Go Back
Bowl of cool garlic cucumber salad on a picnic table

Cool Garlic Cucumber Salad for Picnics

This cool garlic cucumber salad is crisp, tangy, and meal-prep-friendly—perfect for picnics and packed lunches. Made with fresh cucumbers, a zesty garlic dressing, and a few simple ingredients, it stays crunchy even after a day in the cooler.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Resting Time 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 4 medium English cucumbers or 6 Persian cucumbers, sliced into ¼-inch rounds
  • 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon white sugar
  • ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill chopped
  • ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion optional

Method
 

  1. Place sliced cucumbers in a colander set over a bowl. Toss with salt and let rest for 20 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together minced garlic, red wine vinegar, sugar, olive oil, and black pepper until sugar dissolves.
  3. Pat cucumber slices dry with paper towels to remove as much moisture as possible.
  4. Add cucumbers, dill, and red onion (if using) to the dressing. Toss well to coat evenly.
  5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld. Stir once more just before serving.