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Cucumbers come into season during the height of summer and give any meal a fresh, refreshing crunch. Besides pickling the fruits or chopping them for a salad topping, cucumbers can be the star of their dishes. Our cucumber salad recipe, specifically this easy cucumber salad recipe with honey vinaigrette dressing, puts the cucumbers front and center under a blanket of tangy vinegar dressing. This is one of our favorite simple salad recipes, perfect for a quick and delicious meal - so get ready to make cucumber salad with honey!
Cucumber Salad Recipe
Any type of cucumber works for this cucumber salad recipe, from the regular cucumbers to heirloom varieties like “Lemon” and “White Wonder”. Plus, they all go great in cucumber salad with our honey vinaigrette glaze. I skinned the fruits before I sliced them (using a mandoline to make the job easy), although you could definitely leave the skin on for more color and texture.
In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, red wine vinegar, and olive oil to create the vinaigrette. Our Eastern Shore Honey helps to balance out the acidity of the red wine vinegar in the dressing, while the olive oil binds the mixture together. Crisp cucumbers are essential for this salad, providing a refreshing crunch that pairs perfectly with the tangy dressing. For a spicy kick, sprinkle some red pepper flakes into the salad.
To enhance the flavor, consider adding fresh dill, green onions, and red onion as optional ingredients. One of the best things that makes this such a great recipe is that you can serve it as a side dish or a main course.
Use Cucumbers from Your Own Garden
If you have never grown your own cucumbers, you’d be surprised by how easy they are to raise. As long as the plants have plenty of water and sunshine, they’ll produce bunches of fruit. Although it’s too late in the season to start the plants outdoors now, you can always plan ahead for next summer! The best time to plant cucumbers, or transplant them outdoors, is two-weeks after the last frost. They like warm weather and lots of sun! For more easy salad recipes, check out our blog for a variety of quick and simple ideas.
How to Make Cucumber Salad with Honey Vinaigrette
This easy cucumber salad with honey only takes about 10 minutes of prep time, and about an hour of chilling before serving. With only seven simple ingredients you most likely already keep in your cabinets or refrigerator, this great side dish will elevate every meal! Here are the steps to taste a slice of cucumber heaven:
Step 1: Prep the Cucumbers
Skin your cucumbers if you wish, and then use a sharp knife to thinly slice them and put them off to the side in a bowl.
Step 2: Prep the Onion
Thinly slice the red onion and add it to the bowl with the cucumbers.
Step 3: Make the Vinaigrette
In a separate bowl, ad the vinegar, olive oil, honey, crushed red pepper flakes, and a little salt. Whisk these ingredients well and be sure to mix all the flavors.
Step 4: Combine
Add the red onions and cucumber slices to the bowl with the vinaigrette mixture and toss. Be sure to stir well.
Step 5: Marinate & Serve
Cover the salad and let it chill in the fridge for at least one hour before serving this dish.
And voilà! You have a delicious cucumber salad with honey ready to be served as a side dish or main course!
This vinaigrette tastes delicious with our Wildflower Honey!
Customize Your Cucumber Salad with Honey
A recipe is not perfect until you’ve added your touch. That’s why we encourage you to play with your food. Call your inner chef to come out and play and change up this recipe. Here are some ideas:
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Add in fresh dill, green onion, or other fresh herbs.
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Lemon zest would give the cucumber salad an extra dose of flavor.
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Throw in chopped heirloom baby tomatoes for some bright color.
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For tomato lovers, adding cherry tomatoes can be a delightful variation.
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Depending on your taste preferences, you could try other vinegar, such as white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar.
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You can use a mayo-based dressing instead of the vinaigrette if you don’t like the tang of wine vinegar.
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Try adding garlic, black pepper, and different kinds of seeds, such as sesame seeds, for new flavors and textures.
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Alternatively, you can create a creamy version by adding ½ a cup of sour cream.
Bee Inspired in the Kitchen
Adding our cucumber salad with honey vinaigrette to your recipe list will bring a burst of fresh and sweet flavors to your meals. Whether you're looking for a healthy side dish or a satisfying main course, this recipe has got you covered. Its versatility also allows you to personalize it with other ingredients such as feta cheese or grilled chicken, making it suitable for any dietary needs. And don't worry about leftovers, as this salad can be easily stored in an airtight container in the fridge for future enjoyment.
Here's the secret ingredient that will take this salad to the next level – Bee Inspired Honey. Not only does it add a touch of natural sweetness, but using their raw and unfiltered honey ensures the best possible flavor in every bite. So what are you waiting for? Grab some fresh cucumbers, whip up this delicious salad, and don't forget the Bee Inspired Honey for that perfect finishing touch. Trust us, your taste buds will thank you. Now go on and bee inspired in the kitchen!
