Creamy cucumber salad is a refreshing, tangy dish that's perfect for warm weather. It’s a versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of meals, from grilled meats to sandwiches. This salad combines crisp cucumbers with a creamy, flavorful dressing, creating a dish that’s both light and satisfying. Easy to prepare and full of fresh flavors, creamy cucumber salad is a must-try for any home cook. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making this delicious salad.
Ingredients
- 4 medium cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation
Step 1:
Start by preparing the cucumbers. Wash them thoroughly, then slice them thinly. You can use a mandoline slicer for uniform slices or a sharp knife if you prefer. Place the sliced cucumbers in a large mixing bowl.
Step 2:
Thinly slice the red onion and add it to the bowl with the cucumbers. The red onion adds a nice color and a slight sharpness to the salad.
Step 3:
In a separate small bowl, prepare the dressing. Combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, chopped dill, garlic powder, sugar, salt, and pepper. Mix until the ingredients are well combined and the dressing is smooth.
Step 4:
Pour the dressing over the cucumber and onion mixture. Toss everything together until the cucumbers and onions are evenly coated with the creamy dressing.
Step 5:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld and enhances the overall taste of the salad.
Cooking Note
This salad does not require any cooking, making it a quick and easy dish to prepare. Be sure to refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to ensure it is well-chilled and the flavors have had time to develop. If you prefer a less watery salad, sprinkle the cucumber slices with salt and let them sit for 10 minutes, then drain the excess water before mixing with the dressing.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the creamy cucumber salad chilled, straight from the refrigerator. It pairs wonderfully with grilled meats like chicken, steak, or fish. It’s also a great side dish for sandwiches, burgers, or as part of a picnic spread. Garnish with extra dill or a sprinkle of paprika for a pop of color and added flavor.
Tips
- For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and light mayonnaise.
- Add other fresh herbs like parsley or chives for additional flavor.
- If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the dressing.
- Make the salad a few hours ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator to save time and allow the flavors to deepen.
Prep Time
- 15 minutes
Cooking Time
- 0 minutes
Total Time
- 45 minutes (including chilling time)
Nutritional Information
- (Approximate values per serving)
- Calories: 100-120
- Protein: 2-3 grams
- Sodium: 150-200 mg
Conclusion
Creamy cucumber salad is a delightful, easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Its combination of crisp cucumbers and creamy dressing makes it a refreshing and satisfying side that complements a variety of meals. With its simple preparation and versatile flavors, this salad is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. Enjoy this cool, tangy treat at your next meal and savor the fresh, vibrant taste it brings to your table.
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Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Creamy Cucumber Salad recipe features crisp cucumbers and onions in a tangy, creamy dressing. It's a refreshing and easy-to-make side dish, ideal for summer picnics, barbecues, or a light meal.
Ingredients
- Cucumbers, thinly sliced
- Red onion, thinly sliced
- Sour cream
- Mayonnaise
- White vinegar
- Fresh dill, chopped
- Sugar
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine thinly sliced cucumbers and red onion.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, white vinegar, chopped fresh dill, sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Pour the dressing over the cucumbers and onions. Toss to coat evenly.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve cold, garnished with additional fresh dill if desired.
Notes
- For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and mayonnaise.
- Adjust the amount of sugar and vinegar to suit your taste preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
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