This recipe creates a refreshing and creamy salad featuring cucumbers, tomatoes, and hard-boiled eggs, all coated in a flavorful dressing. It’s a versatile salad that can be served as a side dish, a light lunch, or a topping for sandwiches or crackers. The combination of crisp vegetables, protein-rich eggs, and a creamy dressing makes for a satisfying and delicious salad.
Ingredients:
- 2 medium cucumbers, peeled and diced
- 2 medium tomatoes, diced
- 4 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and chopped
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion (optional)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sour cream (or plain yogurt)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (or white vinegar)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
- Optional: Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions:
- Prepare Vegetables and Eggs: Peel and dice the cucumbers and tomatoes. Peel and chop the hard-boiled eggs. Thinly slice the red onion, if using.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, gently combine the diced cucumbers, diced tomatoes, chopped hard-boiled eggs, and sliced red onion (if using).
- Prepare Creamy Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream (or plain yogurt), chopped fresh dill (or dried dill), lemon juice (or white vinegar), salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Dress the Salad: Pour the creamy dressing over the salad ingredients in the large bowl. Gently toss everything together until the vegetables and eggs are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Chill (Optional): For the best flavor, cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Garnish and Serve: Before serving, garnish the salad with chopped fresh parsley, if desired. Serve chilled.
Tips and Notes:
- Vegetable Variations: You can add other vegetables like chopped celery or bell peppers.
- Herb Variations: Feel free to use other fresh herbs like chives or parsley instead of dill.
- Dressing Consistency: Adjust the amount of mayonnaise or sour cream/yogurt to achieve your desired dressing consistency.
- Tanginess: Adjust the amount of lemon juice or vinegar to your preference for tanginess.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the salad ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. However, the vegetables may release some liquid over time, so you might want to drain any excess liquid before serving.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve this salad as a side dish with grilled meats or fish, as a topping for sandwiches or crackers, or enjoy it on its own for a light meal.
Enjoy this refreshing and creamy Cucumber, Tomato, and Egg Salad!