Cucumber Salad with Oil and Vinegar (1 Cup)

Use an unsweetened vinegar dressing: avoid added sugar, honey, sweetened balsamic glaze, or sweet sauces.

Keep the cucumber salad portion moderate and pair it with protein such as grilled chicken, eggs, tofu, or salmon.

Add fiber-rich, low-starch ingredients such as leafy greens, radishes, bell peppers, or avocado.

Include a small serving of chickpeas or lentils if you need a more filling meal, rather than bread, crackers, or croutons.

Choose olive oil-based dressing and measure it consistently so the meal is easier to compare across glucose readings.

Eat the salad as part of a balanced meal rather than alone, and take a 10–15 minute walk after eating if appropriate for you.