Every item on this page was chosen by The Pioneer Woman team. The site may earn a commission on some products.

It's cool, crisp, and perfect for summer!

Cool, easy, and crunchy—there's no better dish for summer than this cucumber salad! This no-cook recipe is the perfect BBQ side dish. For folks who can't get enough cucumbers (try Ree Drummond's everything cucumber salmon bites for brunch or her cucumber sandwiches for lunch), this 5-minute recipe is guaranteed to please!

There are two main styles of cucumber salad out there: creamy and vinegar based. This recipe falls into the vinegary category, and features a blissfully simple ingredient list of cucumbers, red onion, vinegar, sugar, salt, pepper, and herbs. It's perfect to make ahead and it's great for summer cookouts, because it can hold up to the heat since there's no mayonnaise or sour cream in it.

Do you to peel cucumbers for cucumber salad?

Cucumber peels are edible, but they don't agree with everyone. There are several ways around this: If using regular cucumbers, peel them partially or all the way; otherwise, seek out summer vegetables like English or Persian cucumbers which have thinner, more tender skin that is easier to chew and digest.

Of all the potluck side dishes, this cucumber salad is a very healthy option! Because it's vinegar-based instead of mayonnaise based, it has fewer calories. Cucumbers also have a very high water content, which helps to keep you hydrated in the heat.

small red onion, thinly sliced

fresh dill or chives, chopped 

This cucumber salad can be made a day ahead. Stir in the herbs just before serving.