Its juicy crunch cuts through the smoky char of so many of the season’s mains, but these tips let it shine in its own right.
Refreshing, savory cucumbers are an excellent centerpiece in all kinds of salad combinations.Armando Rafael for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Cyd Raftus McDowell.
The sun beats down, the grill is fired up, and the air crackles with the promise of summer feasts. But what’s that perfect counterpoint to smoky barbecue, spicy grilled shrimp, or even a simple hot dog? Look no further than the humble cucumber salad.
It’s a simple solution, yet often overlooked. But the seemingly basic cucumber salad has so much more potential than many realize. It can be the unsung hero of any summer meal. The magic of cucumber lies in its versatility—it’s refreshing, hydrating, and incredibly adaptable. Its subtle flavor profile makes it a perfect canvas for countless variations, from sweet and tangy to savory and spicy.
Beyond the basics of slicing and dicing, there are a few secrets to unlocking the true potential of this summer staple. Here are seven pro tips to transform your cucumber salads from ordinary to extraordinary.
1. Concentrate their flavor.
Melissa Clark salts the cucumbers in this avocado-shrimp salad. Doing so draws out the cucumbers’ moisture, intensifying their essence.Johnny Miller for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Rebecca Jurkevich.
Cucumbers are mostly water, which, while hydrating, can dilute dressings and sauces. The solution? Salt. Toss your sliced or diced cucumbers with a generous pinch of salt in a colander. Let them sit for 15-20 minutes, allowing the salt to draw out excess moisture. This simple step yields a crunchier, sweeter, and more flavorful cucumber.
Locals at a summer festival raved about this technique. “I never thought I’d hear that,” exclaimed Maria Rodriguez, a vendor selling homemade salsas. “Salting cucumbers? That’s genius! I’m trying that tonight.”
2. Keep some peel.
Running the tines of a fork along cucumbers exposes their flesh, so they can soak up more sauce while maintaining their structure.Christopher Testani for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Barrett Washburne.
Instead of completely peeling your cucumbers, try leaving alternating strips of peel intact. This prevents the cucumber from becoming overly mushy, while the exposed flesh readily absorbs seasonings. It’s a win-win for texture and flavor.
3. Smash them.
The craggy edges of smashed cucumbers easily soak up sauces and seasonings.Christopher Testani for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Simon Andrews.
Borrowing from Asian culinary traditions, smashing cucumbers with the flat side of a knife or a rolling pin creates rough, craggy surfaces that eagerly soak up dressings. It’s also incredibly therapeutic after a long day! Remember to salt them after smashing for the best results.
4. Pair them with other juicy fruits …
Tart, juicy pomegranate seeds are an excellent complement to fresh cucumbers.Mark Weinberg for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Monica Pierini.
Cucumbers are botanically fruits! Treat them as such by pairing them with other seasonal fruits like plums, cherries, peaches, melons, or even pomegranate seeds. The sweetness and tartness of these fruits provide a delightful contrast to the cucumber’s mild flavor.
5. … especially the other summer staple that’s really a fruit: tomato.
Tomato and cucumbers play well together, with cucumbers tempering tomatoes’ tang.Yossy Arefi for The New York Times (Photography and Styling)
The classic combination of tomatoes and cucumbers is a summertime staple for good reason. The acidity of the tomatoes brightens the cucumbers, while the cucumbers mellow out the tomatoes’ tanginess. Think Greek salad, Persian shirazi salad, or even a simple tomato-cucumber salad with a vinaigrette. These two work in perfect harmony.
6. Contrast with creaminess.
Buttermilk and yogurt add a silky texture and tart flavor to mellow cucumbers.Dane Tashima for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Barrett Washburne.
Add a touch of luxury to your cucumber salad with creamy elements. Think buttermilk dressings, yogurt-based sauces, crumbled feta, or even silken tofu. The creamy texture provides a satisfying contrast to the cucumber’s crunch.
Here’s a quick recap of the top tips for ultimate cucumber salad success:
- Concentrate Flavor: Salt cucumbers to remove excess water.
- Keep Some Peel: For textural contrast and nutrient boost.
- Smash ‘Em: Rough edges soak up dressing better.
- Pair with Fruit: Especially tomatoes, for balance.
- Add Creaminess: Yogurt, feta, or avocado.
- Don’t Forget Herbs: Fresh herbs are key for freshness.
7. Toss everything with herbs.
Chopped parsley finishes this black-eyed pea salad with cucumbers and tomatoes.Julia Gartland for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Samantha Seneviratne.
Fresh herbs are non-negotiable. Load up on dill, mint, parsley, cilantro, or basil. These herbs add bursts of flavor and freshness that elevate your cucumber salad to new heights. Don’t be shy , use a generous handful!
On X.com, users chimed in with their favorite herb combinations. @SummerSalads wrote: “Dill and mint are my go-to! So refreshing!” while @HerbLover added, “Don’t underestimate the power of Thai basil in a cucumber salad. It’s a game-changer!”.
So, the next time you’re planning a summer barbecue or a simple weeknight meal, don’t underestimate the power of a well-made cucumber salad. With a few simple tricks, you can create a dish that’s not only refreshing but also bursting with flavor and texture.
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