This Creamy Cucumber Salad is a refreshing and flavorful side dish that’s perfect for summer gatherings or a light, crisp accompaniment to any meal. Made with fresh cucumbers, sweet onions, and a tangy, creamy dressing, this salad is easy to prepare and always a hit. The key to this recipe is ensuring that the cucumbers are thoroughly drained, resulting in a perfectly textured salad that stays crisp and delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Refreshing and light: Perfect for warm weather, this salad offers a cool and creamy contrast to grilled meats and other summer dishes.
- Simple ingredients: With just a handful of pantry staples, you can create a dish that’s both satisfying and crowd-pleasing.
- Make-ahead convenience: This salad benefits from a few hours in the fridge, making it an ideal make-ahead dish for potlucks or family dinners.
- Versatile: Enjoy it on its own or as a side to complement your favorite main courses.
Key Ingredients
- Fresh Cucumbers: The star of the salad, providing a refreshing crunch.
- Sweet Onion: Adds a mild, slightly sweet flavor that balances the tangy dressing.
- Mayonnaise: Creates a creamy base for the dressing.
- White Sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the acidity.
- White Vinegar: Provides a tangy kick that brightens the salad.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing the overall flavor.
How to Make Creamy Cucumber Salad
- Prepare the cucumbers: Start by washing, peeling, and thinly slicing 4 large cucumbers. For best results, use a mandoline to ensure uniform slices. This will help the cucumbers absorb the dressing evenly.
- Slice the onion: Thinly slice 1 medium sweet onion and add it to the cucumbers.
- Drain the cucumbers: Place the sliced cucumbers and onions in a large bowl. Add a generous amount of sea salt to the cucumbers to draw out excess water. Let them sit for about 30 minutes, then drain thoroughly to prevent a watery salad.
- Make the dressing: In a separate small bowl, combine 1 cup of mayonnaise, 1/2 cup of white sugar, and 1/4 cup of white vinegar. Whisk until smooth and well combined.
- Combine the salad: Pour the creamy dressing over the drained cucumber and onion mixture. Toss everything together until the cucumbers and onions are well coated.
- Season and marinate: Add salt and pepper to taste, then cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap. Shake the bowl lightly to mix the ingredients. Refrigerate for at least 6 hours, or overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill.
- Serve: Before serving, give the salad a quick stir. Enjoy it as a refreshing side dish, and refrigerate any leftovers.
Pro Tips for Best Results
- Drain thoroughly: Be sure to drain the cucumbers well after salting to avoid a watery salad. A salad spinner can speed up the process.
- Marinate longer: The longer the salad sits in the fridge, the more the flavors meld together, making it even more delicious.
- Customize your salad: Add a sprig of fresh herbs like dill or tarragon for an extra burst of flavor.
Variations and Substitutions
- Greek yogurt dressing: For a lighter version, substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
- Add fresh herbs: Dill or parsley can add a fresh, aromatic note to the salad.
- Use apple cider vinegar: Swap out the white vinegar for apple cider vinegar to add a slightly fruity tang.
Conclusion
This Creamy Cucumber Salad is the perfect side dish for any occasion, offering a refreshing and tangy flavor that pairs beautifully with a variety of main courses. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, this salad will quickly become a favorite at your table. With its crisp cucumbers, sweet onions, and creamy dressing, it’s a delightful way to add a touch of freshness to your meals. Serve it chilled, and savor the simple, satisfying taste of this classic recipe.