Cucumber Salad is an easy-to-make, refreshing, and healthy dish. It typically consists of fresh cucumbers, vinegar, sugar, salt, herbs, and basic seasonings, and can also be prepared with sour cream for a creamy version. This Cucumber Salad is one of the best and easiest salads to make, pairing well with grilled meats, fried chicken dishes, seafood, and more, making it perfect for both lunch and dinner.
The recipe provided below offers instructions for making Cucumber Salad using a vinegar-based dressing, as well as a creamy variation. Additionally, I have included a detailed video below that visually guides you through the entire process, ensuring clarity and ease of preparation.
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What is Cucumber Salad?
Cucumber Salad is a refreshing, creamy, and healthy dish that is perfect for summer. This salad features crisp and cool cucumbers, tangy onions, and a dressing made with vinegar or sour cream. Additional seasonings include garlic powder, black pepper, salt, and a touch of sugar to enhance the flavors. The salad is best served chilled as a vegetable side dish for meats, seafood dishes, fried chicken dishes, and sandwiches, or as a light lunch option.
There are two ways of making Cucumber Salad, one is the vinegar-based version and the other is the creamy version. The vinegar-based version of the Cucumber Salad involves combining sliced cucumbers, onions, and vinegar (such as red wine vinegar or white vinegar), along with a sprinkle of salt, sugar, black pepper, and garlic powder. This version emphasizes a tangy and refreshing flavor profile, with the vinegar adding a zesty kick to the salad. It is a popular choice for those seeking a lighter and more acidic taste.
While the creamy version of Cucumber Salad features the same base ingredients of sliced cucumbers and onions. However, it deviates from the vinegar-based version by incorporating a creamy dressing, often made with sour cream, Greek yogurt, or mayonnaise. This dressing adds a rich and smooth texture to the salad, while also providing a milder and more indulgent flavor. The creamy Cucumber Salad is particularly favored by those who enjoy a creamier and slightly tangy taste experience.
In comparison to the classic vinegar-based cucumber salad, the creamy version offers a pleasant twist. The creamy dressing adds a luscious and velvety texture to the salad, creating a satisfying flavor. The dressing also helps to mellow the sharpness of the onions, resulting in a more balanced flavor profile. The combination of the creamy dressing with the crispness of the cucumbers creates a balanced blend of textures and flavors that is truly enjoyable.
One of the remarkable aspects of Cucumber salad is its versatility. You can easily customize it by adding different herbs like dill or coriander, or even incorporating other veggies like tomatoes or bell peppers for added freshness and color. It can be served as a side dish at picnics or potlucks and is a great option for those seeking a lighter and healthier dinner alternative to heavier salads. Its simplicity and adaptability make it a go-to dish for any occasion.
Whether you are looking for a healthy salad option, a refreshing side dish, or a versatile addition to your summer menu, Cucumber Salad is the perfect choice. Try this recipe and indulge in the fresh flavors of this nutritious salad. It's time to treat your taste buds and enjoy the goodness of fresh ingredients in every bite.
Ingredients & Substitutions
The ingredients you will need for making Cucumber Salad are basic produces and some seasoning powders. Let's see what they are below.
- Cucumber: Cucumbers add a refreshing and crisp texture to the salad. They have a mild and slightly sweet flavor
- Onion: Onions provide a sharp and pungent flavor to the salad. They add a hint of spiciness and tanginess
- Sour Cream (for creamy version): Sour cream adds a creamy and tangy flavor to the salad. It provides a rich and smooth texture. If you're looking for a substitute for sour cream, you can try using plain Greek yogurt. It has a similar creamy texture and tangy flavor. Alternatively, you can also use mayonnaise, but keep in mind that it will alter the taste slightly
- Garlic Powder: Garlic powder adds a savory and aromatic flavor to the salad. It enhances the overall taste
- Black Pepper Powder: Black pepper adds subtle heat and a slight spiciness to the salad
- Salt: Salt enhances the flavors of all the ingredients and balances the overall taste
- Sugar: Sugar helps to balance the tanginess and acidity in the salad. It adds a touch of sweetness
- Red Wine Vinegar: Red wine vinegar adds a tangy and slightly acidic flavor to the salad. It helps to brighten the overall taste and adds a subtle depth of flavor. You can also use regular vinegar if red wine vinegar is not handy for you
- Fresh Dill Leaves: Dill leaves have a fresh, herbal, and slightly sweet flavor. They add a delicate taste and aroma to the salad
- Coriander Leaves (Cilantro): Coriander leaves have a citrusy and slightly earthy flavor. They add a bright and refreshing element to the salad
For a detailed ingredients list, please check out the recipe card below.
How to Make Cucumber Salad at Home?
The recipe I have shared here is Cucumber Salad, a refreshing and tangy dish. It is made with crisp cucumbers with either vinegar dressing or sour cream dressing. It adds a burst of freshness, making it a perfect side dish for any meal.
While the recipe card focuses on the preparation of the creamy version of the Cucumber Salad, I have also provided instructions below on how to make the vinegar-only version.
