Cucumber Lemon Salt Salad – Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Last Tuesday, I was rushing around my kitchen trying to throw together something refreshing for lunch when I opened my fridge and saw three simple ingredients staring back at me: crisp cucumbers, a bright lemon, and sea salt. What happened next was pure magic – within 5 minutes, I had created the most refreshing, hydrating salad that’s become my go-to summer staple.
This cucumber lemon salt salad is perfect for busy moms who need a quick, healthy side dish, anyone following a low-carb lifestyle, or beginners who want to master the art of 3-ingredient cooking. The beauty of minimalist recipes like this one lies in their simplicity – no complicated techniques, no endless ingredient lists, just pure, clean flavors that let each component shine.
What can you expect? A light, crispy texture with bright citrus notes and just the right amount of salt to make your taste buds dance. This recipe takes literally 5 minutes from start to finish, costs under $3 to make, and delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Cucumber Lemon Salt Salad – Ingredients and How to Make It
What You’ll Need
The Perfect Trio:
- 2 large English cucumbers (or 4 regular cucumbers, about 2 pounds total)
- 1 large fresh lemon (preferably organic for zesting)
- 1 tablespoon coarse sea salt (kosher salt works too)
Substitution Notes:
- Gluten-free: Naturally gluten-free
- Keto-friendly: Only 2g net carbs per serving
- Dairy-free: Completely plant-based
- Low-sodium option: Reduce salt to 1 teaspoon
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the cucumbers: Wash and slice cucumbers into thin rounds, about 1/8-inch thick. A mandoline slicer works beautifully here for consistent cuts. Chef Greeny’s tip: Don’t peel the cucumbers! The skin adds gorgeous color, extra nutrients, and a satisfying crunch.
- Salt the cucumbers: Place sliced cucumbers in a large colander and sprinkle with salt. Toss gently with your hands to distribute evenly.
- Let them drain: Allow cucumbers to sit for 15-20 minutes. You’ll see water droplets forming – this is the salt drawing out excess moisture for the perfect crispy texture. Chef Greeny’s tip: This step is crucial! Skipping it will result in a watery, soggy salad that lacks the bright, concentrated flavors we’re after.
- Rinse and dry: Rinse cucumbers thoroughly under cold water, then pat completely dry with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel.
- Add the lemon: Zest the lemon directly over the cucumbers, then cut and squeeze the juice from half the lemon. Save the other half for adjusting taste.
- Final toss: Mix everything together and taste. Add more lemon juice or a pinch of salt if needed.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Don’t skip the salting and draining step
- Don’t add lemon juice too early (it can make cucumbers mushy)
- Don’t use table salt instead of coarse salt
Recipe Notes & Storage
Storage: Keep refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 days. The salad tastes best within 4 hours of making.
Doubling the recipe: Simply multiply all ingredients by 2. Perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd.
Make-ahead tip: You can slice and salt the cucumbers up to 4 hours in advance. Add lemon just before serving for maximum freshness.
Cucumber Lemon Salt Salad – Nutrition Facts & Smart Tips
Per Serving (Makes 4 servings)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 16 |
| Carbs | 4g |
| Protein | 1g |
| Fat | 0g |
| Sugar | 2g |
| Fiber | 1g |
Health Talk
This cucumber lemon salt salad is a nutritional powerhouse disguised as a simple side dish. Cucumbers are 96% water, making this recipe incredibly hydrating – perfect for hot summer days or post-workout recovery.
The vitamin C from fresh lemon juice supports immune function, while the natural electrolytes help maintain proper hydration levels. Unlike heavy, mayonnaise-based salads that can pack 200+ calories per serving, this light alternative gives you maximum nutrition with minimal calories.
Perfect for these diets:
- Keto and low-carb lifestyles
- Diabetic-friendly (low glycemic impact)
- Paleo and Whole30 compliant
- Mediterranean diet
- Anti-inflammatory eating plans
Compared to traditional cucumber salad recipes that often include sugar, cream, or heavy dressings, this version lets you enjoy pure, clean flavors while supporting your health goals.
Cucumber Lemon Salt Salad – Fun Variations to Try
Transform this basic recipe into something extraordinary with these simple additions:
Herb Garden Twist: Add fresh dill, mint, or parsley for an aromatic boost. Just chop 2 tablespoons of your favorite herbs and fold them in.
Mediterranean Style: Include a handful of sliced red onions and crumbled feta cheese for a Greek-inspired version.
