Cucumber and Basil Salad Recipe

When the weather heats up and you’re dreaming of something crisp, cool, and vibrant, there’s truly nothing better than a bowl of Cucumber and Basil Salad. This dish is my go-to refresher: it’s a symphony of tender, juicy cucumber mingling with fragrant basil, balanced with a spritz of lemon and a gloss of olive oil. The flavors pop with every forkful, making it the perfect complement to almost any meal. Whether you’re setting the picnic table or dishing up a weeknight dinner, Cucumber and Basil Salad always delivers a burst of freshness.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this recipe has a distinct role to play. While the lineup is short and wonderfully simple, each component enhances the others — from the crunchy cucumber to the aromatic basil, you’ll taste why every choice matters in the final bowl.

• English cucumber: Choose a large, firm English cucumber for sweetness and fewer seeds, ensuring the salad is crisp and refreshing.
• Fresh basil: Cutting basil into thin strips releases maximum aroma and lets that peppery-sweet flavor shine in every bite.
• Lemon juice: A tablespoon is just enough to wake up the flavors and add brightness without overwhelming the other notes.
• Olive oil: Just two teaspoons help bring everything together, giving a subtle richness to the light crunch.
• Salt: Add to taste — it’s the key to drawing out the cucumber’s flavor and making the entire salad pop.
• Ground black pepper: A finishing touch that offers tiny bursts of warmth and depth to the cool salad.

How to Make Cucumber and Basil Salad

Step 1: Prep and Dry the Cucumbers

Start by quartering your English cucumber and slicing it into bite-sized pieces. Spread the pieces onto a clean tea towel and gently pat them dry. This little move is a game changer: it removes excess moisture, which means your Cucumber and Basil Salad will stay crisp and avoid turning watery.

Step 2: Make the Basil-Lemon Dressing

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the fresh basil strips, lemon juice, and olive oil. Give it a gentle stir so the basil becomes fragrant and the ingredients meld into a bright, herby dressing. The aroma in this step is pure summer.

Step 3: Toss It All Together

Add the cucumber pieces to the mixing bowl. Toss them gently with the basil-lemon dressing, making sure each slice gets coated evenly. At this stage, the salad already looks beautiful and tastes unbelievably fresh.

Step 4: Season to Taste

Now’s the fun part: sprinkle in salt and cracked black pepper to your liking. Taste as you go — it’s amazing how a little seasoning makes every ingredient come alive in Cucumber and Basil Salad.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Cover your bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until the salad is nicely chilled. This brief rest gives the flavors time to mingle and intensify, creating a perfectly cool, zesty bite.

How to Serve Cucumber and Basil Salad

Garnishes

A little bit of extra love goes a long way. Try topping your Cucumber and Basil Salad with an extra sprinkle of chopped basil or a light dusting of lemon zest. If you want to add a pop of color, a handful of microgreens or thinly sliced radishes work beautifully and add an extra bit of crunch.

Side Dishes

This salad plays well as both a side and a star. Pair it with grilled chicken, baked salmon, or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. It’s also a hit alongside crusty bread, hummus, or a creamy pasta for a Mediterranean-style spread. The brightness of Cucumber and Basil Salad helps cleanse the palate between richer bites.

Creative Ways to Present

Presentation can turn simple into stunning. Serve the salad in chilled glass bowls for a luxe touch, or pile it onto a platter lined with large basil leaves. For a party, consider making small Cucumber and Basil Salad “stacks” with toothpicks or using cucumber cups for individual servings — it’s all about keeping that fresh, green appeal front and center.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers, transfer the Cucumber and Basil Salad into an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 2 days. The flavors mellow nicely, though you may want to drain a little extra liquid that collects at the bottom before serving.

Freezing

Unfortunately, this is not a salad that takes kindly to the freezer. The cucumbers become mushy and the basil loses its punch after thawing. If you want that signature crunch and vibrant taste of Cucumber and Basil Salad, fresh is definitely best.

Reheating

There’s no need for reheating — this salad is meant to be enjoyed cold, straight from the refrigerator. It’s at its crisp and lively best when chilled, making it the perfect make-ahead dish for picnics and potlucks.

FAQs

Can I use a regular cucumber instead of English cucumber?

Absolutely! Just peel and seed regular cucumbers if their skins are tough or seeds are large. English cucumbers are typically sweeter and have thinner skin, but the core flavors of Cucumber and Basil Salad will still shine.

Is it possible to add other herbs or vegetables?

Yes, you can get creative by adding fresh mint, parsley, or even dill, as well as thinly sliced red onion or cherry tomatoes for extra flavor and color. The base flavors of the Cucumber and Basil Salad are so adaptable.

What type of olive oil should I use?

For a salad this simple, a quality extra-virgin olive oil makes a big difference in taste and mouthfeel. Its peppery, grassy notes complement the basil and cucumber without overpowering them.

Should I salt the cucumbers before assembling?

If you want to draw out additional moisture and increase the cucumber’s crunch, sprinkle them lightly with salt, let them sit for 10 minutes, then pat dry before combining with the dressing. This optional step helps keep your Cucumber and Basil Salad extra crisp.

Can I make this salad ahead for a picnic?

Yes, this salad is a picnic superstar! Make the salad a few hours in advance and keep it well-chilled in a cooler. It’s incredibly refreshing on a hot day and pairs perfectly with sandwiches and snacks outdoors.

Final Thoughts

If you love bright, garden-fresh flavors and effortless prep, this Cucumber and Basil Salad is bound to become a new staple in your kitchen. It’s one of those recipes that lets every ingredient shine. Give it a try — it might just become your most requested summer salad!

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