This recipe provides instructions for making a refreshing and tangy Creamy Cucumber Salad. This classic salad features thinly sliced cucumbers and often includes thinly sliced onions, all enveloped in a creamy dressing made with sour cream or mayonnaise (or a combination), vinegar (often white vinegar or apple cider vinegar), and seasonings such as dill, salt, and pepper. Some variations might include a touch of sugar for balance or other herbs like parsley. Creamy Cucumber Salad is a light and cooling side dish that is particularly popular during warmer months, offering a delightful crispness from the cucumbers and a tangy richness from the dressing. The image shows a close-up of a white, scalloped-edged bowl filled with thinly sliced cucumbers and very thinly sliced red onions, all coated in a creamy, white dressing. Specks of black pepper and possibly dried dill are visible throughout the salad. The overall appearance is fresh and inviting.
The star ingredient is fresh cucumbers, typically thinly sliced. English cucumbers or garden cucumbers work well.
Thinly sliced onions are often included for a bit of sharpness and flavor. Red onions add a nice color contrast.
The creamy base of the dressing is usually sour cream or mayonnaise, or a mixture of both, providing richness and tanginess.
Vinegar, most commonly white vinegar or apple cider vinegar, adds a crucial tangy element that balances the creaminess.
Fresh or dried dill is a classic herb that complements cucumbers beautifully, adding a fresh, slightly grassy flavor.
Seasoning is simple: salt and freshly ground black pepper enhance all the other flavors.
A touch of sugar is sometimes added to the dressing to balance the acidity of the vinegar and the tanginess of the dairy.
Optional additions can include chopped fresh parsley for extra freshness and color, or a pinch of garlic powder for a subtle savory note.
The preparation involves thinly slicing the cucumbers and onions. If using garden cucumbers, they might be peeled and seeded first. In a separate bowl, the creamy dressing is made by whisking together the sour cream or mayonnaise (or both), vinegar, dill, salt, pepper, and sugar (if using). The sliced cucumbers and onions are then gently folded into the dressing until evenly coated. The salad is typically chilled in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld before serving.
Creamy Cucumber Salad is best served chilled, making it a refreshing side dish.
The texture is a delightful combination of the crispness of the cucumbers and the smooth, creamy dressing. The onions add a slight bite.
The flavor is a refreshing and tangy mix of the mild cucumbers, the sharp onions, and the creamy, slightly sweet and herby dressing with a noticeable vinegar tang.
Creamy Cucumber Salad is a chilled salad made with sliced cucumbers and onions in a creamy, tangy dressing flavored with dill.
The preparation involves slicing the vegetables and then coating them in a simple dressing made with sour cream or mayonnaise, vinegar, dill, and seasonings, followed by chilling.
Ingredients:
- 2-3 medium cucumbers (English or garden), thinly sliced
- ½ small red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
- 1 cup sour cream or mayonnaise (or ½ cup of each)
- ¼ cup white vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1-2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill or 1 teaspoon dried dill weed
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar (optional)
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (or to taste)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Equipment:
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife or mandoline (for slicing cucumbers and onions)
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spoon or spatula for mixing
Instructions:
- Prepare the Vegetables: Wash the cucumbers. If using garden cucumbers, you may want to peel them and remove some of the seeds. Thinly slice the cucumbers. If using red onion, peel and thinly slice it.
- Make the Dressing: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the sour cream or mayonnaise (or a combination), vinegar, dill, sugar (if using), salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Combine Vegetables and Dressing: Add the sliced cucumbers and red onion (if using) to the bowl with the dressing. Gently fold the vegetables into the dressing until they are evenly coated.
- Chill the Salad: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Chilling for a longer time (1-2 hours) is even better.
- Garnish and Serve: Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir. If desired, garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve chilled.
Enjoy this refreshing Creamy Cucumber Salad as a side dish to your favorite meals!