Herby Cucumber Salad
A creamy, cooling herby cucumber salad with bright herbs and a subtle citrus zing. Perfect alongside grilled meats, or a hunk of crusty bread.
Some salads just quietly steal the show, and this cucumber and quark number is one of them. It’s creamy, crisp, and loaded with fresh herbs – dill, mint, and a little chervil for that subtle anise-y note that makes everything feel a bit more special. The quark (or yogurt) adds a lovely tang, and lemon zest brightens it all up. It’s simple, clean, and feels like home – especially if you grew up bouncing between Swiss comfort food and Montreal-style no-fuss meals like I did.
It fits right in with the kind of dishes I’ve been loving lately – think my Kale and Barley Salad for something hearty and herby, Celery Remoulade when I want crunch and a little attitude, or Quick Dill Pickles when I’m craving a salty-sour snack on the side. This herby cucumber salad? It’s the cooling, creamy contrast to all of them. Perfect with rösti, grilled sausages, or just eaten straight from the bowl.
What you’ll love about this herby cucumber salad recipe
- Creamy, bright, and fresh – perfect for warm weather meals
- A twist on a classic cucumber salad with herby Swiss roots
- Herb-forward and light but satisfying, thanks to the protein in quark or yogurt
- Great for meal prep – make ahead and let it chill for even better flavor
- Easily customizable – swap herbs, use yogurt, or try kefir cheese
- Pairs beautifully with rösti, grilled meats, smoked fish, or fresh rye bread
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Cucumbers – English or Persian cucumbers work best; peel if the skins are thick.
- Salt – Helps draw out excess water so the salad stays crisp.
- Quark or Greek Yogurt – Quark gives an authentic European tang; Greek yogurt works perfectly as a substitute.
- Lemon Zest – Brightens the dressing; swap for a splash of lemon juice.
- Chervil – Mild and delicate; substitute flat-leaf parsley if needed.
- Dill – Classic with cucumber, adds freshness.
- Mint – Adds cool, herbal brightness.
- Black Pepper – Adds depth; freshly cracked is best.
- Olive Oil/Rapeseed Oil – Optional but adds richness and roundness
Herby Cucumber Salad Ingredients Explained
- Cucumbers – Provide crisp, refreshing texture and soak up all the herb flavor.
- Salt – Draws out moisture so the dressing doesn’t become watery.
- Quark/Greek Yogurt – Creates a creamy base that balances the herbs and lemon.
- Lemon Zest – Adds clean citrus notes without watering down the salad.
- Chervil/Parsley – Gives a soft, almost anise-like freshness.
- Dill – Classic pairing that enhances cucumber’s natural sweetness.
- Mint – Brings cooling brightness that lifts the whole dish.
- Pepper – A simple seasoning that ties everything together.
- Oil – Optional richness if you prefer a silkier dressing.
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Herby Cucumber Salad Step-by-Step Instructions
Salt the cucumbers
Place the thinly sliced cucumbers in a bowl, sprinkle with salt, and let sit for 10–15 minutes to draw out excess water.
Drain
Gently squeeze or pat dry to remove the released liquid.
Make the dressing
In a bowl, combine the quark (or Greek yogurt), lemon zest, chervil, dill, mint, and black pepper. Stir until creamy and well combined.
Assemble the salad
Add the drained cucumbers to the dressing and gently toss to coat.
Finish & serve
Drizzle with a little olive oil or rapeseed oil if desired. Serve immediately or chill for 15 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Herby Cucumber Salad
Ingredients
Method
- Place cucumbers in a bowl, sprinkle with salt, and let rest 10–15 minutes.
- Drain or pat dry to remove excess moisture.
- Mix quark/yogurt, lemon zest, chervil, dill, mint, and pepper in a bowl.
- Add cucumbers and gently toss to coat.
- Drizzle with a little olive oil if desired and serve.
Notes
- Mix dressing ahead but combine with cucumbers just before serving.
- Add a teaspoon of honey for a sweeter profile.
- Chervil can be swapped with parsley.
- Slice cucumbers thin for best texture.
Disclaimer: I am not a certified nutritionist. Nutrition facts are calculated using an automated database of common ingredients and are intended as an estimate only. Variations can occur depending on product brands, measuring methods, and ingredient swaps.
Did you make this recipe?
I'd love to know how it turned out![wprm-jump text=”Back to Top ↑” target=”top”]
What to Serve with this Herby Cucumber Salad
- Serve with grilled fish, chicken, or shrimp.
- Perfect alongside roasted potatoes or a summer quiche.
- Spoon over toasted bread with smoked salmon.
- A refreshing side dish for BBQs or picnics.
- Works beautifully as a topping for grain bowls.
Chef’s Notes
- You can prep the dressing ahead, but assemble just before serving for best crispness.
- If your cucumbers are very watery, slice them thinner and salt them longer.
- Add a teaspoon of honey if you prefer a sweeter dressing.
- For extra creaminess: add 1 tbsp mayonnaise to the dressing.
Storage & Make-Ahead
- This herby cucumber salad is best eaten fresh.
- Refrigerate up to 24 hours; cucumbers will soften slightly but still taste delicious.
- Do not freeze.
Herby Cucumber Salad FAQs
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
You can prep the dressing, but mix it with the cucumbers just before serving.
What is quark, and can I substitute it? Quark is a soft, tangy fresh cheese common in Swiss and German cuisine—somewhere between Greek yogurt and ricotta in texture. If you can’t find it, full-fat Greek yogurt or skyr works beautifully as a substitute.
Can I slice the cucumbers in advance? Yes, but store them dry and unsalted if prepping ahead. Salt and drain just before assembling to keep them crisp and avoid sogginess.
How long does it keep? This salad is best enjoyed within 1–2 days. Store it covered in the fridge. It may release some liquid over time—just give it a stir before serving.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh? Fresh herbs are key to this salad’s flavor and texture. Dried herbs won’t offer the same brightness, but if needed, use 1/3 the amount and stir into the dressing early to let them bloom.
Is this salad gluten-free? Yes, it’s naturally gluten-free! Just double-check your yogurt or quark ingredients if you’re serving someone with strict sensitivities.
Can I add onions?
Yes! Thinly sliced red onions or chives work beautifully.
How thin should the cucumbers be sliced?
2–3 mm is ideal — thin enough to soak up flavor but still crisp.
Watch the Video
This herby cucumber salad is the kind of dish that reminds me how simple ingredients can taste so bright and refreshing when they’re handled with care. It’s quick, light, and packed with fresh flavor – the perfect little side dish for summer or anytime you want something crisp and clean. I hope it becomes one of your go-to salads too.
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