The Apple Cider Vinegar Cucumber Salad is the ultimate refreshing side dish for hot days and light meals. The crisp crunch of fresh cucumbers paired with the sharp, tangy zip of apple cider vinegar creates a flavor-packed bite that’s both hydrating and satisfying. It’s a perfect dish to whip up in minutes, especially when you’re craving something bright, low-carb, and flavorful. Whether you’re planning a summer BBQ, meal prepping for the week, or simply want a light snack to enjoy between meals, this salad hits all the right notes. With just a handful of simple ingredients, this dish delivers bold flavor with minimal effort. Plus, it fits beautifully into keto, paleo, vegan, and gluten-free lifestyles making it as versatile as it is delicious.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
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1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
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1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
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1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
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Salt and black pepper to taste
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Optional: 1 teaspoon granulated sweetener (erythritol or stevia)
Directions:
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In a large bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers and red onion.
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In a small bowl, whisk together the apple cider vinegar, olive oil, dill, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and sweetener (if using).
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Pour the dressing over the cucumber and onion mixture and toss to coat evenly.
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Let the salad sit for at least 15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld. For best results, chill for 1 hour.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 0 minutes | Total Time: 10 minutes + optional chill time
Kcal: 65 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Apple Cider Vinegar Cucumber Salad: A Crisp, Refreshing Classic
When the warm months roll in, there’s one thing most people crave something fresh, cooling, and hydrating. The Apple Cider Vinegar Cucumber Salad is the answer to that craving. With its satisfying crunch, light texture, and a tangy burst of vinegar, this salad is not only a favorite in summer but a versatile side that fits well in year-round menus. Beyond being delicious, this simple dish is a powerhouse of health benefits and culinary possibilities.
A Time-Tested Salad with Global Roots
Cucumber salads have long held a place in culinary traditions around the world. From the creamy versions popular in Eastern Europe to the spicy and sweet varieties in Southeast Asia, cucumbers are a go-to vegetable for fresh and quick sides. The version with apple cider vinegar (ACV), however, is uniquely American in its simplicity and health-conscious twist.
Historically, vinegar-based salads emerged as a way to preserve fresh produce before refrigeration. Apple cider vinegar made by fermenting apples brings a touch of natural sweetness along with its acidity, making it perfect for balancing fresh cucumbers without needing much else. Over time, this salad has evolved into a go-to choice for clean eating and low-carb lifestyles, thanks to its minimal ingredients and impressive health profile.
The Health Benefits of Cucumbers and Apple Cider Vinegar
This salad isn’t just tasty it’s incredibly good for you. Both cucumbers and apple cider vinegar offer a range of benefits that align with modern dietary goals, whether you’re keto, vegan, paleo, or simply focused on wholesome eating.
Cucumbers: Hydration and Nutrients in Every Bite
Cucumbers are composed of about 95% water, making them an excellent choice for hydration especially in the hotter months. But they offer more than just moisture. They’re a great source of:
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Vitamin K, essential for bone health and proper blood clotting
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Potassium, which supports healthy blood pressure levels
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Antioxidants, including beta-carotene and flavonoids, which help fight inflammation
Because they are low in calories and carbohydrates, cucumbers are also ideal for those following low-carb or ketogenic diets. They help fill you up without weighing you down.
Apple Cider Vinegar: A Digestive and Metabolic Aid
Apple cider vinegar has gained widespread popularity in wellness circles and for good reason. ACV contains acetic acid, which is linked to several health benefits:
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Improved digestion: ACV can help stimulate stomach acid production, improving digestion
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Blood sugar regulation: Studies have shown that vinegar can help lower blood sugar spikes after meals
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Antimicrobial properties: ACV has been used traditionally to kill bacteria and support gut health
Used in this cucumber salad, apple cider vinegar enhances flavor while subtly supporting wellness goals, especially in sugar-free or detox-friendly diets.
Perfect for Special Diets
One of the reasons this salad has become a kitchen staple is how it fits into nearly every dietary need. It’s:
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Low-carb and keto-friendly: With minimal sugars and carbs, this salad won’t break your carb budget
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Vegan and plant-based: No animal products here, just clean, plant-based ingredients
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Gluten-free: Ideal for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease
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Paleo and Whole30 compatible: Free from processed ingredients or added sugars (depending on your sweetener choice)
You can also customize it further using a sweetener like erythritol or monk fruit makes it even more keto-compliant, while omitting it altogether keeps it strictly savory for paleo or Whole30 lifestyles.
Why This Salad Is So Popular
Part of this dish’s charm lies in its simplicity. It uses a few ingredients that most people already have in their kitchen, and it comes together in minutes. But the flavors it delivers feel like so much more than the sum of its parts.
The crisp texture of fresh cucumbers contrasts beautifully with the slight bite of red onion, while the apple cider vinegar brings everything to life. A touch of dill fresh or dried adds an herbaceous brightness that evokes summer gardens and picnics.
This salad is perfect as:
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A side dish to grilled meats or fish
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A topping for burgers or sandwiches
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A light appetizer served cold in individual cups
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A meal prep favorite that stores well in the fridge for several days
Because there’s no mayo or dairy involved, it travels well and holds up to outdoor temperatures, making it ideal for potlucks, picnics, and BBQs.
Tips for Best Results
Even a simple dish can be elevated with a few smart tricks:
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Use a mandoline slicer for perfectly thin cucumber slices. This helps the dressing absorb evenly and creates that restaurant-style appearance.
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Salt the cucumbers lightly and drain before dressing them if you want to reduce moisture and prevent sogginess.
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Let the salad marinate for at least 15–30 minutes in the fridge. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
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Add-ins for variety: Consider tossing in sliced radishes, cherry tomatoes, or even a few crumbles of feta (if not vegan) for variation.
Make It Your Own
Although the base recipe is flawless, the beauty of this dish lies in how easily it can be personalized. Here are a few ideas to change things up:
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Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or finely chopped jalapeño
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Sweet and Savory: Toss in a few thin slices of apple or pear for a sweet twist
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Herb Garden Fresh: Swap dill for fresh mint, parsley, or basil
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Asian-Inspired: Use rice vinegar instead of apple cider vinegar and add a dash of sesame oil
Each variation keeps the spirit of the dish alive while offering new flavor profiles to suit different cuisines or moods.
Conclusion:
The Apple Cider Vinegar Cucumber Salad is more than just a side it’s a culinary staple that proves how simple ingredients can create unforgettable flavor. Refreshing, light, and packed with nutrition, this dish is ideal for everyone, from meal preppers and keto followers to busy families looking for easy healthy meals.
Its versatility, minimal prep time, and ability to pair with a wide range of mains make it a must-have in your recipe rotation. Whether you’re bringing it to a summer potluck, serving it with grilled chicken, or enjoying it as a midday snack, this cucumber salad is always a hit. Add it to your repertoire and enjoy the crisp, tangy goodness it brings to your plate.