Quick & Creamy 15-Minute Cucumber Salad 🥒✨🌿
1. Introduction
Looking for a light, refreshing, and super simple dish to cool off during hot days? Our quick cucumber salad recipe is perfect for you! This 15-minute cucumber salad combines crispy cucumbers with a creamy, tangy dressing, making it an ideal side dish or appetizer. Whether you’re short on time or just craving something fresh and healthy, this creamy cucumber salad delivers immense flavor with minimal effort. Keep reading to master this easy recipe and discover tips to elevate your salad game!
2. Ingredients for a Delicious Cucumber Salad
- 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey or sugar (optional for a hint of sweetness)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Fresh dill or parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Red onion slices (optional)
3. Step-by-Step Instructions for Making a Creamy Cucumber Salad
Prepare the Cucumbers
Begin by washing the cucumbers thoroughly. Slice them thinly using a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer for uniform pieces. Place the sliced cucumbers in a large mixing bowl.
Mix the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream or Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice or vinegar, minced garlic, and honey or sugar if using. This creates the rich and tangy base for your cool cucumber salad.
Combine and Toss
Pour the dressing over the sliced cucumbers. Add chopped dill or parsley, and season with salt and pepper. Toss everything gently until the cucumbers are evenly coated with the creamy dressing.
Chill or Serve Immediately
For best flavor, let the salad sit in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Serve chilled and enjoy your quick cucumber salad!
4. Storage Tips for Your Cucumber Salad
Keep the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The cucumbers may release some water over time, so give it a quick stir before serving again. Because this 15-minute cucumber salad is best enjoyed fresh, avoid storing it for extended periods to maintain its crisp texture.
5. Serving Suggestions for the Best Cucumber Salad Experience
This creamy cucumber salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, such as southern fried chicken, or can be served as a light lunch on its own. It also complements tacos, wraps, or summer barbecues. For added crunch, sprinkle toasted nuts or seeds on top, or serve alongside a fresh slice of bread or pita.
6. Variations and Tips for Your Cucumber Salad
- For a vegan alternative, substitute Greek yogurt with coconut or almond-based yogurt.
- Add thinly sliced red onion or radishes for an extra flavor punch.
- For a spicy kick, include chopped chili peppers or a dash of hot sauce in the dressing.
- Experiment with herbs like basil or mint for different aromatic flavors.
7. Frequently Asked Questions about Cucumber Salad
Can I use different types of cucumbers?
Yes, English cucumbers or Persian cucumbers work great because they are less seedy and have thinner skin. Regular slicing cukes are fine too—just peel if needed.
Is this cucumber salad suitable for gluten-free or keto diets?
Absolutely! With simple ingredients, this creamy cucumber salad is naturally gluten-free and keto-friendly. Just ensure your dressings are free from additives if buying pre-made.
How long does it take to prepare this salad?
This 15-minute cucumber salad is perfect for quick meals or last-minute gatherings. Prepare and serve in just about 15 minutes!
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, but for optimal crispness, it’s best to prepare it shortly before serving. If needed, prepare the dressing and cucumbers separately, then combine just before serving.
8. Kitchen tools that you might need for this recipe
- Mandoline Slicer — Achieve perfectly thin cucumbers with ease, making your 15-minute cucumber salad look professional and evenly sliced. This tool speeds up preparation and ensures consistent thickness.
- Mixing Bowls Set — A versatile set simplifies tossing your salad and mixing dressings. Durable bowls are a must-have in any kitchen.
- Whisk — For smoothly blending the creamy dressing, a good whisk makes all the difference in creating a silky consistency.
- Chef’s Knife — Sharp and comfortable, an excellent knife makes quick work of slicing cucumbers and prepping herbs, ensuring your salad is ready in minutes.
9. Conclusion
In just 15 minutes, you can create a fresh, creamy cucumber salad that will delight your taste buds and impress your guests. With simple ingredients and easy steps, this quick cucumber salad is perfect for busy weeknights or as a refreshing addition to your outdoor barbecue. Experiment with variations, discover your favorite flavor combinations, and enjoy this healthy, cooling dish anytime you need a quick and delicious side. Happy salad-making!
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Quick & Creamy 15-Minute Cucumber Salad
Discover the delightful and easy-to-make Quick & Creamy 15-Minute Cucumber Salad, a refreshing dish perfect for hot days. This healthy, creamy cucumber salad features crisp cucumbers mixed with a tangy, flavorful dressing, making it an ideal side dish or appetizer that comes together in just 15 minutes. Perfect for quick meals, summer barbecues, or light lunches, this recipe offers a cooling sensation and an explosion of flavors with minimal effort. Elevate your salad game with this simple yet delicious recipe that is sure to impress family and friends alike.
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey or sugar (optional for a hint of sweetness)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Fresh dill or parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Red onion slices (optional)
Instructions
- Begin by washing the cucumbers thoroughly. Slice them thinly using a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer for uniform pieces. Place the sliced cucumbers in a large mixing bowl.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream or Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice or vinegar, minced garlic, and honey or sugar if using. This creates the rich and tangy base for your cool cucumber salad.
- Pour the dressing over the sliced cucumbers. Add chopped dill or parsley, and season with salt and pepper. Toss everything gently until the cucumbers are evenly coated with the creamy dressing.
- For best flavor, let the salad sit in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Serve chilled and enjoy your quick cucumber salad!
Notes
- Keep the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- The cucumbers may release some water over time, so give it a quick stir before serving again.
- For optimal crispness, prepare just before serving, or store the dressing and cucumbers separately and combine just before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten-Free, Keto, Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 110 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg