If there’s one dish that captures the sweet, breezy feeling of summer, it’s this cucumber peach salad. Light, juicy, and loaded with flavor, this simple side brings together crisp cucumbers, ripe peaches, creamy avocado, and fresh herbs—all tossed in a zesty dressing. Whether you’re planning a picnic, a weeknight dinner, or a weekend BBQ, this cucumber peach salad adds a burst of freshness to any summer table.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Why This Cucumber Peach Salad Feels Like Summer at Home
Summer meals in our house are all about ease and freshness—and this cucumber peach salad has become a warm-weather go-to. I started making it a couple of years ago after a trip to the farmer’s market with my kids, when we came home with way more peaches and cucumbers than we needed. Rather than slice them up separately, I tossed them into a bowl with some herbs from our garden and let the flavors speak for themselves.
There’s something about that crunchy cucumber meeting the juicy sweetness of ripe peaches that just works. It’s like nature knew what it was doing when it paired these two. And the best part? This salad comes together in minutes, which means more time spent outside and less time over the stove.
If you love fruity greens like my simple peach arugula salad or the creamy textures in this peach and burrata salad, you’ll adore this one too. The creamy avocado brings balance, and a splash of lime keeps it bright and zingy.
The Cucumber Peach Salad Everyone Asks For
Once I brought this to a neighborhood cookout, and it disappeared before the burgers even hit the grill. Someone asked for the recipe before they finished chewing. That’s the kind of salad this is—it sneaks up on you with its simplicity and leaves you wanting more. Whether you serve it alongside grilled chicken or scoop it up with pita chips, this cucumber peach salad belongs on your table all summer long.
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Cucumber Peach Salad: A Refreshing Summer Must-Have
This cucumber peach salad is a refreshing, quick summer recipe combining crisp cucumbers, juicy peaches, creamy avocado, and zesty herbs.
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
2 Tbsp. seasoned rice vinegar
2 Tbsp. fresh lime juice
1 medium shallot, thinly sliced
1 lb. Persian or English cucumbers, thinly sliced
2 medium peaches (or 3 small), cored and cut into chunks
1 medium avocado, cubed
1/4 cup thinly sliced fresh basil leaves
3 Tbsp. finely chopped fresh mint leaves
1 tsp. ground sumac
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
Kosher or sea salt to taste
Instructions
1. Toss sliced cucumbers with kosher salt. Let sit 10–15 minutes, then rinse and pat dry.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together vinegar, lime juice, olive oil, and sumac.
3. Add cucumbers, peaches, avocado, shallot, mint, and basil.
4. Toss gently to combine, season with additional salt to taste.
5. Serve immediately or refrigerate up to 2 hours before serving.
Notes
For best results, add avocado just before serving.
Pairs well with grilled chicken or fish.
Use firm, ripe peaches to avoid mushiness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Why This Cucumber Peach Salad Works Every Time
Balance is the key to a delicious cucumber peach salad. You’re not just tossing random summer produce into a bowl—you’re building layers of flavor that play off each other beautifully. Crisp cucumbers bring a clean crunch, while peaches add juicy sweetness. Even though that contrast is enough to win people over, we go one step further with vibrant herbs, creamy avocado, and a zesty dressing that unifies everything.
When I first made this, I was inspired by my love for fruit-forward sides like this grilled peach salad that pairs beautifully with almost any protein. But here, the cucumbers add a refreshing snap that makes it perfect for those extra-hot days.
Ingredient Harmony: Avocado, Herbs, and Lime Juice
Each ingredient in this cucumber peach salad brings a unique element to the dish. Here’s how they work together to create a refreshing, balanced bite:
| Ingredient | Purpose in the Salad |
|---|---|
| Avocado | Adds creamy texture and balances the crispness of cucumbers and juiciness of peaches |
| Fresh Basil | Adds a subtle peppery flavor that enhances the sweetness of the peaches |
| Fresh Mint | Brings a cool, bright note that lightens the overall flavor |
| Lime Juice | Provides acidity and freshness to balance the richness and sweetness |
| Seasoned Rice Vinegar | Adds tang and complements the lime for a layered, zesty dressing |
| Olive Oil | Binds the dressing together with a smooth, neutral richness |
| Ground Sumac | Adds a tangy, citrus-like flavor and a hint of earthiness |
| Kosher or Sea Salt | Enhances all other flavors and brings the salad into balance |
Let’s start with the avocado. Its creamy texture acts as a buttery contrast to the crisp cucumber and juicy peach. It softens each bite and gives the salad a satisfying mouthfeel. Just make sure it’s ripe but firm enough to cube without mashing.
Then come the herbs. Fresh basil adds a mild, peppery note while mint delivers that bright, cooling finish. You don’t need much—just a few tablespoons of each, sliced thin. They work together to lift the sweetness of the peaches and keep the salad from feeling heavy
The lime juice adds acid and zip—essential for balancing both the sweetness and richness in the bowl. Combined with seasoned rice vinegar, it creates a light dressing that coats without clinging, allowing each bite to stay refreshing. And when whisked with extra-virgin olive oil, it gets just enough body to feel complete.
Don’t skip the ground sumac either. It’s not just decorative—it brings a citrusy, slightly smoky flavor that plays beautifully with the lime. Finally, a pinch of sea salt pulls it all together, bringing out the best in every component.
Each ingredient in this cucumber peach salad is chosen with intention. Nothing’s extra, and nothing’s missing. That’s the kind of balance that keeps you going back for more—and why it’s quickly become one of my most requested recipes each summer.
Mastering the Texture in Your Cucumber Peach Salad
When it comes to a truly memorable cucumber peach salad, texture is just as important as flavor. This dish hits its peak when you’ve got that ideal balance of crisp, creamy, and juicy in every bite.
Why Soak Cucumbers Before Making This Salad?
Soaking sliced cucumbers in salt water isn’t just a quirky tip—it’s a total game changer. A light sprinkle of kosher salt draws out excess moisture, making the cucumbers extra crisp and flavorful. It also helps them hold their bite, even after sitting in the dressing for a while. Simply sprinkle the cucumber slices with salt, leave them for ten to fifteen minutes, then rinse and pat dry.
I use the same method when prepping ingredients for dishes like my dijon potato salad—and it works like a charm every time.
Getting the Fruit Just Right
For the peaches, you want them ripe but not overly soft. They should slice cleanly and hold their shape in the bowl. If they’re too mushy, they’ll melt into the salad and overpower it. As for avocados, go for just-ripe ones that yield slightly to gentle pressure. Cut them into even chunks so they coat lightly in the dressing without falling apart.
Want to prep ahead? Slice your cucumbers and peaches in advance, but wait to add the avocado until right before serving. This keeps everything fresh and vibrant.
Even when I’m making heartier dishes like Wendy’s Cobb Salad, I always consider how the textures will come together. That same thinking applies here—it’s what turns a good cucumber peach salad into a great one.
How to Serve and Dress Your Cucumber Peach Salad
A great cucumber peach salad doesn’t just depend on the ingredients—it’s also about how you dress it and when you serve it. Let’s talk about what really brings this salad together and how to make it shine on your summer table.
What Dressing Works Best on Cucumber Salad?
For a salad this fresh, heavy dressings don’t belong. The combination of seasoned rice vinegar, fresh lime juice, and olive oil creates a light, tangy vinaigrette that brings out the best in each ingredient. The lime adds brightness, the vinegar adds a touch of sweetness and acidity, and the olive oil brings a smooth, subtle finish.
If you’ve ever enjoyed the zesty finish in my buffalo ranch chicken salad, you know how important balance is in a dressing. This one does just that—enhancing without overpowering.
The finishing touch? Ground sumac. Just a sprinkle over the top adds a citrusy edge and a beautiful pop of color.
Serving Suggestions and Make-Ahead Tips
This cucumber peach salad is incredibly versatile. Serve it alongside grilled chicken or salmon, or spoon it onto crostini as a bright appetizer. I’ve even paired it with flatbreads and a chilled drink for a light, no-cook dinner.
Hosting a party? Prep everything ahead—except the avocado—and store it in the fridge. Just before serving, cube the avocado and toss the salad gently with dressing.
You’ll find this salad fits beautifully into a lineup of summer favorites like my grilled peach salad recipe. It’s cool, refreshing, and surprisingly elegant for something so simple.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do peach and cucumber go together?
Yes—peach and cucumber are a surprisingly delicious pairing. The juicy sweetness of ripe peaches balances the crisp, hydrating crunch of cucumbers. Together, they create a light and refreshing combination that feels perfect for summer salads.
What should not be mixed with cucumber salad?
Avoid ingredients that can turn soggy or overpower the subtle flavors—like too much cheese, heavy creamy dressings, or overripe fruits. In a cucumber peach salad, keep it light with citrus, herbs, and tender fruits like avocado that hold their shape.
Why soak cucumbers in salt water before making cucumber salad?
Soaking cucumbers in a light saltwater mix draws out extra moisture. This step keeps the cucumbers crisp, helps the dressing stick better, and prevents the salad from turning watery. Just 10–15 minutes makes a big difference.
What dressing goes on cucumber salad?
What dressing goes on cucumber salad?
A light vinaigrette made from lime juice, seasoned rice vinegar, and olive oil works best. It brightens the flavors without overwhelming them. For extra dimension, a sprinkle of sumac adds a tangy, citrusy kick that complements both cucumber and peach beautifully.
Conclusion: A Simple Cucumber Peach Salad That Stays on Repeat
This cucumber peach salad is the perfect solution for hot weather when you’re looking for something quick, tasty, and fresh. It brings together summer’s best produce in one easy, crowd-pleasing dish. From backyard dinners to picnic spreads, it fits every moment where good food and great company come together.
Whether you’ve got a basket of peaches to use or just love refreshing sides, this salad is worth making on repeat all season long. Just grab your cutting board and a handful of ingredients—you’re 15 minutes away from your new favorite summer dish.
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