5 Minute Creamy Cucumber Salad
Posted June 26, 2023 by: Admin
A delicious taste of summer comes to life with our irresistibly creamy cucumber salad! Imagine juicy cucumbers, generously coated in a tangy cream vinaigrette so divine it’s almost sinful. The ideal companion for your summer meals, this delectable creation promises an explosion of freshness and satisfaction. You’ll be enchanted by its mouth-watering taste, which will make you want to eat a second (and maybe even a third!).
Cucumber Salad ~ it’s the classic potluck slash church dinner salad that has been refreshing outdoor diners for generations. It’s so satisfying made with your own garden cukes and dill, but you don’t need a backyard for this simplest of all summer salad. Just head to the nearest produce aisle or farm stand for some skinny cukes, a bunch of dill, and a bright red onion.
Simple vegetarian salads like this one are one of my favorite things to do about summer!
What’s in Cucumber Salad?
- CUCUMBERS
- I highly recommend the English cucumbers (the long, skinny cucumbers that come wrapped in plastic).
- RED ONION
- you can also use a sweet Vidalia onion.
- FRESH DILL
- if you can’t find fresh dill, you can use it dry, but you won’t get that wonderful fresh-grass flavor.
- SOUR CREAM
- sour cream is the base of the dressing. Some old recipes add mayonnaise. You can substitute it for yogurt or skyr if you want.
- LEMON JUICE
- you could substitute the vinegar for that necessary touch of acidity.
- SALT & PEPPER
- SUGAR
- only the least pinch ~ brings out the flavors!
why I recommend using English cucumbers
If you’re looking for a cucumber with a tender texture, milder flavor, fewer seeds, and a longer shelf life, English cucumbers are the way to go. English cucumbers are longer and thinner compared to regular cucumbers, and are individually wrapped in plastic to protect their delicate skin. Bonus: You don’t need to peel these cucumbers because the skin is so thin. I also love the color that the peel gives this cucumber salad.
Need a mandolin to slice the cukes?
If you have a sharp knife and good knife skills, you can slice the cucumber very thinly without a mandolin. But I do think the mandoline slices come out much nicer, thinner, and more even. I also use it for red onion.
Just be very careful when cutting cucumbers on a mandolin because it’s hard to use the safety guard with the long shape of the cucumber. I recommend using a safety glove instead.
Add some smoked salmon or baby prawns.
Make this a delicious and satisfying lunch or lunch Salad with added protein.
Instructions
Cut your cucumber into very thin slices. Do this with a sharp knife or mandoline slicer set to 1/8 inch. Be careful when using the mandolin with cucumbers, I recommend wearing a safety glove.*
Cut the red onion in the same way as above. Put both in your serving bowl, separating the onion layers with your fingers. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate while you clean and prepare your dressing.
Mix the dressing ingredients together and be sure to taste to see if you want to adjust anything.
Gently toss the salad with the dressing, making sure to coat all the cucumber slices. You may have to separate the slices with your fingers if they stick together. Chill until ready to serve.
The salad keeps for 2 days, refrigerated.
Frequently Asked Questions and Variations of Cucumber Salad
Do you salt and drain your cucumbers first?
- No, I don’t feel like it’s necessary for this cucumber salad, particularly when I’m using English cucumbers which tend to be less watery. If you are concerned, you can drain the cucumber on paper towels after slicing.
How far in advance can I make this salad?
- Feel free to do this several hours in advance, but not a full day in advance. If you need to make it the day before, I recommend keeping the dressing separate and tossing it into the salad a couple of hours before serving.
I don’t care for dill, what else can I use?
- You can use fresh mint or fresh parsley in the cucumber salad. You can also try tarragon, basil, or thyme.
Can I add other ingredients to Creamy Cucumber Salad?
- Yeah, how about cherry tomatoes, corn, bell peppers, or feta?
Is Cucumber Salad Healthy?
- Yes, cucumbers are low in calories and a good source of hydration due to their high water content. They also provide essential vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin K, vitamin C, and potassium. Consider substituting Greek yogurt for sour cream in this recipe for additional health benefits.
