Cucumber Salad
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Looking to add a light and flavorful side dish to your next meal? Look no further than this Cucumber Salad recipe! Perfect for summer barbecues, potlucks, or even a quick weeknight dinner, this salad is incredibly easy to make and delivers a delightful combination of crisp cucumbers, a creamy dressing, and a touch of zesty dill.
Why You’ll Love Cucumber Salad
- Simple and Quick: This recipe requires minimal ingredients and only 10 minutes of prep time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re short on time.
- Light and Refreshing: With its cool cucumbers and tangy dressing, this salad is a welcome addition to any heavy meal.
- Bursting with Flavor: The creamy yogurt dressing with a hint of dill adds a delicious savory layer to the crisp cucumbers.
- Perfect for Picky Eaters: Kids love the cool, refreshing taste of cucumbers, and the creamy dressing makes this salad even more enjoyable.
- Versatile: This salad pairs well with any protein, like grilled chicken, fish, or even burgers. You can also enjoy it as a light lunch on a hot day.
Ingredients Needed To Make Cucumber Salad
- English cucumber
- Unsweetened plain yogurt
- Rice vinegar (or white distilled vinegar)
- Dry dill (or fresh dill)
- Kosher salt
- Onion powder
- Mayonnaise
- Black pepper
How To Make Cucumber Salad
- Whisk the Dressing: In a large bowl, combine yogurt, rice vinegar, dill, salt, onion powder, mayonnaise, and a pinch of pepper. Mix well until smooth and creamy.
- Prep the Cucumbers: Wash and thinly slice the cucumber. You can peel the cucumber first for a smoother texture, but it’s not necessary.
- Combine and Chill: Add the sliced cucumbers to the dressing and toss gently to coat evenly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.
Variations & Substitutions
- Add Chopped Vegetables: For extra color and flavor, toss in some chopped cherry tomatoes, red onion, or bell peppers.
- Herb it Up: Experiment with different fresh herbs like chopped mint or parsley to add a unique twist.
- Citrusy Twist: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice can add a refreshing, zesty note to the dressing.
Commonly Asked Questions
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of plain yogurt?
Absolutely! Greek yogurt works well as a substitute for plain yogurt in this recipe. It will provide a slightly thicker texture to the dressing due to its higher protein content.
How long can I store the cucumber salad?
For optimal freshness, store leftover cucumber salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. The cucumbers will soften slightly over time, but the salad will still be delicious.
Can I omit mayonnaise for a lighter version?
Of course! You can either omit the mayonnaise altogether or reduce the amount for a lighter, tangier salad.
Is it necessary to peel the cucumber?
Peeling the cucumber is a matter of personal preference. The salad tastes great with or without the peel. Peeling the cucumber will result in a smoother texture, while leaving the peel on adds a bit more crunch.
Cucumber Salad Recipe
Equipment
- Measuring cups/spoons
- Mixing spoon
Ingredients
- 1 English cucumber sliced thin
- ½ cup unsweetened plain yogurt
- 3 tbsp rice vinegar substitute white distilled vinegar
- 1 tbsp dry dill or 3 tbsp fresh dill
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- ¼ tsp onion powder
- 3 tbsp mayonnaise
- Pinch of pepper
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine all ingredients except the cucumber. Mix well.
- Add sliced cucumbers, toss thoroughly.
- Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour to set up before serving.
Notes
- Add cherry tomatoes or red onion for extra color and flavor.
- Experiment with different herbs like mint or parsley.
- Try a squeeze of lemon juice for a citrusy twist.