Below are the high-level instructions for this recipe, but for detailed step-by-step instructions with photos and a video, please see the recipe card below.
Cucumber Salad with Vinegar
- Prepare the Cucumbers: Start by thoroughly washing the cucumbers to remove any dirt or residue. Once washed, gently pat them dry using a clean kitchen towel
- Slice the Cucumbers: Using a knife, carefully slice the cucumbers into small, thin circular pieces. While English cucumbers are commonly used for their thin and crisp texture, for this recipe, I have opted for garden cucumbers, which can provide a delightful flavor
- Mixing the Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers, sliced onions, 4.5x red wine, or white vinegar as mentioned in the recipe card, salt, sugar, black pepper, garlic powder, dill, and coriander leaves
- Allow it to Rest: Let the cucumbers and red onions rest in the mixture for at least 15 to 30 minutes. This resting period allows the flavors to blend and develop a harmonious taste
- Serve: Serve the Cucumber Salad with your favorite dishes of your choice
Creamy Cucumber Salad
- Prep Cucumber: For making Creamy Cucumber Salad, same as the vinegar version wash and slice the cucumber. Also, slice the red onion and set it aside for later use
- Optional step: To sweat the cucumbers, you can sprinkle them with a few pinches of salt. This process draws out excess water from the cucumbers, resulting in a crisper texture and a more concentrated flavor. After salting the cucumbers, allow them to rest for approximately 10 minutes. This step is optional and can be skipped if you plan to serve the salad immediately. However, if you wish to store the salad for a longer duration or prefer a drier texture, sweating the cucumbers can be beneficial
- Combine the ingredients: In a bowl, combine the sour cream, red wine vinegar, salt, sugar, black pepper, garlic powder, dill leaves, and coriander leaves. Mix well until all the ingredients are thoroughly mixed
- Mix cucumber & onion: Now, add the previously sliced onion and cucumber to the bowl containing the creamy mixture. Give everything a gentle but thorough mix, ensuring that the cucumbers and onions are evenly coated with the creamy dressing
- Serve: Now the creamy Cucumber Salad is ready for you to enjoy
Tips
- Choose the right cucumbers: Opt for cucumbers that are firm, and fresh. English cucumbers or garden cucumbers work well in this salad
- Properly wash and dry the cucumbers: Thoroughly wash the cucumbers under running water to remove any dirt or residue. After washing, pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel to ensure the dressing adheres well to the cucumber slices.
- Slice the cucumbers uniformly: Slice the cucumbers into small, thin circular pieces for consistent texture and presentation. Uniform slices also help in delivering an even coating with the creamy dressing
- Sweating the cucumbers (optional): If desired, sprinkle the cucumber slices with a pinch of salt and let them rest for about 10 minutes. This process helps draw out excess water from the cucumbers, resulting in a crisper texture. However, it's optional and can be skipped if you prefer a juicier salad or plan to serve it immediately
- Use fresh ingredients for the dressing: Ensure that the sour cream, red wine vinegar, and spices used in the dressing are fresh. This will enhance the flavor and overall quality of the salad
- Mix the dressing thoroughly: Take the time to mix the sour cream, red wine vinegar, salt, sugar, black pepper, garlic powder, dill leaves, and coriander leaves well. This will ensure that all the flavors are evenly spread throughout the creamy dressing
- Add the cucumber and onion just before serving(for the creamy version): To maintain the crunchiness of the cucumbers and the freshness of the onions, it's best to add them to the dressing shortly before serving. This will help retain their texture and prevent them from becoming too soft
- Adjust seasoning and consistency: Taste the salad before serving and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add more salt, pepper, or herbs according to your preference
Storage Suggestions
The vinegar-based Cucumber Salad can be stored in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days in an airtight container. Before serving any stored salad, give it a gentle toss to redistribute the flavors. While the texture of the cucumbers may soften slightly after storage, the salad should still be enjoyable within the recommended timeframe.
While the creamy Cucumber Salad is best served immediately for optimal freshness. However, if you intend to store it in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days, I recommend sweating the cucumbers. Sweating the cucumbers involves sprinkling them with a pinch of salt to draw out excess water. This step helps maintain the salad's texture and prevents it from becoming watery over time.
Serving Suggestions
Cucumber Salad pairs well with a variety of dishes. Here are some suggestions for what you can serve with it:
- Roasted or baked meats: Serve this salad alongside roasted chicken, tandoori chicken, baked chicken thighs, and baked leg quarters. The cool and refreshing flavors of the salad complement the smoky and savory flavors of the grilled meats
- Seafood dishes: It goes well with seafood dishes such as baked salmon, shrimp skewers, seared scallops, or baked tilapia fillets. The crisp and creamy salad provides a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of seafood
- Roasted vegetables: Pair the salad with a side of roasted vegetables such as roasted carrots, cauliflower, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus. The creamy dressing adds a cooling element to the roasted flavors and textures
- Sandwiches and wraps: Use the salad as a topping or spread for sandwiches and wraps. It adds a fresh and tangy flavor to classics like turkey, chicken, or tuna sandwiches, or even vegetarian options like falafel wraps or hummus wraps
- Mediterranean or Middle Eastern dishes: Serve the salad with Mediterranean or Middle Eastern dishes such as falafel, tabbouleh, hummus, baba ganoush, or pita bread. The cool and creamy cucumber salad complements the flavors of these cuisines
Related Recipes
You could also find cucumber recipes below and more at salad and side dish recipes.
