Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe
Introduction
This creamy cucumber salad is a refreshing and tangy side dish perfect for warm days or as a complement to grilled meals. With crisp cucumbers, a hint of dill, and a smooth mayo-based dressing, it’s simple to make and deliciously satisfying.
Ingredients
- 2 English cucumbers
- 1 tablespoon salt
- ½ large red onion (thinly sliced)
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons white distilled vinegar
- 2 teaspoons fresh dill
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Thinly slice the cucumbers and place them in a large bowl. Sprinkle with the salt, stir well, and let them sit for 30 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
- Step 2: Stir the cucumbers again, then drain the liquid from the bowl. Pat the cucumbers dry with a paper towel to remove any remaining moisture.
- Step 3: Add the thinly sliced red onion, minced garlic, mayonnaise, white distilled vinegar, fresh dill, sugar, and ground pepper to the cucumbers. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
- Step 4: Cover the salad and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving. If you notice any excess liquid, drain it out before serving for the best texture.
Tips & Variations
- For a lighter version, substitute half of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for creaminess and tang.
- Fresh dill enhances the flavor, but dried dill can be used in a pinch—just reduce the amount to 1 teaspoon.
- If you prefer more crunch, add chopped celery or radishes for extra texture.
Storage
Store the creamy cucumber salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. It’s best enjoyed fresh but can be gently stirred and served chilled again after storing. Avoid freezing as it will affect the texture of the cucumbers and dressing.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use regular cucumbers instead of English cucumbers?
Yes, you can use regular cucumbers, but be sure to peel them and remove the seeds to avoid excess bitterness and wateriness.
How long should I let the cucumbers sit with salt?
Letting the cucumbers sit with salt for 30 minutes draws out excess water, preventing your salad from becoming watery and improving its crunch.
Print
Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
A refreshing and creamy cucumber salad featuring thinly sliced English cucumbers, red onion, and a tangy mayonnaise-based dressing seasoned with garlic, dill, and a hint of sweetness. Perfect as a cool side dish for warm weather meals or picnics.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 2 English cucumbers
- ½ large red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons fresh dill
- 1 teaspoon ground pepper
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons white distilled vinegar
Seasonings and Aromatics
Dressings
Instructions
- Prepare Cucumbers: Thinly slice the English cucumbers and place them into a large mixing bowl. Sprinkle evenly with 1 tablespoon of salt, stir well to coat, and let them sit for 30 minutes. This step helps draw out excess moisture for a crisp texture.
- Drain Cucumbers: After 30 minutes, stir the cucumbers again and carefully pour off the liquid that has accumulated in the bowl. Then, pat the cucumber slices dry with paper towels to remove remaining moisture.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the thinly sliced red onion, minced garlic, 1 cup of mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons white vinegar, 2 teaspoons fresh dill, 1 teaspoon sugar, and 1 teaspoon ground pepper to the bowl with cucumbers. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly combined and coated.
- Chill: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Before serving, optionally drain any excess liquid that may have pooled at the bottom for a firmer salad texture.
Notes
- Using English cucumbers or seedless cucumbers prevents excess water content in the salad.
- Adjust sugar and vinegar quantities to taste depending on desired level of sweetness and tanginess.
- Fresh dill is preferred for its bright flavor, but dried dill can be substituted in a pinch (use about 1 teaspoon dried in place of fresh).
- This salad is best served chilled and consumed within 2 days for optimal freshness.
- For a lighter version, substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or a low-fat mayonnaise alternative.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Cucumber Salad, Creamy Cucumber Salad, Summer Salad, Easy Side Dish, Dill Cucumber Salad, No-Cook Salad
