Rotisserie chicken, hard boiled egg, bacon, pepperoni or salami with mozzarella cheese, shrimp, salmon, or turkey—they are all delicious.
Different Dressing Options:
You can use apple cider vinegar or balsamic in place of the red wine vinegar.
Try adding some Italian seasoning to the oil and vinegar.
Squirt some lemon juice on your salad for a tangy, fresh taste.
Ranch dressing or blue cheese is delicious with this cucumber salad. I prefer to leave the feta out if I am using one of these and use a mozzarella or provolone cheese instead.
4. Step-by-Step Instructions
There is a printable recipe card provided at the bottom of this post for your convenience. Here I will provide pictures of the process for making this super simple cucumber salad. Now put on a cute apron and let’s put this thing together.
Slice the cucumbers – I used to peel them or just peel some stripes to make it look prettier, but realized that it doesn’t make that much of a difference, and the peel has fiber, minerals and antioxidants (which I like). So now I skip that step and just dice them up into small chunks with a knife. You can use a mandoline slicer if you want them to be evenly sized without having to try.
Slice the grape tomatoes – I cut them in half.
Dice (or slice) the onion – add it all to the bowl.
Add the Feta cheese – this is my favorite part. You can just sprinkle it into this salad to your heart’s content— or measure about a half a cup.
Add the dressing – if I’m making this for myself, I mix the dressing right into the salad so I don’t need to dirty more dishes.
Add your red wine vinegar and olive oil.
Add your garlic salt and lemon pepper – stir it all together.
If I’m bringing this to a friend, I keep the dressing separate until they’re ready to eat. In that case, combine all the dressing ingredients in a container and give it a good shake—but a whisk works just as well if you prefer!
Let it marinate – I actually love this salad the next day after the flavors have mingled together in the fridge.
Serve & store – This salad is good with just about anything— as a side dish or even a main dish if you add some protein to it. I love it with chicken and fresh sourdough, but it’s also great with hummus and pita bread.
This salad stays fresh and crisp in the refrigerator for up to three days when stored in a covered container.
5. The Heart Behind Sharing Food
Sharing food is a wonderful way to connect with someone new. Inviting someone in over a meal instantly gives you something in common—after all, we all need to eat! It might sound simple, but in a world that feels increasingly divided, getting back to the basics of hospitality can be powerful. When we take the time to share a meal, we have the opportunity to see people as valuable—not because they think like us, but because they are made in God’s image. Instead of jumping to assumptions about someone’s character, we can choose to listen, understand, and love first.
So remember, this easy cucumber salad isn’t just a side dish—it’s an invitation. An invitation to slow down, gather around the table, and make room for someone who might need a little extra connection. Try this recipe, or better yet, share it with someone new! Leave a comment below with how you served it or tag me on social media—I’d love to see your beautiful hospitality in action (and by beautiful, I mean inviting people into your life, not how good the food looks).
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long does cucumber salad last in the fridge?
It stays fresh for about 2-3 days in an airtight container. The flavors deepen as it sits, but the cucumbers may release some liquid—just give it a quick stir before serving and add a few more Feta crumbles!
2. Can I use a different type of cucumber?
Absolutely! Snacking Cucumbers and English cucumbers are ideal because they have fewer seeds and thinner skin, but regular cucumbers or Persian cucumbers work just as well. If using regular ones, you may want to peel them for the best texture.
3. What protein pairs well with cucumber salad?
Grilled chicken, salmon, shrimp, or even chickpeas make this salad more filling while keeping it light and fresh!
4. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, it’s better if you make it at least an hour in advance to let the flavors meld. Just store it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
5. What if my cucumbers get too watery?
If your cucumbers release too much liquid, you can drain off some of the excess or mix in a fresh batch of dressing before serving. Salting the cucumbers and letting them sit for 10 minutes before mixing in the dressing can also help!
Simple Cucumber Salad
Equipment
- 1 glass bowl with lid
Ingredients
- 10 mini cucumbers
- 25 cherry tomatoes a 1 pint container
- ½ red onion sliced or diced
- ½ cup feta cheese
dressing
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- ½ tsp garlic salt
- ½ tsp lemon pepper
Instructions
- Slice up cucumbers, tomatoes, and onion.10 mini cucumbers, 25 cherry tomatoes, ½ red onion
- Mix in the Feta cheese crumbles.½ cup feta cheese
Dressing
- Make the dressing by mixing the red wine vinegar, olive oil, garlic salt, and lemon pepper. If I'm making it for myself, I just put the ingredients directly into the salad and mix. If I'm taking it to someone, I mix it together and put it in a container on the side.2 tbsp red wine vinegar, 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, ½ tsp garlic salt, ½ tsp lemon pepper
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Need some Meal Train ideas? Try Steph’s Famous Pretzel Dogs. They are easier than you think and everyone loves them! Or this Chicken Curry Mac and Cheese is always a hit.
Or if you are just craving more salad in your life, try our Summer Cobb Salad for another fresh option.
Now think of one person you can invite to your table this week!
11 Comments
This is my favorite salad and I also like to eat it with hummus and pita bread!
Perfect for a quick, refreshing meal on a busy day! Thanks for sharing such an easy and delicious recipe – I’ll definitely be making this again! 💚
Love how easy this one looks! Sometimes simple is the best 🙂 I have some vegan feta in my fridge I’ve been wanting to use, now I know what to use it for!
I make something like this with the white Mexican “Queso Fresco.” I think I would like it better with feta! thanks for the idea.
I’ve never thought to try it with Queso Fresco. That would be good too. I’ll have to try that on a taco night.
Seriously, this is AMAZING and so easy! Thank you for sharing! I also love to add Trader Joe’s Balsamic Glaze. It adds a delicious punch of yummy goodness.
Oh yeah! That stuff is so good!
Thanks for sharing such an easy and delicious recipe! I know this will be a weekly rotation at my table!
Thank you, Natasha. It is in my weekly rotation, too.
What a delicious and refreshing salad! Thank you so much for this wonderful recipe.. this was so easy and amazing! Simple, tasty and fresh…. the way a salad should be. 🥗
Thank you, sonia! I’m so glad you like it!