- Fruit Salad
- Coleslaw Salad
- Cobb Salad
- Chicken Salad
- Caesar Salad
- Chickpea Salad
- Pasta Salad
- Potato Salad
- Greek Salad
- Broccoli Salad
- Tzatziki Sauce
- Cucumber Juice
- Cucumber Water
Cucumber Salad Recipe Video
I have also shared a detailed video of this Creamy Cucumber Salad recipe below that I hope will help you make an easy salad at home. For the vinegar version please check the dedicated section above. You can also find this recipe in a story format.
📖 Recipe
Cucumber Salad
Ingredients
- 2 Cucumber, medium size, English cucumber or garden cucumber
- 1 cup Sour Cream, or Greek Yogurt, for creamy version only
- ½ cup Red Onion, sliced
- 1 tsp Sugar
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder, or finely minced fresh garlic
- ½ tsp Black Pepper Powder
- 2 tsp Red Wine Vinegar, for creamy version. 4.5x for vinegar version.
- 2 tsp Dill Leaves, chopped
- 2 tsp Coriander Leaves, chopped
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
To make Cucumber Salad
- Start by washing the cucumbers thoroughly and patting them dry. Proceed to slice the cucumber into small, thin circular pieces and set them aside for later use (see notes if you plan to sweat the cucumbers)
- For creamy version, combine the sour cream, red wine vinegar, salt, sugar, black pepper, garlic powder, dill leaves, and coriander leaves in a bowl. Mix well until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined (For vinegar only version, skip the sour cream and use 4.5x vinegar. Add cucumber and red onion in a bowl and mix all the ingredients well with it. Rest the mixture for at least 15 to 30 minutes and the vinegar only version will be ready for you to enjoy)
- Next, add the sliced onion and cucumber to the creamy mixture and give everything a good mix. The refreshing creamy Cucumber Salad is now ready for you to enjoy
To Serve
- Serve this Cucumber Salad alongside grilled salmon, baked salmon, roasted chicken, tandoori chicken, baked leg quarters, baked chicken thighs, or other roasted or grilled meats of your choice
Video
Notes
- Choose the right cucumbers: Opt for cucumbers that are firm, and fresh. English cucumbers or garden cucumbers work well in this salad
- Properly wash and dry the cucumbers: Thoroughly wash the cucumbers under running water to remove any dirt or residue. After washing, pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel to ensure the dressing adheres well to the cucumber slices
- Slice the cucumbers uniformly: Slice the cucumbers into small, thin circular pieces for consistent texture and presentation. Uniform slices also help in delivering an even coating with the creamy dressing
- Sweating the cucumbers (optional): If desired, sprinkle the cucumber slices with a pinch of salt and let them rest for about 10 minutes. This process helps draw out excess water from the cucumbers, resulting in a crisper texture. However, it's optional and can be skipped if you prefer a juicier salad or plan to serve it immediately
- Use fresh ingredients for the dressing: Ensure that the sour cream, red wine vinegar, and spices used in the dressing are fresh. This will enhance the flavor and overall quality of the salad
- Mix the dressing thoroughly: Take the time to mix the sour cream, red wine vinegar, salt, sugar, black pepper, garlic powder, dill leaves, and coriander leaves well. This will ensure that all the flavors are evenly spread throughout the creamy dressing
- Add the cucumber and onion just before serving(for the creamy version): To maintain the crunchiness of the cucumbers and the freshness of the onions, it's best to add them to the dressing shortly before serving. This will help retain their texture and prevent them from becoming too soft
- Adjust seasoning and consistency: Taste the salad before serving and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add more salt, pepper, or herbs according to your preference
Nutrition
FAQ
Yes, you can make Cucumber Salad without sour cream. Two alternatives you can use are plain Greek yogurt or mayonnaise, which provide a similar creamy texture and tangy flavor. You can experiment with these substitutions to find the option that suits your taste and dietary preferences.
To sweat the cucumber and remove excess water, slice or dice it, sprinkle salt over the pieces, and let them sit in a colander for 10-15 minutes. Rinse the cucumber under cold water and pat it dry before using it in the salad. Sweating the cucumber helps reduce water content, preserving the desired texture and flavors of the salad.
Yes, you can make a Cucumber Salad without sour cream and with vinegar. Thinly slice cucumbers and onions, then dress them with a mixture of red wine vinegar, olive oil, sugar, salt, and pepper. Let the salad marinate in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving for a tangy and refreshing dish. Note: You can sweat the cucumber before dressing it with the vinegar mixture.
I hope you found the recipe enjoyable and I would appreciate hearing about your experience with it.
If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to leave a comment and I will do my best to respond promptly. Thank you for reading and happy cooking!
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