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Creamy Cucumber Salad

Creamy Cucumber Salad
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This creamy cucumber salad is a refreshing and indulgently rich side dish that combines crisp cucumbers with a luscious, velvety dressing. Perfect for hot summer days, family gatherings, or as a simple yet elegant accompaniment, this recipe balances cool freshness with creamy tanginess. Easy to prepare with simple ingredients, it is customizable with herbs, spices, and optional add-ins for a personalized twist.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 2 large English cucumbers or 3 Persian cucumbers, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar (white wine or apple cider)
  • Salt to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Optional Ingredients

  • ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion or scallions
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper or drizzle of sriracha (for spicy variation)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint, basil, or parsley (herb variation)
  • 2 tablespoons toasted almonds or sunflower seeds (for added crunch)
  • ½ diced avocado (for extra creaminess)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cucumbers: Wash the cucumbers thoroughly. Peel them if desired, then slice thinly using a sharp knife or mandoline. For an extra crisp bite, sprinkle the cucumber slices with salt and let them sit for about 10 minutes. Afterward, gently pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
  2. Make the Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together sour cream or Greek yogurt with freshly minced garlic, lemon juice or vinegar, chopped dill, salt, and black pepper. Adjust the dressing’s consistency by adding a splash of water or milk if it feels too thick.
  3. Combine Salad and Dressing: Gently toss the cucumber slices with the dressing until evenly coated. If using, add thinly sliced red onion or scallions at this stage. For variations, incorporate optional herbs, spices, nuts, or avocado as desired.
  4. Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the creamy cucumber salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled for a refreshing and creamy bite. Garnish with extra dill, radish wedges, or a sprinkle of paprika if desired.

Notes

  • Use English cucumbers for a smoother texture due to their thinner skins and fewer seeds.
  • Salting and draining cucumbers helps prevent the salad from becoming watery.
  • Always use fresh herbs such as dill for the best flavor impact.
  • Chill the salad before serving to enhance creaminess and flavor fusion.
  • Adjust lemon juice or vinegar to taste for the perfect balance of acidity.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 2-3 days.
  • Do not freeze this salad as the texture and flavor will deteriorate.
  • Reheating is unnecessary; serve cold or at room temperature, gently stirring before serving if needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy cucumber salad, cucumber side dish, refreshing salad, summer salad, easy cucumber recipe, gluten free salad, no cook salad

Find it online: https://lillysplate.com/creamy-cucumber-salad/