Name: Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe (VIDEO)
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs cucumbers (2 english cucumbers or 7-10 small ones); 0.5 medium purple or yellow onion (thinly sliced); 1 Tbsp fresh or frozen dill (chopped); 0.5 cup sour cream (reduced fat is ok); 0.5 Tbsp fresh lemon juice; 1 clove garlic (pressed or grated); 0.5 tsp fine sea salt (and pinch black pepper, or to taste)

Introduction to Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe

When it comes to quick and nutritious meals, homemade salads are a game changer for busy young professionals. After a long day at work, you deserve something delicious yet easy to whip up. This Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe not only requires minimal prep time, but it's also refreshingly light and satisfying.

Making your own salads means you can control the ingredients and avoid the unnecessary preservatives often found in store-bought options. Plus, with just a few fresh ingredients—like crisp cucumbers, sweet onions, and a creamy dressing—you can create a vibrant dish that’s ready in just 10 minutes! According to a study from the Harvard School of Public Health, incorporating salads into your daily diet can help improve overall health, making this salad a smart choice.

To help you tackle those busy weeknights, this creamy cucumber salad is easily customizable. Want to add lean protein or swap ingredients? The options are endless! You might even consider checking out some tips on meal prep ideas to enjoy delicious salads throughout the week. Ready to dive into this easy, flavorful recipe? Let's get started!

Ingredients for Creamy Cucumber Salad

Essential ingredients for a creamy cucumber salad

Creating a Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe begins with the freshest ingredients! Here's what you'll need for this refreshing dish:

Cucumbers: Approximately 1 ½ lbs, either 2 English cucumbers or about 7-10 small ones work beautifully.
Onion: You’ll want ½ medium purple or yellow onion, thinly sliced to enhance the flavor.
Dill: Fresh or frozen dill (1 tablespoon, chopped) provides that signature herbaceous note.
Sour Cream: ½ cup of sour cream gives the salad its creamy texture. You can go for reduced fat if you prefer.
Lemon Juice: A splash (½ tablespoon) of fresh lemon juice brightens the flavors.
Garlic: One clove, either pressed or grated, adds a lovely kick to your salad.
Seasoning: ½ teaspoon of fine sea salt and a pinch of black pepper, adjust to your taste.

Optional ingredients for added flavor

Want to elevate your Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe even further? Consider incorporating:

Chives or Green Onions: Instead of regular onion, toss in about ⅓ cup for a milder flavor.
Mayonnaise: Some say a tablespoon or two of mayo instead of lemon juice brings a delightful twist.
Greek Yogurt: If you’re aiming for a tangy alternative, plain Greek yogurt can replace the sour cream, just omit the lemon juice!

Feel free to experiment and add your own personal touch—cooking should always be a fun adventure!

Preparing Creamy Cucumber Salad

Creating a Creamy Cucumber Salad is not only a breeze, but it's also a fantastic way to add some freshness to your meals! This simple yet flavorful dish is perfect for summer barbecues, potlucks, or as a side to your everyday dinner. Let’s dive right into the steps to prepare this delightful salad.

Gather and Prepare Your Ingredients

Before you start, gather all your ingredients to make the process smooth and enjoyable. Here's what you'll need:

1 ½ lbs cucumbers (2 English cucumbers or 7-10 small ones)
½ medium onion (purple or yellow, thinly sliced)
1 tablespoon fresh or frozen dill, chopped
½ cup sour cream (reduced fat works fine)
½ tablespoon fresh lemon juice—don’t skip this, as it adds a lively zing!
1 garlic clove, pressed or grated
½ teaspoon fine sea salt and a pinch of black pepper (or to taste)

Having everything ready not only makes cooking a breeze but it also ensures that you won’t have to scramble mid-recipe!

Make the Creamy Dressing

The star of this dish is the creamy dressing that pulls everything together. In a small bowl, combine the sour cream, lemon juice, garlic, dill, salt, and pepper. Mix it thoroughly and set it aside while you prepare the next components. The flavors will meld beautifully, creating a deliciously creamy base for your salad. If you're curious about experimenting with texture, consider adding a bit of Greek yogurt for a tangy twist!

Slice Cucumbers and Onions

Now it’s time to slice those crisp cucumbers and onions. If you prefer a bit of crunch, keep the peel on your cucumbers, but if you want a smoother texture, feel free to peel them beforehand. Slice the cucumbers into thin rounds or half rounds if using larger cucumbers. Add these to a big mixing bowl along with the thinly sliced onions. The vibrancy of the onions enhances the taste, giving that perfect savory bite.

Combine the Ingredients

Once everything is sliced, it’s time for the fun part! Just before serving, pour the creamy dressing over the cucumbers and onions in your mixing bowl. Toss everything together gently—this helps to ensure every piece is coated with the luscious dressing! The magic happens here as the flavors intermingle, creating a delightful Creamy Cucumber Salad.

