Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Ultimate Creamy Cucumber Salad stands out for its simplicity and incredible taste. The combination of mayonnaise and yogurt creates a perfectly balanced dressing that’s creamy without being heavy. The addition of fresh lemon juice brightens the entire dish, while the optional red pepper flakes add just the right amount of heat. What makes this recipe truly special is how the flavors meld together after chilling, creating a harmonious blend that complements any meal. Plus, it’s ready in just 15 minutes and uses simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 3–4 fresh cucumbers, thinly sliced (English cucumbers work great)
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup plain yogurt (Greek or regular)
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 small red or yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
How to Make Creamy Cucumber Salad
Creating this Ultimate Creamy Cucumber Salad is incredibly straightforward and requires no cooking. The key is in the preparation and allowing time for the flavors to develop.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cucumbers Wash and dry your cucumbers thoroughly. Using a sharp knife or mandoline slicer, cut the cucumbers into thin, uniform slices about 1/8-inch thick. If using regular cucumbers, you may want to peel them, but English cucumbers can be left unpeeled for extra nutrition and color.
Step 2: Salt the Cucumbers Place the sliced cucumbers in a large colander and sprinkle generously with salt. Toss to coat evenly and let them sit for 10-15 minutes. This process draws out excess moisture, preventing your salad from becoming watery.
Step 3: Make the Dressing In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, yogurt, fresh lemon juice, and minced garlic until smooth and well combined. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
Step 4: Prepare the Onion While the cucumbers are draining, slice your onion as thinly as possible. For a milder flavor, you can soak the onion slices in cold water for 5 minutes, then drain and pat dry.
Step 5: Drain and Rinse After the cucumbers have drained for 15 minutes, rinse them thoroughly under cold water to remove excess salt. Pat them completely dry with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel.
Step 6: Combine Everything Add the dried cucumber slices and onion to the bowl with the dressing. Toss gently but thoroughly to ensure every piece is well coated.
Step 7: Chill and Serve Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Give it a final stir before serving.
Helpful Tips
To achieve the best results with your Ultimate Creamy Cucumber Salad, choose English cucumbers when possible as they have fewer seeds and thinner skins. The salting step is crucial and shouldn’t be skipped, as it prevents the salad from becoming soggy. When slicing, aim for uniform thickness to ensure even flavor distribution and attractive presentation.
For the creamiest texture, use full-fat mayonnaise and Greek yogurt. The tanginess of Greek yogurt pairs beautifully with the richness of mayonnaise. Fresh lemon juice is essential – bottled lemon juice won’t provide the same bright, fresh flavor.
If you’re sensitive to raw onion, try using sweet onion varieties like Vidalia, or soak the sliced onions in ice water for 10 minutes before adding them to the salad. This removes some of the sharp bite while maintaining the crunch.
Details
Prep Time: 15 minutes Chill Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes Servings: 4-6 people Difficulty Level: Easy Cuisine: American Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
This Ultimate Creamy Cucumber Salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, sandwiches, or as part of a larger spread of summer sides. The cool, creamy texture provides a refreshing contrast to heavier dishes.
Notes
For best results, make this salad no more than 4 hours before serving. While it’s safe to eat after longer periods, the cucumbers will continue to release moisture and may make the dressing thinner.
If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute half the mayonnaise with additional Greek yogurt. For a dairy-free option, use vegan mayonnaise and coconut yogurt.
The red pepper flakes are optional but highly recommended for those who enjoy a subtle kick. Start with less and add more to taste, as the heat can intensify as the salad sits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare this Ultimate Creamy Cucumber Salad up to 4 hours in advance. However, for the crispest texture, it’s best served within 2 hours of preparation.
Why do I need to salt the cucumbers? Salting draws out excess moisture from the cucumbers, preventing the salad from becoming watery and helping maintain the proper consistency of the dressing.
Can I use different types of cucumbers? Absolutely! English cucumbers are preferred for their thin skin and fewer seeds, but regular cucumbers work well too. Persian cucumbers are another excellent option.
Is there a substitute for Greek yogurt? You can use regular plain yogurt, sour cream, or even additional mayonnaise. Each will slightly change the flavor profile but will still be delicious.
How can I make this salad dairy-free? Use vegan mayonnaise and substitute the yogurt with a dairy-free alternative like coconut yogurt or simply use more vegan mayonnaise.
Storage Instructions
Store your Ultimate Creamy Cucumber Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The salad is best enjoyed fresh, as cucumbers will continue to release moisture over time, potentially thinning the dressing.
Before serving leftovers, drain any excess liquid that may have accumulated and give the salad a gentle stir. You may need to adjust seasoning as flavors can mellow when chilled.
This salad is not suitable for freezing due to the high water content of cucumbers, which would result in a mushy texture when thawed.
Related Recipes
For more refreshing summer salads and side dishes, explore these delicious options from runoflif.com:
- Classic Potato Salad – Another creamy side dish perfect for gatherings
- Fresh Garden Tomato Salad – A light, vibrant complement to any meal
- Mediterranean Pasta Salad – A hearty option for larger crowds
- Crispy Coleslaw – Another crunchy, creamy favorite
- Herb-Roasted Vegetable Medley – A warm side dish option
Conclusion
This Ultimate Creamy Cucumber Salad proves that simple ingredients can create extraordinary results. The combination of crisp cucumbers, creamy dressing, and bright flavors makes it an instant crowd-pleaser that works for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it at a family dinner, bringing it to a potluck, or enjoying it as a light lunch, this recipe delivers consistent, delicious results every time.
The beauty of this Ultimate Creamy Cucumber Salad lies in its versatility and ease of preparation. With just a few minutes of prep time and basic ingredients, you can create a side dish that complements virtually any meal while providing a refreshing, healthy option your guests will remember.