🥒🍅 Fresh Cucumber Vegetable Dinner Salad 

✅ Ingredients

Vegetables

• 2 medium cucumbers, thinly sliced

• 1–1½ cups shredded cabbage

• 1 medium carrot, grated

• 1 medium tomato, diced or sliced thin

• ½ small onion (white or red), sliced thin

• 2–3 tablespoons fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped

Optional Add-Ins

• ½ sweet bell pepper, thinly sliced

• ½ cup cooked shredded chicken or ham strips

• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

• ¼ cup sweet corn

Dressing

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar

• 1 teaspoon sugar or honey (optional)

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)

🥗 Instructions

1. Slice the cucumbers

As shown in the image, slice them thinly for maximum crunch.

2. Prepare the vegetables

Shred cabbage, grate the carrot, chop tomato, slice onion, and chop herbs.

3. Mix the salad

In a large bowl, add all the vegetables and toss gently.

4. Make the dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together:
olive oil + lemon/vinegar + salt + pepper + garlic powder + sugar/honey.

5. Combine

Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until everything is coated.

6. Rest (important!)

Let the salad sit 10–15 minutes so flavors blend and cabbage softens slightly.

7. Serve

Enjoy immediately, or chill for an even fresher taste.

⭐ Tips

• Use firm cucumbers so the slices stay crunchy.

• Add dressing right before serving if you want maximum crispness.

• Double the dressing if you prefer a juicier salad.

❓ Q&A About This Cucumber Salad

Q1: Can I make this salad ahead of time?

A: Yes! But add salt and dressing shortly before serving. Salt draws water from cucumbers, making the salad watery if stored too long.

Q2: What dressing works best?

A:

• Olive oil + lemon (classic)

• Yogurt-based dressing for creaminess

• Vinegar + sugar for a tangy-sweet version

The simple lemon–olive oil mix works perfectly for dinner.

Q3: How long can this salad last in the fridge?

A: About 24 hours. After that the cucumbers soften.

Q4: Can I add protein?

A: Definitely! Great options:

• Shredded chicken

• Tuna

• Chickpeas

• Boiled eggs

• Ham strips

This turns it into a complete dinner.

Q5: How do I keep cucumbers from becoming soggy?

A:

• Slice just before mixing

• Use firm cucumbers

• Add salt/dressing right before eating

• If meal prepping, store sliced cucumbers separately

Q6: Is this good for weight loss?

A: Yes! It’s low-calorie, high-water, high-fiber, and filling.

Q7: What variations can I try?

• Add chili flakes for spice

• Add avocado for creaminess

• Add feta cheese for saltiness

• Add sesame oil + soy sauce for an Asian-style twist.