Dad's Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe

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Crisp and creamy cucumber salad makes the perfect summer side. This old-fashioned recipe combines thinly sliced sweet onions, cucumbers, dill, garlic, and mayo for an unbelievably delicious make-ahead dish. Try your hand at this family favorite recipe for the tastiest cucumber salad ever.

Making a refreshing cucumber salad couldn't be simpler. You'll find the full recipe below with step-by-step instructions, but here's what you can expect when you make this top-rated recipe:

Begin by combining salt, cucumbers, and onions in a bowl and allowing the mixture to sit at room temperature for 15-30 minutes. Next, drain the mixture in a colander placed over a bowl or sink before incorporating mayonnaise, vinegar, and seasonings. Cover and refrigerate for one to two hours before serving. The result is a tantalizingly creamy side dish that will keep you coming back for more.

Ingredients

• 2 large cucumbers, peeled and thinly sliced
• 1 sweet onion, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon sea salt

Dressing:

• 1 cups mayonnaise, or more to taste
• 2 tablespoons vinegar
• 1 tablespoon white sugar
• 1 teaspoon dried dill weed
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper

Directions

1. Gather all the ingredients.
2. In a large bowl, combine cucumbers, onion, and salt. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the mixture sit for 15 to 30 minutes at room temperature.
3. After the cucumbers and onions have released some moisture, transfer the mixture into a colander set over a bowl or in a sink. Let it drain, stirring occasionally, until most of the liquid has drained away, about 15 to 30 minutes.
4. Once the mixture is well-drained, transfer it into a large mixing bowl.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, dill, garlic powder, and black pepper until smooth.
6. Pour the prepared dressing over the cucumber mixture and stir until everything is well-coated.
7. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the salad for 1 to 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
8. Serve chilled and enjoy this creamy, tangy salad!

What to Serve With Creamy Cucumber Salad

Looking for the perfect dish to pair with your creamy cucumber salad? This tangy, sweet, and refreshing salad complements a wide range of main dishes. Try it alongside a hearty beef dish like Beef Sukiyaki, or go lighter with roasted lemon-herb chicken.

How Long Does Creamy Cucumber Salad Last in the Fridge?

While creamy cucumber salad is best enjoyed the day it's made, it can be stored in the refrigerator for 4-5 days.

Community Tips

"Delicious," according to JenL. "Make sure you follow the directions to salt, sit, and drain. I used a little less mayonnaise and added sour cream. Fresh dill from the garden put it over the top!"

"This was awesome and very easy to make," raves svcran. "I added a little more garlic to mine. Will definitely make again!"

Recipe Tip

If the sauce is too runny for your liking, simply add a little more mayonnaise to thicken it.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories	320
Total Fat	33g
Saturated Fat	5g
Cholesterol	16mg
Sodium	897mg
Total Carbohydrate	7g
Dietary Fiber	1g
Total Sugars	3g
Protein	1g
Vitamin C	4mg
Calcium	21mg
Iron	8mg
Potassium	153mg

This creamy cucumber salad, with its crisp cucumber slices, sweet onion, garlic, and dill, is a popular summer dish. It is typically served as a refreshing side with various meals, but its history, regional variations, and unique qualities make it much more than just a recipe. Lets dive into the fascinating background and characteristics of this dish.

Origin and History

The creamy cucumber salad has its roots in classic American cuisine, particularly in the rural South and Midwest. Cucumbers were a staple in many family gardens, and this salad became a way to utilize them during the growing season. Its believed that this salad was born from a tradition of making fresh, simple dishes that highlighted the natural flavors of the ingredients. The creamy version, with its combination of mayonnaise, vinegar, and seasonings, emerged as a way to balance the fresh crunch of cucumbers with a rich, tangy dressing. Over time, the recipe evolved into the beloved dish that many families continue to make today.

Regional Variations

While this dish is commonly associated with the United States, cucumber salads are found in many countries, each with its own regional twist. In the U.S., the creamy version is most popular, but in other places like Eastern Europe, you might find a cucumber salad dressed with sour cream or yogurt, often incorporating herbs like dill or garlic for flavor. In the Mediterranean, cucumbers are often paired with olive oil, lemon juice, and feta cheese. The use of mayonnaise in the U.S. version is a distinguishing feature that sets it apart from other varieties, giving it a richer, creamier texture.

How It Differs From Similar Dishes

What sets Dad's creamy cucumber salad apart from similar dishes, like the classic vinegar-based cucumber salad, is the use of mayonnaise as a base for the dressing. The creamy texture of the dressing provides a richer, more indulgent flavor, while the vinegar version is tangier and lighter. The mayo-based dressing in this recipe is also balanced with a touch of sugar, which adds a subtle sweetness that complements the slight bitterness of the cucumber. Additionally, the salting and draining process helps eliminate excess moisture, ensuring the salad remains crisp and not soggy, a common issue with other cucumber salads.

Common Places to Serve This Salad

Dads creamy cucumber salad is a perfect addition to summer barbecues, picnics, and holiday gatherings. Its cool and refreshing nature makes it ideal for pairing with grilled meats, like burgers or chicken. It also complements a wide range of main dishes, from hearty beef to lighter roasted vegetables. Additionally, this salad is a great accompaniment to other traditional side dishes, such as potato salad or baked beans, making it a popular choice for family gatherings and potlucks.

Interesting Facts

• Some versions of this salad have been passed down through generations, making it a cherished family recipe.
• Though the salad is often made with cucumbers and onions, variations exist with additions like sour cream, garlic, or fresh herbs like basil and parsley.
• The process of salting the cucumbers to remove excess moisture is crucial for achieving the perfect texture in this dish. Without it, the salad could become watery and less appealing.
• Dad's creamy cucumber salad is not only tasty but also relatively low in calories and fat, making it a lighter option compared to other creamy salads.
• In some households, this salad has become a staple at summer cookouts, often made the night before so the flavors have time to meld together.

Whether you're enjoying it at a family dinner or bringing it to a potluck, this creamy cucumber salad continues to be a timeless favorite. With its simple ingredients and versatile nature, its no wonder this dish has stood the test of time.

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