Creamy Cucumber Salad The Coolest Side Dish in Town
- Recipe Introduction
- The Coolest Side Dish in Town!
- Why You'll Love This Salad
- Ingredients & Equipment: Your Creamy Cucumber Salad Easy, Fresh Start
- Creamy Cucumber Salad: Get Your Prep On!
- Creamy Cucumber Salad: Step-by-Step Magic
- Pro Tips for Epic Cucumber Salad
- Recipe Notes: Level Up Your Creamy Cucumber Salad
- Frequently Asked Questions
Creamy Cucumber Salad The Coolest Side Dish In T
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts
| Calories | 150 kcal |
|---|---|
| Fat | 12g |
| Fiber | 1g |
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Fancy a Creamy Cucumber Salad Easy, Fresh enough to make you ditch the crisps? Honestly, have you ever met anyone who doesn't love a refreshing salad, especially when the sun's blazing? This recipe is a total winner.
Brief Overview
This Cucumber Salad Recipe is a classic, inspired by those comforting Midwestern salads. Its creamy, tangy flavour is perfect for a quick lunch or summer side dish.
It's super easy to make in just 45 minutes, including chilling time, and makes about 4 servings.
Main Benefits
This Refreshing Summer Salad is packed with hydrating goodness. Its coolness makes it a lovely counterpoint to spicy food. What makes this recipe special is its simplicity and the way it balances creamy, tangy, and fresh flavours.
The Coolest Side Dish in Town!
This Creamy Cucumber Salad is a simple side dish, perfect for hot summer days. Originating from older creamy coleslaw and salads of the midwest, it is a great Homemade Treat .
The tangy vinegar and creamy dressing make it delightful.
It's an Easy Side Dish to make. It mainly involves chopping and mixing. Even a novice can nail this one.
Prep Time: 15 minutes active, plus 30 minutes chilling. Total Time: 45 minutes. Makes 4 servings of this delicious Summer Salad Recipe .
Why You'll Love This Salad
Cucumber, right? Everyone loves them! They are just so good in salads. Easy Lunches are easy to come by with this gem.
What makes this salad special is its unique blend of freshness and creamy texture. It is also quite healthy. So make some Quick Cucumber Salad today!
Ingredients & Equipment: Your Creamy Cucumber Salad Easy, Fresh Start
Right then, let's talk ingredients. This Creamy Cucumber Salad is all about fresh flavours. It's honestly one of my favourite Easy Side Dishes when the sun is blazing.
Main Players: Cucumber & More
- Cucumbers: You'll need 2 large English cucumbers (about 1.5 lbs/680g ). English cucumbers are great. They are thin skinned, so don't bother peeling.
- Red Onion: Half a medium red onion, thinly sliced. It adds a lovely bit of bite.
- Sour Cream: 1/2 cup (120ml) is your base.
- Mayonnaise: 1/4 cup (60ml) , full fat or light, your call.
- White Vinegar: 2 tablespoons of vinegar.
- Sugar: 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar.
- Dill: 1 teaspoon of dried dill (or 1 tablespoon fresh).
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon .
- Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon .
For the cucumbers, make sure they're firm. No squishy cucumbers allowed! Honestly, a good cucumber makes or breaks this Cucumber Salad Recipe .
For the sour cream and mayo, go for your favourite brand. You know, the one your nan always used.
Seasoning Secrets
This isn't just cucumber and cream. We're adding flavour!
Dill is key. It gives that classic cucumber taste. Feel free to use fresh if you have it. Taste as you go, and adjust if necessary.
If you are feeling adventurous, a tiny pinch of celery salt can be interesting.
The Tools You Need
Luckily, you don't need much.
- Large Mixing Bowl: For all the action.
- Chef's Knife: To slice and dice.
- Cutting Board: Obviously.
- Measuring Cups & Spoons: For precision.
- Whisk or Fork: To mix the dressing.
Don't have a whisk? A fork works just as well. Just give it some elbow grease. A good Creamy Cucumber Salad with Dill doesn't need fancy equipment.
Right then, let's dive into making the most refreshing Creamy Cucumber Salad Easy, Fresh . Honestly, you won't believe how simple it is! It’s basically summer in a bowl, perfect for BBQs or a light bite.
I think it's the kind of cucumber salad recipe my Nan would secretly love.
Creamy Cucumber Salad: Get Your Prep On!
Essential Mise en Place
First things first, get everything chopped and measured. It's all about mise en place ! That means getting your 2 large English cucumbers sliced, and ½ medium red onion thinly sliced.
You'll also need ½ cup sour cream, ¼ cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons vinegar, 1 tablespoon sugar, 1 teaspoon dill, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper all measured out.
This way, you just bung it all together later.
Time Saving Tips
Honestly, the slicing takes the longest. Use a mandoline if you have one. It'll make quick work of the cucumbers and red onions! Otherwise, just get your knife skills honed!
Creamy Cucumber Salad: Step-by-Step Magic
Cucumber Prep: Slice your 2 large cucumbers and ½ medium red onion super thin. Pop 'em in a big bowl.
