When the heat of summer sets in, there’s nothing quite like a refreshing salad to balance out those warm, sunny days. This Creamy Cucumber Salad, with its crisp cucumbers and tangy dressing, is a perfect side dish for picnics, barbecues, or a light weekday lunch. The addition of fresh dill and a hint of garlic elevates the simple ingredients, creating a dish that’s both invigorating and satisfying. This salad is not only easy to make but also wonderfully versatile, complementing a wide range of main dishes from grilled meats to vegetarian fare.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 lbs cucumbers
- 1/2 medium purple or yellow onion
- 1 tablespoon fresh or frozen dill
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- Pinch of black pepper
Preparation Time:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Chill Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Instructions:
- Prepare the Cucumbers: Start by washing the cucumbers thoroughly. Slice them thinly for a delicate bite. You can peel the cucumbers if preferred, or leave the skin on to add extra texture and a pop of color to your dish.
- Chop the Onion: Peel and finely chop the onion. A purple onion will add a vibrant contrast, while a yellow onion gives a milder flavor.
- Mix Vegetables and Herbs: In a mixing bowl, combine the thinly sliced cucumbers, chopped onion, and dill. The dill can be fresh or frozen, whichever you have on hand, but fresh dill will give a more potent flavor.
- Create the Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together the sour cream, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, sea salt, and a pinch of black pepper until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Combine and Chill: Pour the creamy dressing over the cucumber mixture and toss gently until everything is evenly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Final Toss and Serve: Before serving, give the salad a final toss to refresh the coating of the dressing on the cucumbers and onions.
Serving Suggestions
This Creamy Cucumber Salad is a versatile dish that pairs wonderfully with a variety of meals. Serve it alongside grilled chicken, fish, or steak to add a refreshing element to your plate. It’s also a perfect companion for a vegetarian spread, pairing nicely with quinoa dishes or grilled vegetable skewers. For a casual lunch, serve it atop a bed of mixed greens or as a cooling side with spicy dishes to balance the heat.
Cooking Tips
- Cucumber Selection: Choose firm, medium-sized cucumbers for the best texture. English cucumbers are ideal as they have fewer seeds and a thinner skin, but regular garden cucumbers work just as well if deseeded.
- Onion Sharpness: If the flavor of raw onion is too strong, you can soak the chopped onion in cold water for about 10 minutes before adding it to the salad. This process mellows the sharpness.
- Dressing Consistency: Adjust the consistency of the dressing with a little more sour cream or lemon juice to suit your taste. For a lighter version, you can substitute Greek yogurt for the sour cream.
- Chilling Time: Letting the salad chill for longer than 30 minutes can enhance the flavors even more, making it a great make-ahead dish for gatherings.
Nutritional Benefits
Cucumbers are very hydrating and low in calories, making them a great choice for weight management and hydration. They also provide small amounts of vitamins K and C, potassium, and magnesium. The addition of sour cream adds a dose of calcium and protein, while the garlic and onion offer anti-inflammatory benefits and help boost the immune system.
Dietary Information
This recipe is vegetarian and gluten-free. For a vegan version, use a plant-based sour cream substitute. The salad can also be made with low-fat sour cream or yogurt to reduce the calorie content while maintaining the creamy texture.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll love this Creamy Cucumber Salad for its simplicity, refreshing taste, and versatility. It’s quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy days or last-minute meal planning. The combination of crisp cucumbers, tangy sour cream, and the zesty flavor of fresh dill and lemon juice makes it a delightful addition to any meal.
Conclusion
The Creamy Cucumber Salad is more than just a side dish; it’s a celebration of fresh, vibrant flavors that bring a touch of elegance to everyday meals. It’s perfect for those who appreciate recipes that require minimal effort but deliver maximum flavor. Whether you’re looking to impress at a dinner party or simply want to add a refreshing touch to your meal, this salad is sure to satisfy. Enjoy the cool, creamy texture and the rich, tangy flavors that make this dish a perennial favorite.