There is something truly special about a salad that feels like a warm family hug, and Dad’s Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe is exactly that kind of dish. This classic salad combines thinly sliced cucumbers and sweet onions with a luscious, tangy dressing that is creamy yet light, creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Whether served as a side dish for summer barbecues or as a refreshing snack, this recipe brings simple ingredients together in a way that’s irresistibly delicious and comfortingly familiar.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Dad’s Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe lies in its simplicity; each ingredient plays a crucial role in building that perfect harmony of flavor, texture, and color that makes the salad so inviting. From the crisp freshness of cucumbers to the subtle tang of vinegar and the fragrant hint of dill, every element is essential.
- 2 large cucumbers, peeled and thinly sliced: The star of the salad, providing crispness and a fresh, cool base.
- 1 sweet onion, thinly sliced: Adds mild sharpness and a touch of natural sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon of sea salt: Draws out excess water to keep the salad crisp and prevents it from getting soggy.
- 1 1/2 cups mayonnaise: Creates the creamy texture and rich flavor that ties everything together.
- 2 tablespoons vinegar: Adds a nice tartness to balance the creaminess.
- 1 tablespoon white sugar: Softens the acidity and enhances the overall flavor.
- 1 teaspoon dried dill weed: Imparts a fresh, herby note that brightens the salad.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Gives depth and a subtle savory kick.
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds just the right amount of warmth and spice.
How to Make Dad’s Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe
Step 1: Salt the Vegetables
Start by mixing the thinly sliced cucumbers and sweet onions with sea salt in a large bowl. Let this mixture sit uncovered at room temperature for 30 minutes. This step is essential because it helps the vegetables release excess water, which keeps your salad from becoming watery later on.
Step 2: Drain the Vegetables
Once the vegetables have sweated for 30 minutes, transfer them into a colander set over the sink or a bowl and let them drain for another 30 minutes. Stir gently every now and then to help remove as much liquid as possible. After draining, place the cucumbers and onions back into a large bowl ready for the creamy dressing.
Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Dressing
In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, dried dill, garlic powder, and ground black pepper until the dressing is silky smooth and well combined. This dressing is what makes Dad’s Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe truly unforgettable, marrying tang and creaminess effortlessly.
Step 4: Combine and Toss
Pour the creamy dressing over the drained cucumber and onion mixture. Toss everything together gently but thoroughly, ensuring every slice is generously coated with the luscious dressing.
Step 5: Chill Before Serving
Cover the salad with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Letting it chill allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a refreshing and vibrant salad perfect for warm days or whenever you need a cool, satisfying bite.
How to Serve Dad’s Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the presentation and taste, sprinkle freshly chopped dill or chives on top before serving. A light dusting of freshly cracked black pepper can also add a lovely finish and enhance the salad’s flavor profile.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats like chicken, steak, or fish, providing a crisp and cooling contrast to smoky and savory dishes. It’s a perfect companion to summer barbecues, potlucks, or even busy weeknight dinners when you want something quick and fresh.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the salad in a hollowed-out cucumber bowl for extra charm at casual gatherings or picnics. Alternatively, layering the cucumbers and dressing in glass jars can make for a cute, portable side dish that keeps well and looks inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Dad’s Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe keeps nicely for up to 2 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The cucumbers will stay crunchy, and the flavors will continue to develop, making leftovers just as delightful as the first serving.
Freezing
Due to the high water content of cucumbers and the creamy dressing, freezing is not recommended for this salad. Freezing can cause the cucumbers to become mushy and the dressing to separate upon thawing, compromising both texture and flavor.
Reheating
This salad is best enjoyed chilled and does not require reheating. In fact, warming it up would disrupt the crisp texture and fresh taste that makes Dad’s Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe so refreshing.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of onion?
Absolutely! While a sweet onion is preferred for its mild flavor, you can substitute with red onion or even shallots for a slightly different, but still delicious, taste.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Replace the mayonnaise with a vegan mayo alternative, and this salad becomes a perfect plant-based side without losing its creamy charm.
How long can I let the salad sit before serving?
Chilling the salad for at least 2 hours is recommended to let flavors meld, but you can prepare it up to a day in advance for even better flavor infusion.
What can I substitute for dried dill weed?
If you don’t have dried dill, fresh dill works great too; just use about double the amount. Alternatively, you can try fresh parsley or tarragon for a slightly different herbaceous note.
Can I add other vegetables to this salad?
Sure! Thinly sliced radishes or cherry tomatoes add color and a fresh pop, but keep in mind it will alter the classic flavor of Dad’s Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe slightly.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting about recipes passed down through families, and Dad’s Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe is a shining example of how simple ingredients combined with a bit of love can create magic. It’s refreshing, creamy, and easy to make, making it one of those dishes that feels like it belonged at your table all along. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this salad as much as I do — it’s sure to become a fast favorite!
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Dad’s Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
Dad’s Creamy Cucumber Salad is a refreshing, crisp side dish featuring thinly sliced cucumbers and sweet onions tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing made with mayonnaise, vinegar, and aromatic spices. Perfectly chilled, this salad offers a cool and flavorful complement to any meal.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 2 large cucumbers, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 sweet onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon sea salt
Dressing
- 1 1/2 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
Instructions
- Salt the Vegetables: In a large bowl, mix together the thinly sliced cucumbers and sweet onion with sea salt. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it rest at room temperature for 30 minutes to draw out excess moisture from the vegetables, which helps keep the salad crisp.
- Drain the Vegetables: Transfer the cucumber and onion mixture to a colander placed over the sink or a bowl. Let it drain for about 30 minutes, stirring gently occasionally to release as much liquid as possible. After draining, move the vegetables back into a large bowl, discarding the liquid.
- Prepare the Creamy Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, vinegar, white sugar, dried dill weed, garlic powder, and ground black pepper until the dressing is smooth and well combined.
- Combine and Toss: Pour the prepared creamy dressing over the drained cucumber and onion mixture. Stir thoroughly to ensure all the vegetables are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Chill Before Serving: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the salad for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to become refreshingly cool before serving.
Notes
- For best results, peel cucumbers to prevent bitterness and ensure smooth texture.
- If you prefer a tangier salad, adjust the vinegar quantity to taste.
- This salad can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days but is best enjoyed fresh.
- Adding fresh dill instead of dried can enhance the herbal notes if desired.
- The resting time during salting and draining is crucial for a crisp final salad, so don’t skip or shorten these steps.
