This creamy cucumber salad is a refreshing and flavorful side dish that’s perfect for hot summer days or any time you crave a light and tangy treat. It combines the crispness of fresh cucumbers with a creamy, tangy dressing made from Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, and dill. This salad is incredibly easy to make, requiring only a handful of ingredients and minimal preparation time.
Why you will love this recipe
You’ll love this recipe because it’s:
- Quick and easy: It comes together in just minutes.
- Healthy: Made with Greek yogurt, it’s a great source of protein and probiotics.
- Refreshing: The cool cucumbers and tangy dressing make it perfect for hot weather.
- Versatile: It pairs well with grilled meats, fish, or as a light lunch on its own.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your taste preferences.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups cucumbers, sliced (about 2 large cucumbers)
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, chopped fresh dill (or dried dill), garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and the dressing is smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. You may prefer a bit more vinegar for extra tang, or a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity. The key is to create a dressing that suits your individual palate. Consider the quality of your ingredients as well, as that will play a huge role in the overall success of the dish. For instance, the quality of your vinegar can vary widely, impacting the final flavor profile.
Step 2: Slice the Cucumbers: Wash the cucumbers thoroughly under cold, running water. Using a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer, slice the cucumbers into thin, even rounds. The thickness of the slices will affect the texture of the salad, so aim for a consistent thickness of about 1/8 to 1/4 inch. If the cucumbers have thick skins, you can peel them partially or entirely before slicing, depending on your preference. You can also remove the seeds if you desire, especially if the cucumbers are mature and have large seeds. A simple trick for removing seeds is to slice the cucumber lengthwise, then use a spoon to scoop out the seeds from the center.
Step 3: Combine and Toss: Add the sliced cucumbers to the bowl with the creamy dressing. Gently toss the cucumbers to ensure they are evenly coated with the dressing. Be careful not to over-mix, as this can cause the cucumbers to release excess moisture and make the salad watery. The goal is to lightly coat each slice with the dressing, allowing the flavors to meld together without compromising the crisp texture of the cucumbers.
Step 4: Chill and Marinate: Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or transfer the salad to an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or preferably longer, to allow the flavors to meld and the cucumbers to slightly soften. The longer the salad marinates, the more flavorful it will become. However, be mindful that the cucumbers will also release moisture over time, so it’s best to consume the salad within a few hours of making it. If you’re preparing the salad in advance, you can add the cucumbers to the dressing just before serving to maintain their crispness.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy: Remove the salad from the refrigerator and give it a gentle stir. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary, adding more salt, pepper, or dill to your liking. Serve the creamy cucumber salad chilled as a refreshing side dish or a light lunch. It pairs well with a variety of dishes, such as grilled chicken, fish, or pork. You can also serve it alongside sandwiches, salads, or as a topping for crackers or crostini. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh dill or a drizzle of olive oil for an extra touch of flavor and visual appeal.
COOKING Rating:
Easy
Serving Suggestions:
Serve as a side dish with grilled meats, fish, or poultry. Enjoy as a light lunch on its own or with a slice of crusty bread. Add to sandwiches or wraps for a creamy, refreshing element. Serve as a topping for crackers or crostini for a quick and easy appetizer.
Tips:
For a tangier flavor, add a squeeze of lemon juice to the dressing. If you don’t have fresh dill, dried dill can be substituted. Use 1 teaspoon of dried dill for every tablespoon of fresh dill. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing. To prevent the salad from becoming too watery, salt the cucumbers lightly and let them sit in a colander for 15 minutes before adding them to the dressing. This will help draw out excess moisture. For a vegan version, use a plant-based Greek yogurt alternative.
Prep Time:
10 minutes
Cook Time:
0 minutes
Total Time:
10 minutes + 30 minutes chilling time
Nutritional Information:
(per serving, approximate)
Calories: 80 Protein: 8g Sodium: 150mg
Conclusion
Creamy Cucumber Salad is a simple, yet satisfying dish that brings together the best of fresh flavors and creamy textures. It is a testament to the fact that delicious food doesn’t always require complicated recipes or extensive cooking times. This recipe is not only quick and easy to prepare but also versatile enough to be adapted to various tastes and dietary preferences. Whether you’re looking for a refreshing side dish to complement your summer barbecue or a light and healthy lunch option, Creamy Cucumber Salad is a delightful choice that will leave you feeling refreshed and nourished. Its simplicity and versatility make it a staple in any home cook’s repertoire, providing a quick and flavorful solution for any occasion.
Questions and Answers:
Q1: Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek yogurt?
A: While you can use regular yogurt, Greek yogurt is recommended because it has a thicker consistency and a tangier flavor, which contributes to the overall creaminess and taste of the salad. Regular yogurt may result in a thinner dressing. If using regular yogurt, you might want to strain it through cheesecloth for a few hours to remove excess whey and thicken it. This will help achieve a consistency closer to that of Greek yogurt.
Q2: How long does this salad last in the refrigerator?
A: Creamy cucumber salad is best enjoyed within 24-48 hours of making it. After this time, the cucumbers may release too much moisture, making the salad watery and less appealing. Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain its freshness. If you plan to make it ahead of time, consider adding the cucumbers to the dressing just before serving to prevent them from becoming soggy.
Q3: Can I add other vegetables to this salad?
A: Absolutely! This salad is very versatile, and you can add other vegetables to customize it to your liking. Some great additions include sliced red onion, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or even shredded carrots. Just be sure to adjust the dressing accordingly to ensure all the vegetables are well coated and the flavors are balanced. When adding other vegetables, consider their texture and water content to avoid making the salad too watery.
Q4: What can I use instead of apple cider vinegar?
A: If you don’t have apple cider vinegar, you can substitute it with white vinegar, rice vinegar, or lemon juice. Each of these options will provide a slightly different flavor profile, so choose the one that best suits your taste preferences. White vinegar will offer a more neutral tang, while rice vinegar will add a subtle sweetness. Lemon juice will provide a bright, citrusy flavor. Adjust the amount of vinegar or lemon juice to taste, as the acidity levels may vary.
Q5: Can I make this salad vegan?
A: Yes, you can easily make this salad vegan by using a plant-based Greek yogurt alternative. There are several vegan Greek yogurt options available made from ingredients like soy, almond, or coconut. Simply substitute the regular Greek yogurt with your preferred vegan alternative. Ensure that the vegan yogurt is plain and unsweetened to maintain the desired flavor profile of the salad. All other ingredients in the recipe are naturally vegan-friendly.
