Cool Down with Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe
Beat the summer heat with our Cool Down with Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe! This dish combines crisp cucumbers with a luscious, tangy dressing made with fresh herbs and spices. It’s the perfect side for barbecues, picnics, or any warm-weather gathering. Whether you need something quick and easy or a dish that will impress your guests, this creamy cucumber salad is sure to be a hit. Dive into this refreshing and satisfying treat that will leave everyone asking for more!
INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:
- 2 English Cucumbers: Peeled and thinly sliced, these cucumbers provide a crisp and refreshing base for the salad.
- 1 Red Onion: Thinly sliced to add a bit of sharpness and crunch to the salad.
- Salt (to taste): Used to extract moisture from the cucumbers, ensuring they stay crisp and don’t water down the salad.
Dressing:
- ⅔ Cup Mayonnaise: Adds creaminess and richness to the dressing, binding all the flavors together.
- ⅔ Cup Sour Cream: Contributes a tangy and smooth texture, complementing the mayonnaise for a well-rounded dressing.
- 3 Cloves Garlic (minced): Provides a robust and savory flavor to the dressing, enhancing the overall taste of the salad.
- 2 Tbsp Vinegar: Adds acidity and brightness, balancing the creaminess of the mayonnaise and sour cream.
- 2 Tsp White Sugar: Adds a hint of sweetness to balance the acidity and savory elements of the dressing.
- 1 Tsp Dill Weed (dried): Infuses the dressing with a distinct herbal flavor, enhancing the freshness of the cucumbers.
- ½ Tsp Black Pepper: Adds a mild heat and depth of flavor, rounding out the dressing with a subtle spice.
HOW TO PREPARE CREAMY CUCUMBER SALAD?
- Prepare the Cucumbers and Onion:
Peel the English cucumbers and slice them thinly. Thinly slice the red onion. - Salt the Cucumbers and Onion
Place the sliced cucumbers in a colander and sprinkle with salt to taste. Toss the cucumbers to ensure they are evenly coated with salt. Let the vegetables sit for about 30-45 minutes to extract excess moisture.
After 30-45 minutes, rinse the cucumbers under cold water to remove the salt and pat them dry with paper towels. Or use a salad spinner to extract the excess moisture. - Make the Dressing:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, minced garlic, vinegar, white sugar, dill weed, and black pepper. Whisk the ingredients together until the dressing is smooth and well combined.
- Combine and Chill:
Add the sliced cucumbers and red onion to the bowl with the dressing. Gently toss the cucumbers and onion in the dressing until they are well coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld. - Serve:
Before serving, give the salad a final toss to ensure the dressing is evenly distributed. Transfer the creamy cucumber salad to a serving dish and enjoy!
FAQ – FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Yes, you can use regular cucumbers. Just be sure to peel them and remove the seeds to reduce excess water and bitterness.
If you don’t have dill weed, you can substitute it with fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or basil. Each herb will provide a unique flavor to the salad.
Salting the cucumbers and letting them sit for about 30 minutes helps draw out excess moisture. Rinse and pat them dry before adding the dressing to keep the salad from becoming watery.
Yes, you can prepare the salad a few hours in advance. In fact, letting it chill in the refrigerator allows the flavors to meld together. However, it’s best consumed within a day to maintain the crisp texture of the cucumbers.
Peeling the cucumbers is recommended to ensure a smoother texture, especially if the skin is tough or waxy. However, if you prefer the added texture and nutrients, you can leave the skin on.
CUCUMBER SALAD RECIPE ADD-INS AND VARIATIONS:
- Cherry Tomatoes: Adding halved cherry tomatoes gives a burst of color and sweetness, complementing the creamy dressing and refreshing cucumbers.
- Fresh Herbs (Parsley, Mint, Basil): Fresh herbs add a fragrant and aromatic element, enhancing the overall flavor and making the salad even more refreshing.
- Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta cheese adds a tangy and salty flavor that pairs beautifully with the creamy dressing and crisp cucumbers.
- Red Bell Peppers: Thinly sliced red bell peppers add a crunchy texture and a sweet, slightly peppery taste, making the salad more vibrant and flavorful.
- Avocado: Diced avocado brings a rich, creamy texture and healthy fats, making the salad more satisfying and nutritious.
- Radishes: Thinly sliced radishes add a peppery crunch, enhancing the overall texture and providing a zesty kick to the salad.
WHAT IS COMMONLY SERVED WITH CUCUMBER SALAD?
Creamy cucumber salad is a great side dish that goes well with all sorts of meals. It’s perfect with grilled meats like chicken, steak, or pork because its cool, refreshing taste balances out the smoky flavors. It also pairs nicely with seafood such as grilled shrimp or salmon, adding a light, tangy contrast. This salad is a hit at summer barbecues, picnics, and casual get-togethers, where it can be served alongside burgers, hot dogs, and ribs. For a light, vegetarian option, try it with a hearty grain dish like quinoa or couscous. The fresh, crisp flavors of this salad make it a favorite for any outdoor event in warm weather.
HOW DO YOU STORE LEFTOVER CRUNCHY CUCUMBER SALAD?
To store leftover creamy cucumber salad, just put it in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for about 2-3 days, but it’s best eaten within the first couple of days to keep the cucumbers nice and crisp. Before serving it again, give it a good stir to mix the dressing back in. If it gets too watery, just drain off the extra liquid to keep it creamy.
LOOKING FOR MORE SIDE DISH RECIPES? TRY THESE!
Trader Joe’s Broccoli Slaw Salad with Kale Recipe: This recipe offers many textures and tastes, marrying the crisp broccoli slaw and hearty kale with a cilantro lime-marinated chicken.
Tropical Smoothie Cafe Kale Apple Slaw Salad: This refreshing medley of crisp kale, sweet apples, and crunchy slaw offers a delightful symphony of flavors and textures that will tantalize your taste buds.
Creamy Red Cabbage Slaw with Bacon Salad: This recipe is a symphony of colors and textures, bringing together the robust crunch of kale and red cabbage with the delightful sweetness of dried cranberries and the smoky richness of bacon bits.
Cool Down with Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 English Cucumbers peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 Red Onion thinly sliced
- Salt (to extract moisture)(to taste)
Dressing:
- ⅔ Cup Mayonnaise
- ⅔ Cup Sour Cream
- 3 Cloves Garlic (minced)
- 2 Tbsp Vinegar
- 2 Tsp White Sugar
- 1 Tsp Dill Weed (dried)
- ½ Tsp Black Pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Cucumbers and Onion: Peel the English cucumbers and slice them thinly. Thinly slice the red onion.
- Salt the Cucumbers and Onion: Place the sliced cucumbers in a colander and sprinkle with salt to taste. Toss the cucumbers to ensure they are evenly coated with salt. Let the vegetables sit for about 30-45 minutes to extract excess moisture. After 30-45 minutes, rinse the cucumbers under cold water to remove the salt and pat them dry with paper towels. Or use a salad spinner to extract the excess moisture.
- Make the Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, minced garlic, vinegar, white sugar, dill weed, and black pepper. Whisk the ingredients together until the dressing is smooth and well combined.
- Combine and Chill: Add the sliced cucumbers and red onion to the bowl with the dressing. Gently toss the cucumbers and onion in the dressing until they are well coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve: Before serving, give the salad a final toss to ensure the dressing is evenly distributed. Transfer the creamy cucumber salad to a serving dish and enjoy!