Description
This Creamy Cucumber Salad is a refreshing and light summer side dish that’s easy to prepare. Featuring thinly sliced cucumbers tossed in a smooth dressing of sour cream, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and fresh dill, it offers a perfect balance of creaminess and tang. Optional ingredients like red onion, garlic, and parsley add extra flavor and freshness, making it an ideal accompaniment to grilled meats, sandwiches, or a light meal on its own.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad
- 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced (peeled or unpeeled based on preference)
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
Dressing
- ½ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a lighter version)
- ¼ cup mayonnaise (optional, for extra creaminess)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar)
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, for sweetness)
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
- 1 clove garlic, minced (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Cucumbers: Wash the cucumbers thoroughly. Peel them if desired, then slice thinly. Place the slices in a large mixing bowl. Optionally, sprinkle with salt and let sit for 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture, then pat dry with a paper towel.
- Make Dressing: In a small bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise (if using), apple cider vinegar, sugar, and chopped dill. Whisk everything together until smooth. Season the dressing with salt and pepper to taste. If you like a hint of garlic, stir in the minced garlic as well.
- Toss Salad: Add the cucumber slices to the bowl with the dressing. Toss gently to ensure all slices are evenly coated. If using red onion, add it at this stage and mix carefully to combine.
- Chill: For optimal flavor, refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Serve: Give the salad a final gentle toss before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or additional dill if desired. Serve chilled and enjoy this crisp, creamy side dish!
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute mayonnaise with extra Greek yogurt or omit it entirely.
- Peeling cucumbers is optional; leaving the skin on adds texture and nutrients.
- Salt the cucumbers and let them sit to prevent excess water from diluting the dressing.
- Adjust sugar quantity or omit it based on personal taste and dietary needs.
- Adding minced garlic enhances flavor but can be skipped for a milder salad.
- Use fresh dill for the best flavor, but dried dill works in a pinch.
- This salad is best served chilled and consumed within 24-48 hours for freshness.
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