Chill and Serve

Although this salad can be enjoyed immediately, letting it chill for at least 30 minutes transforms it into a refreshing dish. The cooling time allows the flavors to enhance and develop, making each bite even more satisfying. Just remember that once you mix the salad with the dressing, it’ll stay fresh in the fridge for about 2-3 hours, so it’s perfect for prepping ahead of time.

Enjoy your Creamy Cucumber Salad at your next meal—it’s bound to become a favorite!

Variations on Creamy Cucumber Salad

Creamy cucumber salad with chives

Looking for a milder flavor? Swap out the onions for fresh chives or green onions! About ⅓ cup is perfect for that subtle onion taste without overpowering the freshness of the cucumbers.

A zesty twist: adding citrus

For an exciting twist, consider adding citrus! A splash of orange or lime juice can elevate your Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe, infusing it with a refreshing zest that pairs beautifully with the other ingredients.

Greek yogurt alternative dressing

Want a lighter option? Exchange the sour cream for plain Greek yogurt. It maintains that creamy texture while adding a protein boost. Just be sure to omit the lemon juice, as Greek yogurt has its own tanginess.

Feel free to mix and match these variations to find your perfect blend!

Cooking tips and notes for Creamy Cucumber Salad

Tips for selecting the best cucumbers

When it comes to making a Creamy Cucumber Salad, the quality of your cucumbers is key. Choose firm cucumbers with smooth, dark green skin—look for ones that feel heavy for their size. English cucumbers are an excellent choice as they have fewer seeds and a refreshing taste. Remember to give them a gentle squeeze; if they yield slightly, they might be overripe.

Making ahead: timing and storage

This salad is perfect for meal prep! You can prepare the dressing in advance and store it separately in the fridge for up to three days. Slice your cucumbers and onions just a few hours before serving to keep them crisp. Mixed with the dressing, the salad will stay fresh for about 2-3 hours in the fridge, making it a lovely side dish for gatherings or picnics. Enjoy!

Serving suggestions for Creamy Cucumber Salad

Perfect pairings for a light meal

The Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe shines as a refreshing side dish and pairs wonderfully with light mains. Serve it alongside grilled chicken, turkey bacon, or a hearty vegetable omelet for a balanced meal. If you’re in the mood for some crunch, toss in some toasted nuts or seeds to elevate the texture. A slice of crusty bread can soak up the creamy goodness too!

Ideal occasions for serving

This salad is perfect for picnics, potlucks, or casual family dinners. Its vibrant flavors make it an excellent choice for summer barbecues and gatherings. Additionally, it works as a delightful appetizer before a dinner party or a charming brunch dish that guests will adore. Whichever occasion you choose, this salad will surely elevate your meal!

For more delicious side ideas, check out our Grilled Vegetable Salad or Classic Coleslaw.

Time Breakdown for Creamy Cucumber Salad

Preparation time
Creating your Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe is a breeze, taking just about 10 minutes. With a simple combination of fresh ingredients, you can whip this salad up in no time.

Chilling time
For the best flavor, let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This allows the ingredients to meld beautifully together, enhancing the taste.

Total time
In total, you're looking at approximately 40 minutes from start to finish. This makes it a perfect side dish for a last-minute gathering or a refreshing addition to your meal!

Nutritional Facts for Creamy Cucumber Salad

When you're whipping up Natasha's Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe, knowing the nutritional breakdown can help you enjoy it guilt-free! Here’s what to expect per serving:

Calories

Just 58 calories per serving makes this salad a light side dish option.

Protein

It packs in 2g of protein, offering a slight boost without weighing you down.

Essential Nutrients

Enjoy key nutrients: low in carbs (5g) and fats (3g), it’s enriched with vitamins from cucumbers and onions, including vitamin K, which supports bone health. Pair it with lean proteins like Turkey Bacon or Chicken Ham for a more balanced meal.

For more insights on the benefits of these veggies, check out Healthline. Enjoy this fresh, creamy delight while reaping its nutritional perks!

FAQs about Creamy Cucumber Salad

Can I make this salad in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare the Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe a few hours ahead of serving. Just keep in mind that the cucumbers will release moisture over time. For the best texture, prepare the dressing and mix it with the cucumbers and onions just before serving. If you're making it in advance, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and your salad will stay fresh for about 2-3 hours.

What if I don't have fresh dill?

No worries! If you’re out of fresh dill, dried dill works as a substitute. Use about one-third of the amount, as dried herbs are more concentrated. You can also experiment with other herbs like parsley or chives, which can provide a lovely variation in flavor for your salad.

How can I modify this for a vegan option?

To make a vegan version of this salad, simply swap out the sour cream for a plant-based alternative, like dairy-free yogurt or vegan sour cream. You can also add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for brightness. This will keep the flavors intact while accommodating a vegan diet!

For more tips on adapting recipes, check out this guide.

Conclusion on Creamy Cucumber Salad

This Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe is a refreshing side dish that’s both easy to whip up and impossible to resist. With its crunchy cucumbers and zesty sour cream dressing, it’s perfect for barbecues or picnics. Give it a try, and you might find it becomes a staple at your gatherings!