Dressing Time: In a smaller bowl, whisk together ½ cup sour cream, ¼ cup mayo, 2 tablespoons vinegar, 1 tablespoon sugar, 1 teaspoon dried dill, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper.
Easy peasy!
Combine and Coat: Pour that dressing over the cucumbers and onion. Give it a gentle toss to coat everything nicely.
Chill Out: Cover the bowl and bung it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes . Letting it chill helps the flavors meld together.
Pro Tips for Epic Cucumber Salad
- Salt the Cucumbers First: Toss the sliced cucumbers with a pinch of salt first and let it sit for about 10 minutes . This helps remove extra water.
- Don't overdress: Add the dressing little by little. You want it coated, not drowning.
- This recipe makes for the best Easy Side Dishes .
Honestly, this Creamy Cucumber Salad is a total winner. My personal favourite is adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of a kick! A perfect Summer Salad Recipes that will have everyone asking for more! Perfect for Easy Lunches too.
Recipe Notes: Level Up Your Creamy Cucumber Salad
Alright, you've got the Creamy Cucumber Salad recipe . Now, let's talk about taking it from good to amazing . I'm sharing my secret tips and tricks.
This isn't just your average salad, its a Creamy Cucumber Salad Easy, Fresh winner!
Serving Suggestions: Posh Presentation
Presentation matters. Honestly, even the humblest dishes deserve a little glam. For a fancy vibe, serve your Cucumber Salad in individual glass bowls.
Garnish with fresh dill sprigs. If you're feeling extra, add a lemon wedge.
This Cucumber Salad Recipe is epic with grilled salmon. It is equally banging with BBQ chicken. Think about serving it with some crusty bread for scooping.
Storage Tips: Keepin' it Cool
This refreshing Summer Salad tastes best when it's chilled. Store leftovers in an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to three days.
Freezing isn't recommended. Mayonnaise can get a bit weird when it defrosts.
Reheat it? Nah, this is a cold salad. Just give it a good stir before serving.
Variations: Get Creative
Fancy a change? Go for a Creamy Cucumber Salad with Dill for a tasty twist. Try switching things up with different ingredients.
Want a vegan option? Swap the sour cream and mayo for plant based alternatives. Use agave instead of sugar. You know? Simple swaps, big flavour changes.
For those watching the carbs, use a sugar substitute. Honestly, a touch of stevia works perfectly.
Nutrition Basics: Goodness in a Bowl
Ok, so this Quick Cucumber Salad is tasty and fairly good for you. I reckon one serving has about 150 calories.
It has a bit of fat, some carbs, and a touch of protein. Cucumbers are mostly water, so it's hydrating, too!
It's a great way to sneak in some extra veggies. Who needs boring side dishes? This is a game changer for Easy Lunches ! Plus, this is one of the Summer Salad Recipes that's both easy side dishes and so simple to prepare! You know you are gonna make some killer homemade treats .
So there you have it! Go forth and make this Creamy Cucumber Salad . Honestly, you'll love it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this Creamy Cucumber Salad Easy, Fresh recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, it's better to make it at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together properly, much like letting a good cuppa tea brew. Just keep in mind that cucumbers release moisture over time, so it might become a bit watery if you prepare it too far in advance.
Making it the morning of is generally perfect!
How long does this Creamy Cucumber Salad Easy, Fresh last in the fridge?
This salad is best enjoyed within 2-3 days of making it. Because of the high water content of cucumbers and the dairy based dressing, it can get a bit soggy after that. Keep it stored in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain freshness. Nobody wants a sad, wilted salad not even Basil Fawlty!
What can I substitute for sour cream in this creamy cucumber salad?
If you're looking for a lighter option, plain Greek yogurt works wonderfully as a substitute for sour cream. It adds a similar tanginess and creamy texture, though it might be slightly thinner. For a vegan option, try using a plant based sour cream alternative; there are some great ones on the market these days.
You could even use a cashew cream!
I don’t have English cucumbers, can I use regular cucumbers for this Creamy Cucumber Salad Easy, Fresh?
Yes, you can absolutely use regular cucumbers! However, regular cucumbers often have thicker skins and larger seeds, which can make the salad slightly bitter or watery. Peel the regular cucumbers and remove the seeds before slicing. You can scoop out the seeds with a spoon easily enough.
No need to be a right Charlie about it!
How can I prevent my creamy cucumber salad from getting watery?
The key is to draw out excess moisture from the cucumbers before adding the dressing. Toss the sliced cucumbers with a pinch of salt and let them sit in a colander for about 10-15 minutes. The salt will help draw out the water. Pat them dry with paper towels before combining them with the other ingredients.
This simple step makes a world of difference!
I'm watching my sugar intake; can I reduce or eliminate the sugar in this Creamy Cucumber Salad Easy, Fresh?
Definitely! The sugar is there to balance the acidity of the vinegar, but you can easily adjust it to your liking. Start by using half the amount of sugar called for in the recipe and taste. You can also substitute with a sugar free sweetener like stevia or erythritol.
A tiny drizzle of honey or maple syrup works nicely too and brings a bit of extra flavour. Just make sure to add it gradually to get the sweetness just right for you.
