Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe
Introduction
This creamy cucumber salad is a refreshing and tangy side dish perfect for warm days or as a complement to grilled meals. With crisp cucumbers and a flavorful dressing, it’s both simple and satisfying.
Ingredients
- 2 English cucumbers
- 1 tablespoon salt
- ½ large red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons white distilled vinegar
- 2 teaspoons fresh dill
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Thinly slice the cucumbers and place them in a large bowl. Sprinkle with salt, stir well, and let sit for 30 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
- Step 2: Stir the cucumbers again, then drain any liquid from the bowl. Pat the cucumbers dry with a paper towel to remove remaining moisture.
- Step 3: Add the sliced red onion, minced garlic, mayonnaise, vinegar, fresh dill, sugar, and ground pepper to the cucumbers. Stir gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Step 4: Cover and chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. If you notice excess liquid, drain it out just before serving to keep the salad creamy.
Tips & Variations
- For extra crunch, add chopped fresh radishes or celery to the salad.
- Use plain Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter, tangier dressing.
- Adjust the vinegar and sugar to taste for a sweeter or more acidic dressing.
- Fresh dill can be substituted with fresh parsley or chives if preferred.
Storage
Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The cucumbers will release more liquid over time, so stir before serving and drain any excess liquid if needed. This salad is best enjoyed fresh but still tastes good after a day.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use regular cucumbers instead of English cucumbers?
Yes, you can use regular cucumbers, but they have more seeds and thicker skins. You may want to peel and seed them for a better texture in the salad.
Is it necessary to salt the cucumbers first?
Salting helps remove excess water from the cucumbers, preventing the salad from becoming watery and improving its texture. It’s a recommended step for best results.
PrintCreamy Cucumber Salad Recipe
A refreshing and creamy cucumber salad featuring thinly sliced cucumbers and red onions tossed in a tangy mayonnaise-based dressing with fresh dill and a hint of garlic. Perfect as a cool side dish for summer meals or barbecues.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Cucumbers & Vegetables
- 2 English cucumbers
- ½ large red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
Seasonings & Dressing
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons white distilled vinegar
- 2 teaspoons fresh dill
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground pepper
Instructions
- Salting the Cucumbers: Thinly slice the English cucumbers and place them in a large bowl. Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon of salt, stir well to coat, and let them sit for 30 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
- Draining the Cucumbers: After 30 minutes, stir the cucumbers again, then carefully drain the liquid released from the cucumbers. Use paper towels to pat the cucumber slices dry to avoid a watery salad.
- Mixing the Ingredients: Add the thinly sliced red onion, minced garlic, mayonnaise, white distilled vinegar, fresh dill, sugar, and ground pepper to the bowl with the cucumbers. Stir everything together thoroughly until well combined.
- Chilling the Salad: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld together. Before serving, drain any excess liquid for a crisp texture if desired.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
- Adjust the amount of dill according to your taste preference for a more or less herbaceous flavor.
- Make sure to thoroughly drain and pat dry the cucumbers to prevent the salad from becoming soggy.
- This salad can be prepared a few hours in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator.
Keywords: Creamy cucumber salad, cucumber salad with mayonnaise, summer side dish, easy cucumber salad, fresh cucumber salad
