Cucumber and Mint Salad

Crisp vegetables and an aromatic herb make a most refreshing summer salad.

Updated November 22, 2024

Cucumber mint salad on a white plate with out of focus outdoor greenery in background. — Serious Eats

Why It Works

Draining the cucumbers keeps them crisp and crunchy.
Soaking the raw onions takes away the sharpness but keeps the flavor.

Thinly sliced cucumber and fresh mint make a refreshing summer salad—delicious on its own as a light meal, or as a side at your next picnic or barbecue.

Soaking the raw onions in water tames their bite. Be sure to salt and drain the cucumbers—it ensures the cucumbers stay crunchy and prevents the dressing from getting watery.

September 2012

Recipe Details

Cucumber and Mint Salad Recipe

Prep 35 mins

Active 20 mins

Draining Time 30 mins

Total 65 mins

Serves 4 servings

Cook Mode (Keep screen awake)

Ingredients

2 English (hothouse) cucumbers
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup chopped red onions
2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 1/2 teaspoons sugar
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup chopped fresh mint

Directions

Cut cucumbers in half lengthwise. Use a teaspoon to scrape out seeds, then cut into thin slices. Toss cucumbers with salt in a colander. Let drain in sink for at least 30 minutes, then tap colander on base of sink to release any remaining water. Lay a clean dish towel flat on counter, and then dump cucumbers over top. Use edges of the towel to blot cucumbers dry.
Meanwhile, soak red onions in a small bowl of ice water for at least 10 minutes, then drain in a fine mesh strainer.
In a medium bowl, combine cucumbers, onions, white wine vinegar, olive oil, vegetable oil, sugar, pepper and mint. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Cover and let stand in refrigerator for at least 20 minutes. Serve cold.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)
160	Calories
14g	Fat
9g	Carbs
1g	Protein

Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Amount per serving
Calories	160
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 14g	18%
Saturated Fat 1g	7%
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 358mg	16%
Total Carbohydrate 9g	3%
Dietary Fiber 1g	4%
Total Sugars 6g
Protein 1g
Vitamin C 5mg	24%
Calcium 30mg	2%
Iron 1mg	4%
Potassium 240mg	5%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.