Mom’s Classic Creamy Cucumber Salad Side Dish 🥒✨🥗
1. Introduction
When it comes to refreshing, cool, and creamy side dishes, creamy cucumber salad reigns supreme. This classic cucumber salad recipe combines crisp cucumbers with a velvety dressing, making it an ideal accompaniment for summer barbecues, picnics, or any meal needing a light and flavorful boost. Not only is this cucumber salad side dish easy to prepare, but it also offers a delightful balance of tangy and creamy flavors that everyone will love. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, this recipe is guaranteed to become a favorite.
2. Ingredients for Mom’s Classic Creamy Cucumber Salad
- 4 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 1 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon honey or sugar
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Optional: a pinch of garlic powder for extra flavor
3. Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Creamy Cucumber Salad
Prepare the Cucumbers
Start by washing the cucumbers thoroughly. Slice them thinly using a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer for uniformity. Place the sliced cucumbers in a large mixing bowl.
Make the Creamy Dressing
In a separate bowl, combine the sour cream (or Greek yogurt), mayonnaise, lemon juice, honey (or sugar), and a pinch of garlic powder if desired. Whisk until smooth and well-blended.
Combine and Mix
Add the sliced red onion and chopped dill to the cucumbers. Pour the creamy dressing over the mixture and toss gently to coat all the cucumber slices evenly. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Chill and Serve
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. Serve chilled as a perfect side dish for grilled meats or sandwiches.
4. Storage Tips for Creamy Cucumber Salad
This classic cucumber salad is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Due to the creamy dressing, it may soften over time, so it’s ideal to serve soon after preparation for optimal crispness and freshness.
5. Serving Suggestions for Your Cucumber Salad Side Dish
This cucumber salad side dish pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish, as well as with hearty sandwiches or wraps. For a Mediterranean twist, serve it alongside pita bread and hummus. To add more variety, consider serving it with other refreshing salads such as zesty citrus shrimp salad or creamy peaches fluff salad.
6. Tips and Tricks for a Perfect Creamy Cucumber Salad
- Use thinly sliced cucumbers for a delicate texture.
- Fresh dill enhances the flavor, but you can substitute with parsley or chives if needed.
- Adjust sweetness and acidity to your taste—add more lemon juice or honey accordingly.
- For extra crunch, sprinkle some chopped nuts or seeds before serving.
7. Kitchen tools that you might need for this recipe
- Mandoline slicer: Achieve perfectly thin cucumber slices with ease. It makes prep faster and more consistent, ensuring your salad looks professionally prepared.
- Mixing bowls: A good set of bowls is essential for mixing your creamy dressing and tossing the salad ingredients smoothly. Invest in stainless steel or glass for durability and easy cleaning.
- Whisk: Perfect for blending your dressing ingredients into a smooth, creamy consistency that coats the cucumbers beautifully.
- Sharp knife or garlic mincer: For slicing onions and herbs finely, making your preparation quick and effortless.
8. Frequently Asked Questions about Creamy Cucumber Salad
Can I substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream?
Yes, Greek yogurt is a healthy and tasty alternative that adds creaminess and tang. It can also make the salad lower in fat and calories.
How long does this salad last?
Stored properly in the refrigerator, the salad stays fresh for up to 2 days. After that, the cucumbers may become limp, and the dressing could separate slightly.
Can I make this vegan?
Absolutely! Use plant-based sour cream or vegan yogurt and vegan mayonnaise to keep it dairy-free while maintaining the creamy texture.
How long does it take to prepare?
The entire process takes about 15-20 minutes, making it a quick and easy side dish perfect for last-minute gatherings.
9. Conclusion
Mom’s classic creamy cucumber salad is a timeless side dish that combines fresh, crisp cucumbers with a luscious, tangy dressing. Its simple ingredients and easy steps make it a go-to recipe for summer meals or any occasion that calls for a refreshing, light cucumber salad side dish. Incorporate this recipe into your culinary repertoire and enjoy the cooling, delightful flavors it offers. For more inspiration on delicious salads and sides, check out our collection of salad recipes.
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Mom’s Classic Creamy Cucumber Salad Side Dish
Mom’s Classic Creamy Cucumber Salad Side Dish is a refreshing, cool, and tangy salad featuring crisp cucumbers coated in a velvety creamy dressing. Perfect for summer barbecues, picnics, and light meals, this easy-to-make cucumber salad offers a delightful balance of flavors, making it a favorite side dish for any occasion.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 4 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 1 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon honey or sugar
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Optional: a pinch of garlic powder for extra flavor
Instructions
- Start by washing the cucumbers thoroughly. Slice them thinly using a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer for uniformity. Place the sliced cucumbers in a large mixing bowl.
- In a separate bowl, combine the sour cream (or Greek yogurt), mayonnaise, lemon juice, honey (or sugar), and a pinch of garlic powder if desired. Whisk until smooth and well-blended.
- Add the sliced red onion and chopped dill to the cucumbers. Pour the creamy dressing over the mixture and toss gently to coat all the cucumber slices evenly. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. Serve chilled as a perfect side dish for grilled meats or sandwiches.
Notes
- Use thinly sliced cucumbers for a delicate texture.
- Fresh dill enhances the flavor, but you can substitute with parsley or chives if needed.
- Adjust sweetness and acidity to your taste—add more lemon juice or honey accordingly.
- For extra crunch, sprinkle some chopped nuts or seeds before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 120 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg