Okay, friends, gather ’round because I’m about to share a recipe that’s been a family staple for, well, longer than I can remember! This isn’t your average, boring salad. This is *the* What is a Cucumber Salad Recipe? that my Grandma Rose used to make every summer, and it’s just bursting with fresh, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors. Think of it as the cooler, more refreshing cousin of coleslaw. It’s the kind of dish that instantly transports me back to sunny afternoons on her porch, the scent of honeysuckle in the air, and the sound of crickets chirping in the distance. It’s seriously that good.
What is a cucumber salad?
Basically, cucumber salad is exactly what it sounds like: a salad starring cucumbers! But it’s so much more than just sliced cucumbers thrown in a bowl. It’s a beautiful marriage of crisp, cool cucumbers (usually thinly sliced), a creamy, tangy dressing (think Sour Cream or yogurt-based), and a touch of sweetness to balance it all out. Sometimes you’ll find variations with onions, dill, or even a little bit of vinegar for an extra zing. It’s essentially summer in a bowl, a simple yet incredibly satisfying dish that’s perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or even just a light lunch on a hot day. The origins are a bit blurry, but every family seems to have their own treasured version!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
What’s the point of this article?What is a good Cucumber Salad Recipe is a winner, a true crowd-pleaser, and why I keep making it year after year.
First off, the *flavor* is incredible. You’ve got the cool, refreshing cucumbers playing against the creamy, tangy dressing, and then that little hint of sweetness just ties everything together perfectly. It’s the kind of salad that’s both light and satisfying, and it just makes you want to keep eating it.
Secondly, it’s unbelievably *simple* to make. Seriously, it takes maybe 15 minutes, tops. Which is a lifesaver when you’re short on time or just don’t feel like spending hours in the kitchen. I mean, who does in the summertime?
Thirdly, it’s super *cost-effective*. Cucumbers are usually pretty cheap, especially in the summer when they’re in season, and the rest of the ingredients are pantry staples that you probably already have on hand.
And finally, it’s *versatile*! You can serve it as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish, use it as a topping for sandwiches or burgers, or even just eat it straight out of the bowl (don’t judge!). My kids love it as a snack after school. I’ve tried other cucumber salads, some with just vinegar and oil, but this creamy version is the one I always come back to. It just tastes like home.
How to Make Cucumber Salad
Quick Overview
Making this What is a cucumber Salad Recipe? is a breeze! You basically slice the cucumbers (I use a mandoline for perfectly thin slices, but a knife works too!), mix up the dressing, combine everything in a bowl, and let it chill for a bit to let the flavors meld. The chilling part is crucial, trust me! It allows the cucumbers to release some of their moisture and really soak up that delicious dressing. Even though it’s quick, this step gives it a restaurant quality taste.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
* 3 medium cucumbers, thinly sliced (English cucumber is my favorite because they have fewer seeds).
* 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced (optional, but adds a nice bite)
* 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried dill)
For the Dressing:
* 1 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a tangier option): 1 tsp.
* 2 tablespoons white vinegar (apple cider vinegar also works)
* 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (adjust to your liking)
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
How do I follow step
Step 1: Prep the Cucumbers
First, wash your cucumbers thoroughly. You can peel them if you prefer, but I actually like to leave the skin on for added texture and nutrients. Just make sure to give them a good scrub! Slice them as thinly as possible. Like I said, a mandoline slicer makes this super easy, but a sharp knife works just fine. If you’re using regular cucumbers with large seeds, you might want to scoop the seeds out first, as they can make the salad a bit watery.
Step 2: Slice the Onion (Optional)
If you’re using red onion, slice it very thinly. I usually soak the sliced onion in cold water for about 10 minutes to mellow out the flavor a bit. Raw red onion can be a little overpowering, so this helps to tame it.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
In a medium bowl, whisk together the sour cream (or Greek yogurt), white vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. Make sure everything is well combined and the sugar is completely dissolved. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. You might want to add a little more sugar if you like it sweeter, or a little more vinegar if you want it tangier.
