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This single serving cucumber salad is made with thinly sliced cucumbers, onion, fresh dill, and a simple vinegar dressing. It comes together in minutes and delivers a crisp, refreshing side that pairs well with many meals.
Featured Comment
“I love this recipe – just right for one person and was so easy!”
– Pat
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Make: Ready in minutes with simple ingredients.
- Light and Refreshing: Crisp cucumbers tossed in a tangy vinegar dressing make this salad feel fresh and clean.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples and fresh produce.
- Versatile Side Dish: Pairs well with chicken, fish, or sandwiches.
- Perfectly Portioned: Designed as a single serving but can easily be doubled.
There’s something especially satisfying about a bowl of freshly sliced cucumbers tossed in a simple vinaigrette. The cucumbers stay crisp, the onions add just enough bite, and the dill brings everything together with a clean, fresh flavor.
This is the kind of salad I reach for when I want something light but still full of contrast and texture. It’s refreshing, easy to make, and always feels just right alongside a meal or enjoyed on its own.
Looking for more single serving salad recipes? Try our spinach orzo salad, small Brussels sprouts salad, fresh tomato salad, or Italian pasta salad.
Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this small batch cucumber salad recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder.
- Cucumber: Crisp, thinly sliced cucumbers are the base of this salad and give it its fresh crunch. English cucumbers work especially well since they are nearly seedless and have a mild flavor. If you have extra cucumbers, use them in a Greek chicken bowl, a single serving of tabbouleh, or a shrimp quinoa bowl.
- Onion: Adds a sharp bite that balances the cool cucumbers. Red onion is a good option if you prefer a slightly milder flavor and a bit of color.
- Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the salad.
- Olive Oil: Forms the base of the simple dressing and adds richness. Avocado oil can be used as an alternative.
- Vinegar: White wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar both provide the light tang that defines a classic cucumber salad.
- Sugar: A small amount balances the acidity of the vinegar. Honey or agave nectar can be used in its place.
- Fresh Dill: Adds a clean, herby flavor that pairs naturally with cucumbers and vinegar. Extra dill can be used on a smoked salmon platter, a small batch of tzatziki sauce or single serve potato salad.
Recipe Variations
This cucumber salad is easy to customize with a few simple additions:
- Spicy Cucumber Salad: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a small splash of sriracha to the dressing for gentle heat.
- Creamy Cucumber Salad: Stir in a tablespoon or two of sour cream or Greek yogurt for a classic creamy version that’s popular in search results.
- Cucumber Tomato Salad: Add a handful of chopped tomatoes for extra freshness and color.
- Herb Swap: Replace dill with parsley or mint for a lighter, slightly different flavor.
How To Make A Cucumber Salad
See the recipe box below for ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions.
Thinly slice the cucumber and onion and place them in a bowl. In a small container, whisk together the dressing ingredients, then pour it over the vegetables. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
As the cucumbers sit, they soften slightly while staying crisp, soaking up the tangy dressing and onion flavor. The result is a refreshing salad with clean, bright flavors and just the right balance of acidity and sweetness.
This simple cucumber salad feels light and refreshing, making it a great option when you want something fresh and flavorful without a heavy dressing. If you prefer less sugar, honey or another sweetener works just as well.
Expert Tips
- Slice Thin: Thinly sliced cucumbers and onions soften evenly and absorb the dressing better.
- Salt First if Needed: If your cucumbers are very watery, sprinkle them lightly with salt and let them sit for 10 minutes, then drain before adding the dressing.
- Chill Briefly: Refrigerate the salad for 15 to 20 minutes before serving to let the flavors come together.
- Adjust to Taste: Taste and adjust the vinegar, sugar, or salt before serving.
- Use Fresh Dill: Fresh dill provides the best flavor. Dried dill can be used, but reduce the amount.
What To Serve With Cucumber Salad
This cucumber salad adds a fresh, crisp contrast to many main dishes:
- Baked Cod for a light, clean pairing
- Small Batch of Crab Cakes for a classic seafood combination
- Single Serving of Baked Ribs to balance richer flavors
- Juicy Jerk Chicken for contrast with bold seasoning
- Small Batch of Baked Chicken Tenders for an easy, everyday meal
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can make it up to a few hours ahead. For the best texture, store it covered in the refrigerator and give it a gentle toss before serving.
Cucumber salad keeps well for up to 2 days when stored in an airtight container. The cucumbers will soften slightly as they sit.
Peeling is optional. English cucumbers have thin skins and don’t need to be peeled, while regular cucumbers can be peeled if the skin is thick.
Yes. You can reduce the sugar or replace it with honey or another sweetener, or leave it out entirely for a more tangy salad.
Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder or you might like to consider using them in any of these single serving and small batch recipes:
RELATED: 20 Single Serving Meatless Meals
If you try this easy single serving cucumber salad or any recipe on One Dish Kitchen, I’d love to hear what you think. Please leave a rating and a comment below.
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Cucumber Salad For One
Ingredients
- 1 medium cucumber
- ¼ small sweet onion
- 2 teaspoons white wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon sugar
- ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt plus more as needed
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh dill
Instructions
- Thinly slice the cucumber and onion and place them in a bowl.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the vinegar, olive oil, sugar, and salt. Pour the dressing over the cucumbers and onion.
- Add the dill and gently toss to coat.
Notes
- Slice Thin: Thinly sliced cucumbers and onions soften evenly and absorb the dressing better.
- Salt First if Needed: If your cucumbers are very watery, sprinkle them lightly with salt and let them sit for 10 minutes, then drain before adding the dressing.
- Chill Briefly: Refrigerate the salad for 15 to 20 minutes before serving to let the flavors come together.
- Adjust to Taste: Taste and adjust the vinegar, sugar, or salt before serving.
- Use Fresh Dill: Fresh dill provides the best flavor. Dried dill can be used, but reduce the amount.
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
I love this recipe-just right for one person and was so easy!
I just love these cucumbers! I double the sugar Personal preference I use the dressing on lettuce salad too
Made it several times.. good for anytime of the year. It goes well with my chicken or weiner schnitzel.
This is wonderful! I chill it before I eat it. So refreshing for the warm summer.
I agree. Thanks so much, Annabelle!
Joanie