Spicy Kick: Sprinkle in red pepper flakes or add thin slices of jalapeño for heat lovers.
Asian Fusion: Replace lemon with rice vinegar and add a dash of sesame oil with toasted sesame seeds.
Protein Power: Top with grilled shrimp, chickpeas, or hard-boiled eggs to make it a complete meal.
Cucumber Lemon Salt Salad – How to Serve It
This versatile salad shines in multiple settings:
As a refreshing side: Perfect alongside grilled meats, fish, or cottage cheese dishes for a complete summer meal.
Light lunch option: Serve over mixed greens with a protein of choice for a satisfying, low-calorie meal.
Party appetizer: Arrange on a platter with pita chips or crackers for easy entertaining.
Pairing suggestions:
- Iced herbal tea or sparkling water with lime
- Greek yogurt with herbs as a creamy contrast
- Grilled chicken or salmon for a complete protein-packed meal
Cucumber Lemon Salt Salad
- Total Time: 25
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
This refreshing cucumber lemon salt salad is the perfect 3-ingredient recipe for hot summer days. Crispy cucumbers are salted to remove excess water, then tossed with fresh lemon juice for a light, hydrating side dish that’s naturally low in calories and packed with vitamin C. Ready in just 25 minutes with only 5 minutes of active prep time.
Ingredients
2 large English cucumbers (or 4 regular cucumbers, about 2 pounds total)
1 large fresh lemon (preferably organic for zesting)
1 tablespoon coarse sea salt (kosher salt works too)
Instructions
1. Wash and slice cucumbers into thin rounds, about 1/8-inch thick using a sharp knife or mandoline slicer.
2. Place sliced cucumbers in a large colander and sprinkle with salt, tossing gently with hands to distribute evenly.
3. Allow cucumbers to sit for 15-20 minutes to drain excess water.
4. Rinse cucumbers thoroughly under cold water, then pat completely dry with paper towels.
5. Zest the lemon directly over the cucumbers, then cut and squeeze juice from half the lemon.
6. Mix everything together and taste, adding more lemon juice or salt if needed.
Notes
Don’t skip the salting and draining step – this creates the perfect crispy texture.
Store refrigerated in airtight container for up to 2 days, best within 4 hours.
You can slice and salt cucumbers up to 4 hours in advance, add lemon just before serving.
Naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, keto-friendly, and paleo compliant.
- Prep Time: 5
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 16
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 580
- Fat: 0
- Saturated Fat: 0
- Unsaturated Fat: 0
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 4
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 1
- Cholesterol: 0
Cucumber Lemon Salt Salad – Frequently Asked Questions
Is cucumber with lemon and salt good for you?
Absolutely! This combination provides hydration, vitamin C, and essential electrolytes while being naturally low in calories and carbs. The salt helps your body retain the hydration from cucumbers more effectively.
What should not be mixed with cucumber salad?
Avoid adding dairy products like milk or cream-based dressings too early, as the acidity from lemon can cause curdling. Also, skip adding tomatoes if you’re making this ahead – they release too much water and make the salad soggy.
What does putting salt on cucumbers do?
Salt draws out excess water through osmosis, creating a crispier texture and concentrating the cucumber’s natural flavors. This process, called “sweating,” prevents your salad from becoming watery and bland.
How many calories are in a cucumber with lemon and salt?
One serving of this cucumber lemon salt salad contains only 16 calories, making it an excellent choice for weight management and healthy eating.
Cucumber Lemon Salt Salad – Final Thoughts from Chef Greeny
There’s something truly magical about taking just three humble ingredients and creating something that tastes like summer in a bowl. This cucumber lemon salt salad proves that the best recipes often come from the simplest combinations.
Whether you’re a complete beginner in the kitchen or a seasoned cook looking for a quick, reliable side dish, this recipe delivers every single time. The clean, bright flavors make it impossibly versatile, while the minimal prep time means you can whip it up anytime the craving strikes.
The beauty of minimalist cooking lies in letting each ingredient speak for itself – and trust me, when you taste this combination of crisp cucumbers, bright lemon, and perfect salt, you’ll understand why sometimes less really is more.
Ready to try this refreshing cucumber lemon salt salad? Tag us @3ingredientrecipe.com on Pinterest or drop your creative twist in the comments below! I love seeing how you make this recipe your own.
For more simple, delicious recipes using minimal ingredients, check out our other 3-ingredient favorites that are taking kitchens by storm.