Step 4: Combine Everything
In a large bowl, gently combine the sliced cucumbers, red onion (if using), and chopped dill. Pour the dressing over the cucumber mixture and toss gently to coat everything evenly. Be careful not to overmix, as this can cause the cucumbers to break down and become mushy.
Step 5: Chill Out
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or even better, for a week. Is it possible to have a How do cucumbers release moisture? Before serving, give the salad another gentle toss.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your What is a cucumber salad recipe? cold and enjoy! It’s the perfect side dish for any summer meal. It also tastes great alongside things like potato salad or even a simple burger!
What is the best way to serve it?
This What are some good cucumber salad recipes?Is incredibly versatile and pairs well with so many different dishes! What are some of my favorite ways to serve it?For a BBQ: This is a classic side dish for barbecued ribs, grilled chicken, or hamburgers. The cool, refreshing salad provides a nice contrast to the smoky, savory flavors of the grilled meats.
With Seafood: It’s also delicious with grilled or pan-seared fish, like salmon or cod. The tangy dressing complements the delicate flavor of the fish perfectly.
As a Light Lunch: On a hot day, I often enjoy this salad as a light and refreshing lunch. I might add a few slices of avocado or some grilled shrimp to make it a bit more substantial.
In Sandwiches: Surprisingly, it makes a fantastic addition to sandwiches! Try adding it to a turkey or ham sandwich for a burst of freshness and flavor.
My family loves having this alongside a simple grilled cheese for dinner on a hot night. It’s the perfect way to cool down!
How do I make a perfect cucumber salad?
Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks for making the *best* What is a cucumber salad recipe?What are my top tips?How do I salt cucumbers?If you want to ensure that your salad isn’t too watery, try salting the sliced cucumbers before serving. How do you add them to a dressing? Place the sliced cucumbers in a colander, sprinkle them with salt, and let them sit for about 30 minutes. The salt will draw out excess moisture. How do you wash cucumbers?Don’t Overmix: Be gentle when mixing the salad. Overmixing can cause the cucumbers to break down and become mushy.
Make it Ahead: This salad is best when it’s been chilled for at least 30 minutes, but you can also make it a day or two in advance. Just keep in mind that the cucumbers will release more moisture as they sit, so you might want to drain off any excess liquid before serving. I actually find the flavor deepens over time.
Experiment with Herbs: While dill is the classic herb for cucumber salad, feel free to experiment with other herbs like parsley, chives, or even mint.
Add a Little Spice: For a little kick, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing.
Try Different Vinegars: While white vinegar is my go-to, you can also use apple cider vinegar, rice vinegar, or even a squeeze of lemon juice for a slightly different flavor profile.
One mistake I made early on was using regular yogurt instead of greek yogurt for the dressing. It was WAY too runny. Greek yogurt is the way to go!
Storing and Reheating Tips
This cucumber salad recipe is best enjoyed fresh, but it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Here are a few tips for storing it properly:
Store in an airtight container: To prevent the salad from drying out, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Drain off excess liquid: As the salad sits, the cucumbers will release more moisture. You can drain off any excess liquid before serving to prevent the salad from becoming too watery.
Don’t freeze: I don’t recommend freezing cucumber salad, as the cucumbers will become mushy and the dressing will separate.
Reheating: This salad is best served cold, so reheating is not recommended. Just give it a gentle toss and enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it – my Grandma Rose’s famous cucumber salad recipe! It’s a simple, refreshing, and incredibly delicious dish that’s perfect for any summer occasion. What I love most about this recipe is that it’s so easy to customize to your own taste. Feel free to experiment with different herbs, vegetables, or even a little bit of spice to make it your own.
If you’re looking for other refreshing summer salads, be sure to check out my recipes for classic potato salad and creamy coleslaw.
I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Be sure to leave a comment below and let me know what you think. And if you make any variations, I’d love to hear about them too. Happy cooking!
Cucumber Salad Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups sliced cucumbers
- 0.5 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 0.25 cup chopped fresh dill
- 0.25 cup white wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Combine cucumbers, red onion, and dill in a medium bowl.
- In a small bowl, whisk together vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Pour dressing over cucumber mixture and toss to combine.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
