Cucumber Salad: A simple, yet deliciously refreshing dish, perfect for any meal. Made with crisp cucumbers, tangy vinegar, and a blend of herbs and seasonings. Optional sour cream adds a creamy twist. Ideal with grilled meats, seafood, or as a standalone treat for lunch or dinner.
Begin by thoroughly washing the cucumbers and patting them dry. Then, slice them into small, thin circular pieces and set aside. If you plan to sweat the cucumbers, refer to the notes provided.
Preparing Vinegar-Based Cucumber Salad
Mix red wine vinegar, salt, sugar, black pepper, garlic powder, dill leaves, and cilantro in a bowl until well combined. Then, add cucumber and red onion, ensuring all ingredients are thoroughly mixed. Allow the mixture to rest for 15 to 30 minutes, and your vinegar-only Cucumber Salad will be ready to enjoy.
Preparing Creamy Cucumber Salad
In a bowl, mix sour cream, red wine vinegar, salt, sugar, black pepper, garlic powder, dill leaves, and cilantro until well combined. Add the sliced cucumber and red onion to this creamy mixture, ensuring everything is well incorporated. Let it rest for 15 to 30 minutes. Your creamy Cucumber Salad is now ready to enjoy.
Serving
Serve this versatile Cucumber Salad as a refreshing side or light main course. For more pairing ideas, refer to the serving suggestions section below.
Notes
Here are some valuable tips to perfect your Cucumber Salad:
Preparing the Ingredients:
Sweating Cucumbers (Optional): For a crisper texture, sprinkle a bit of salt on the cucumber slices and let them sit for about 10 minutes to draw out excess water. This step is optional and can be skipped for a juicier salad or if serving immediately.
Prevent a Watery Salad: If you're not sweating the cucumbers, another way to prevent a watery salad is to remove the seeds from the cucumbers. This can be easily done by slicing them in half lengthwise and scooping out the seeds with a spoon.
Add a Crunch: For an added crunch, consider including thinly sliced bell peppers or radishes. This not only adds texture but also enhances the visual appeal of the salad.
Perfecting the Dressing:
Adding Cucumber and Onion (Creamy Version): To keep the cucumbers crunchy and onions fresh, mix them into the dressing just before serving. This prevents them from softening.
Seasoning and Consistency Adjustments: Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Feel free to add more salt, pepper, or herbs to suit your palate.
Dressing Consistency: For the creamy version, ensure the dressing is not too thick or thin. If it's too thick, it can be thinned out with a little milk or water. If too thin, a bit more sour cream or Greek yogurt can help achieve the right consistency.
Chill the Salad: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This chilling period allows the flavors to meld together and intensifies the refreshing quality of the cucumbers.
Acidic Balance: If using vinegar in the dressing, adjust the amount according to the desired level of acidity. Some prefer a more pronounced tangy flavor, while others might like it milder.
Herb Variations: While dill and coriander are suggested, feel free to experiment with other herbs like parsley, mint, or basil for different flavor profiles.