Creamy Cucumber Salad

$To make a tasty creamy cucumber salad, gather these ingredients: - 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced - 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt - 1/4 cup sour cream - 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Optional: 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, halved If you don't have Greek yogurt or sour cream, use: - Plain yogurt as a substitute. - Buttermilk for a tangy twist. For herbs, fresh dill shines, but dried dill works too. Use less dried dill, as it’s stronger. This salad is light and healthy. Each serving has about: - Calories: 120 - Protein: 5g - Carbs: 10g - Fat: 8g Cucumbers are low in calories and high in water. They keep you hydrated. Greek yogurt adds protein and probiotics for gut health. Enjoy this fresh dish for a boost! To make a great creamy cucumber salad, start by washing the cucumbers. Rinse them under cold water to get rid of dirt. Next, slice them thinly. I like using a sharp knife or a mandolin slicer. Thin slices soak up the dressing better. Once sliced, place the cucumbers in a large colander. Sprinkle them with a little salt. This step helps draw out excess moisture. Let them sit for about 10 to 15 minutes. After that, pat the cucumber slices dry with paper towels. This gets rid of extra salt and water. Now, let’s prepare the creamy dressing. In a mixing bowl, combine the plain Greek yogurt, sour cream, chopped dill, lemon juice, and garlic powder. Mix until everything is smooth and well blended. After the cucumbers have rested, it's time to combine them with the dressing. In a large bowl, add the cucumbers to the creamy dressing. Toss gently until every cucumber slice is coated. Be sure to sprinkle salt and pepper to taste. This is where you can adjust the flavor to your liking. Drizzle olive oil over the salad and mix again. If you want some color, add halved cherry tomatoes. They add a nice pop and extra flavor. For the best taste, let the salad chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This time allows the flavors to meld together. Chilling also helps improve the texture. The cool cucumber salad feels refreshing on a warm day. Enjoy making this creamy cucumber salad for your next meal! Check out the Full Recipe for more details. To make your creamy cucumber salad shine, start by using a mandolin slicer. This tool helps you cut cucumbers evenly. Uniform slices ensure every bite has the same crunch. If you don’t have one, a sharp knife will do. Just make sure the slices are thin. Next, you need to draw moisture from the cucumbers. This step is key for a crisp texture. After slicing, place them in a colander. Sprinkle a little salt on top. Let them rest for 10 to 15 minutes. This process helps rid the cucumbers of excess water. Pat them dry with paper towels afterward to remove salt and moisture. For a delightful meal, serve your salad with crusty bread or warm pita. The creamy dressing complements these sides perfectly. You can also make it visually appealing. Use a decorative bowl and garnish it with fresh dill. This adds color and invites people to dig in. To boost the flavor, add more herbs. Fresh mint or parsley works great. Just chop them finely and mix into the dressing. If you want a protein boost, try adding grilled chicken or shrimp. This turns your salad into a hearty dish. You can also toss in some crumbled feta for extra flavor. {{image_2}} You can make creamy cucumber salad even more exciting by adding proteins. Chicken or shrimp work well. Cooked chicken adds heartiness. Shrimp brings a lovely seafood twist. Both options enhance the dish and make it a full meal. You can also mix in other vegetables. Bell peppers add crunch and color. You could try carrots or radishes for a different flavor. Experimenting with ingredients keeps the salad fresh and interesting. The dressing can change the whole vibe of the salad. Buttermilk dressing gives a tangy kick. Ranch dressing adds a creamy, herbaceous flavor. These options are perfect for those who love bold tastes. If you want a lighter salad, try using only yogurt. This keeps it creamy but reduces calories. You can also mix in herbs like basil or cilantro for extra freshness. Using seasonal vegetables makes this salad even better. In summer, fresh tomatoes and cucumbers shine. In fall or winter, try roasted vegetables. Roasted carrots or squash add warmth and depth to the dish. Switching ingredients with the seasons keeps the salad vibrant. Each season brings new tastes, making your creamy cucumber salad a year-round favorite. For the full recipe, check out the detailed preparation steps to create this delicious dish. To store your creamy cucumber salad properly, place any leftovers in a container with a tight lid. This helps keep the salad fresh and prevents odors from mixing. I recommend using glass containers. They do not stain and keep the flavors intact. Your creamy cucumber salad lasts about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. To make sure it is still good, look for signs of spoilage. If you notice any off smell, discoloration, or a slimy texture, it’s best to toss it. Can you freeze creamy cucumber salad? No, freezing is not a good choice. The cucumbers will become mushy when thawed. If you want to make it ahead, prepare the salad without cucumbers and dressings. You can freeze the other ingredients. When ready to serve, mix in fresh cucumbers and dressing. You can store creamy cucumber salad in the fridge for up to three days. To keep it fresh, place it in an airtight container. Always check for any signs of spoilage, like off smells or slimy textures. If you see or smell anything weird, it’s best to throw it away. Keeping the salad cold helps maintain its crunch and flavor. Yes, you can make creamy cucumber salad ahead of time! Prepare the salad and store it in the fridge. I recommend making it no more than a day in advance. The flavors blend nicely when it sits. Just remember to add the cherry tomatoes right before serving. This keeps them fresh and colorful. Creamy cucumber salad pairs well with many dishes. It goes great with grilled chicken or fish. You can also serve it with pita bread for a light meal. If you want to make it a feast, add some rice or quinoa. This salad also makes a lovely side at barbecues or picnics. Enjoy it alongside other fresh salads for a colorful spread. For the full recipe, check the earlier sections! Creamy cucumber salad is simple, refreshing, and full of flavor. We covered key ingredients like cucumbers, yogurt, and dill. Substitutions give you flexibility, and combining them right enhances taste. Proper preparation can elevate your dish, while tips and variations let you get creative. Remember to store leftovers correctly for lasting freshness. This salad fits any meal and can be enjoyed year-round. Get ready to impress with your new skills!$

Beat the heat with this Creamy Cucumber Salad, a refreshing and healthy side dish that's super easy to make! With fresh cucumbers, Greek yogurt, and zesty lemon, you're just steps away from a tasty salad that can elevate any meal. Discover easy variations and tips to enhance your salad with seasonal ingredients. Click through to explore this delicious recipe and add a burst of flavor to your dining table!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced

1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt

1/4 cup sour cream

2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 teaspoon garlic powder

Salt and pepper to taste

1 tablespoon olive oil

Optional: 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

Method

Start by thoroughly washing the cucumbers. Slice them thinly using a sharp knife or a mandolin slicer for even cuts. Place the slices in a large colander and sprinkle with a little salt. Allow them to sit for 10-15 minutes to draw out excess moisture.

While the cucumbers are resting, prepare the creamy dressing. In a mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, sour cream, chopped dill, lemon juice, and garlic powder. Mix until smooth and well combined.

After the cucumbers have released some moisture, pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess salt and water.

In a large bowl, combine the cucumbers and creamy dressing. Toss until the cucumbers are evenly coated. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Drizzle the olive oil over the top and gently mix again. If using, add the halved cherry tomatoes for a splash of color and extra flavor.

Let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 4

- Presentation Tips: Serve the salad in a decorative bowl and garnish with a sprig of fresh dill on top. For an elegant touch, serve alongside slices of crusty bread or fresh pita.