Picture a warm summer day. You’re looking for something light, fresh, and satisfying.
Enter the creamy cucumber salad. With its crisp cucumbers and a subtly tangy dressing, it’s a dish that captures the essence of summer.
Perfect on its own or as a side, this salad is a delightful way to enjoy garden-fresh veggies.
Steps
- Wash the cucumbers and slice them into ¼-inch thick rounds. If using field cucumbers, peel them and remove the seeds with a spoon.
- If adding onions, thinly slice them and soak in cold water to reduce their sharpness.
- In a large bowl, whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, chopped dill, vinegar, and sugar. Season with salt to taste.
- Add the sliced cucumbers and onions (if using) to the bowl, and gently mix to ensure they are well coated with the dressing.
- Chill the salad in the refrigerator for about an hour before serving to let the flavors meld together.
- Before serving, taste and adjust the salt and pepper if needed, and garnish with additional fresh dill, if desired.
- To prepare in advance, keep the cucumbers and onions separate from the dressing until an hour before serving to maintain crispness.
- For leftovers, store the salad in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days, and drain any excess liquid before serving.
Ingredients
- 2 long English cucumbers or Persian cucumbers
- Optional: ? cup thinly sliced white onion
- ½ cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
- ¼ cup fresh dill, chopped
- 3 tablespoons white vinegar
- ½ teaspoon granulated sugar
- Salt to taste
FAQ
- What type of cucumbers are best for creamy cucumber salad?
- Long English or Persian cucumbers are ideal as they have thinner skins and don’t need peeling. Field cucumbers can be used too, but they should be peeled and deseeded due to their tougher skins and larger seeds.
- Can I prepare creamy cucumber salad in advance?
- Yes, you can prepare it 4 to 5 hours ahead for optimal flavor while keeping the cucumbers crisp. For longer storage, keep the sliced cucumbers and onions separate from the dressing and combine them an hour before serving.
- How should I store leftover creamy cucumber salad?
- Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 2 to 3 days. Before serving, drain any excess liquid and add a bit more sour cream if needed.
- Can I substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream in this salad?
- Absolutely, you can use plain Greek yogurt in place of sour cream for a lighter version of this salad.
- What can I add to enhance the flavor of cucumber salad?
- You can add fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or additional dill to enhance the flavor. Thinly sliced onions can also add a nice touch if soaked in cold water first to reduce their sharpness.
Tips
- For the best texture, prepare the salad a few hours in advance to allow the flavors to meld while keeping the cucumbers crisp. If preparing further ahead, store the sliced cucumbers and onions separately from the dressing until an hour before serving.
- To balance the flavor of the onions, soak them in cold water while preparing the rest of the salad to reduce their sharpness.
- Customize the salad by adding your favorite fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or additional dill for enhanced flavor.
- When using field cucumbers, remember to peel them and remove the seeds with a spoon for a smoother salad experience.
Equipment
- Mandolin slicer – for slicing cucumbers and onions evenly.
- Whisk – for mixing the dressing ingredients smoothly.
- Large mixing bowl – to combine and toss the salad ingredients.
