Description
Creamy Cucumber Salad is a refreshing, light dish with cool, crisp cucumbers, creamy dressing, and a hint of tang from vinegar. It’s a perfect side dish or appetizer for any meal, especially during warm weather.
Ingredients
- 2 large cucumbers (English or regular)
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt (for a lighter version)
2 tablespoons mayonnaise (optional for extra creaminess)
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or white vinegar
1 teaspoon sugar (optional, for sweetness)
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, for a bit of tang)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh dill or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Prepare the cucumbers: Slice the cucumbers thinly into rounds or half-moons. If using regular cucumbers, peel them to reduce bitterness. If using English cucumbers, the skin is tender, so you can leave it on.
- Salt the cucumbers: Place sliced cucumbers in a colander, sprinkle with a pinch of salt, and let sit for 10-15 minutes to draw out excess water. Pat them dry with a paper towel to remove moisture.
- Make the creamy dressing: In a bowl, combine sour cream (or Greek yogurt), mayonnaise (if using), apple cider vinegar, sugar, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Combine the salad: In a large bowl, add the cucumbers and sliced red onion. Pour the creamy dressing over the cucumbers and onions, and toss to coat evenly.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish with chopped dill or parsley. Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Notes
- Herb options: Fresh dill is classic, but you can also use parsley, chives, or tarragon for variety.
- For added protein, try adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or hard-boiled eggs.
- To make it spicy, add chili flakes, chopped jalapeños, or hot sauce.
- Vegan option: Use dairy-free sour cream or mayo substitutes for a vegan version.
- This salad is best served fresh but can be stored in the fridge for up to 2-3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: undefined
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
