If Your Cucumbers Are Bitter, This Is What You Need to Know (2024)

Sour Cream Cucumber SaladMany cultures make sour cream cucumber salads. Folks from Hungary to Poland to Austria and beyond have their version of this refreshing side. We're glad this recipe has made its way to the US, too! It's the perfect way to use up extra cukes from the garden, and it makes a great addition to serve up at backyard barbecues.Go to Recipe

Garden Tomato SaladWho needs lettuce? This rustic salad proves that sliced tomato, onion and cucumber are delicious on their own.

Crunchy Lemon-Pesto Garden SaladUse veggies fresh from the garden or farmers market for this salad. Small summer squash and cucumbers are the perfect base. Add some bacon bits for crunch and peas for extra color.

Khmer Pickled Vegetable SaladThis Cambodian cucumber salad uses vinegar to quickly pickle all the ingredients. The result is a cool side dish with a little bite. It also looks stunning on any summer dinner table.

Vegan Quinoa SaladIf you're looking for cucumber salads that are a bit more filling, incorporate grains into the recipe. Our Test Kitchen uses quinoa in this recipe, but you could also try it with farro or even orzo.

Cucumber and Red Onion SaladA fuss-free salad is always welcome at a summer potluck. This cucumber side gets a bit of bite thanks to thinly sliced red onions. To get thin slices without a lot of effort, try a mandoline slicer.

Minty Watermelon-Cucumber SaladThis cucumber salad recipe really captures the flavors of summer thanks to fresh mint (this herb is so easy to grow yourself!) and watermelon.

Ribbon Salad with Orange VinaigretteDoes it get any prettier than this ribbon salad? Use a spiralizer or classic Y-peeler to cut thin strips of zucchini, cucumber and carrots. Finished with a light citrus dressing, this is sure to be a hit at summer parties. Be prepared to share the recipe!

Sesame-Ginger Cucumber SaladThis Japanese-inspired cucumber salad gets loads of flavor thanks to fresh ginger and a squeeze of sriracha. Don't forget to toast the sesame seeds for extra flavor and texture.

Shaved Fennel SaladLove a salad with crunch? This recipe is for you! Cucumbers, radishes and apples all add crisp texture. Fresh fennel fronds add the faintest hint of licorice flavor. If you're new to this aromatic, check out some other fennel recipes for inspiration.

Kohlrabi, Cucumber and Tomato SaladKohlrabi is a slightly unusual vegetable. If you have some in your garden or pick it up at the outdoor market, we suggest pairing it with other veggies like tomato and—you guessed it—cucumber. The finished salad is crunchy and satisfying on a summer afternoon.

Cucumbers with DillThe secret to this cucumber salad: Sprinkle the cucumber slices with salt and let them stand in a colander. This helps draw out excess water so they stay crisp when set on a barbecue buffet. Try this cucumber dill salad alongside any grilled dinner.

Fattoush SaladFattoush, a bread salad, is very popular in the Middle East. Our version uses pita bread along with plenty of fresh veggies, including cucumber. A touch of lemon juice and sumac add plenty of brightness to this dish.

Asian Cucumber SaladThis five-star recipe is wonderfully crunchy. Bell pepper and cucumber are the stars of the show, but the Asian-style dressing really makes this side sing.

Cucumber ColeslawWe're so used to seeing slaw recipes that start with cabbage, but this recipe encourages you to do things differently. Use shaved cucumber as the base for this slaw and layer on flavor with arugula, toasted almonds and a citrusy dressing.

Looking for cucumber salads with a kick? Here's a contest-winning recipe! This crisp salad gets delicious heat thanks to thinly sliced jalapenos along with cayenne stirred into the dressing. Paired with cooling cucumbers, you've got a perfect match.

Dad’s Greek SaladServe up a bounty of Greek flavors with this salad. Slices of crisp cucumber paired with briny olives and juicy tomatoes is a combination your guests will hardly be able to resist. Try this salad alongside some of our Test Kitchen's favorite Greek recipes.

Corn ‘n’ Cucumbers SaladAt the height of summer, corn and cucumbers are both in season. Why not put them together in a sunny salad? This recipe is so simple to make. Just be sure to let it sit in the fridge for at least an hour so the flavors can marinate.

Balsamic Cucumber SaladFive ingredients are all you need for this swift salad. Dice up a pint of cherry tomatoes, slice some fresh cucumbers and finish with balsamic, onion and feta. It's the perfect last-minute side dish for summer celebrations.

Chickpea Cucumber SaladNeed a filling but refreshing side? This Greek-inspired salad uses chickpeas as a base and gets plenty of flavor from fresh cucumbers, feta, red onion and fresh dill.

Melany Love

Melany started her career in writing at Taste of Home. When she's not scribbling in her notebook or working at her computer, she can be found experimenting with new recipes or relaxing with a book and her cats.