This creamy cucumber salad is a classic side dish that’s cool, crisp, and tangy. It typically features thinly sliced cucumbers, onions, and sometimes tomatoes or dill, all coated in a creamy dressing made with sour cream, mayonnaise, or yogurt. It’s a perfect accompaniment to summer meals or barbecues.
Ingredients:
- Salad:
- 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- Optional additions:
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved or quartered
- 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
- Fresh dill, chopped
- Creamy Dressing:
- 1/2 cup sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (or to taste)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare the Vegetables: Wash the cucumbers and thinly slice them. You can peel them if you prefer, but the skin adds color and crunch. Thinly slice the red onion. If using, halve or quarter the cherry tomatoes and chop the hard-boiled eggs and fresh dill.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, gently combine the sliced cucumbers, red onion, and any other optional vegetables (tomatoes, eggs, dill) you are using.
- Make the Creamy Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the sour cream (or Greek yogurt), mayonnaise, white vinegar (or apple cider vinegar), sugar, and Dijon mustard (if using) until smooth. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Adjust the amount of sugar and vinegar to your preference for sweetness and tanginess.
- Dress the Salad: Pour the creamy dressing over the cucumber and vegetable mixture. Gently toss everything together until the vegetables are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Chill (Recommended): For the best flavor, cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill. You can chill it for several hours as well.
- Serve: Before serving, give the salad another gentle toss. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. Serve chilled as a refreshing side dish.
Tips and Notes:
- Cucumber Preparation: If your cucumbers have a lot of seeds, you can scoop them out before slicing.
- Dressing Consistency: If the dressing seems too thick, you can add a tablespoon or two of milk or water to thin it out.
- Herb Variations: Besides dill, you can also use fresh chives or parsley in this salad.
- Make-Ahead: While you can make this salad a few hours in advance, be aware that the cucumbers might release some water as they sit. You can drain off any excess liquid before serving.
- Sweetness and Tanginess: Adjust the sugar and vinegar in the dressing to your personal preference. Some people prefer a sweeter salad, while others like it more tangy.
Enjoy your cool and creamy Cucumber Salad! It’s a perfect light and refreshing dish.