If you are looking for a refreshing side dish that perfectly balances creaminess with a crisp, tangy crunch, look no further than Dad’s Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe. This classic salad is a family favorite for good reason — it brings together thinly sliced cucumbers and sweet onions drenched in a luscious, herb-infused dressing that is both comforting and light. Whether you’re serving it alongside grilled meats, picnic dishes, or just want a cool, satisfying treat on a warm day, this recipe hits all the right notes and will quickly become a staple in your meal rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Creating Dad’s Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe is all about simple ingredients that pack a punch in flavor and texture. Each element plays a vital role — from the crisp, fresh cucumbers to the creamy, tangy dressing enhanced with herbs and a touch of sweetness.
- 2 large cucumbers: Peeled and thinly sliced for that signature refreshing crunch.
- 1 sweet onion: Thinly sliced to bring a mild, sweet bite that complements the cucumbers perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon of sea salt: Essential for drawing out excess moisture, ensuring a crispier salad.
- 1 1/2 cups mayonnaise: Provides the creamy base; adjust the amount depending on how rich you like your dressing.
- 2 tablespoons vinegar: Adds a bright, tangy note to balance the creaminess.
- 1 tablespoon white sugar: Just enough sweetness to round out the flavors beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon dried dill weed: Infuses a fragrant, herbaceous touch that elevates the entire dish.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds subtle depth without overpowering the refreshing ingredients.
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper: For a mild peppery kick that enhances the overall profile.
How to Make Dad’s Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe
Step 1: Salt the Vegetables
Begin by tossing the thinly sliced cucumbers and sweet onion together with sea salt in a large bowl. This step is crucial because the salt draws out extra water from the veggies, which prevents your salad from becoming soggy and helps maintain that delightful crunch we all crave.
Step 2: Let the Vegetables Rest
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and leave it at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This rest time allows the salt to work its magic fully, softening the onions slightly while extracting moisture from both the cucumbers and onions to intensify their natural flavors.
Step 3: Drain the Vegetables
Once the resting time is over, transfer the mixture to a colander positioned over the sink or another bowl. Let it drain for approximately 30 minutes, gently stirring occasionally to encourage the release of excess liquid. This step ensures your salad stays crisp and creamy without any watery dilution.
Step 4: Prepare the Creamy Dressing
While the vegetables drain, whisk together the mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, dried dill, garlic powder, and ground black pepper. This creamy dressing strikes the perfect balance between tangy, sweet, and savory flavors, giving the cucumbers that signature richness that makes Dad’s Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe truly stand out.
Step 5: Combine and Toss
After draining, return the cucumbers and onions to a large bowl and pour the dressing over the top. Toss everything together thoroughly to make sure every slice is coated in that delicious, creamy goodness.
Step 6: Chill Before Serving
Cover the salad with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least two hours before serving. Chilling allows all the flavors to harmonize beautifully, giving you a refreshingly cool and flavorful salad that everyone will love.
How to Serve Dad’s Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh herbs like chopped dill or parsley right before serving can elevate the salad’s aroma and visual appeal. For an extra pop of color and flavor, sprinkle a few thinly sliced radishes or a dusting of paprika on top to impress your guests.
Side Dishes
This salad shines served alongside grilled chicken, pork chops, or burgers, providing a crisp, cooling contrast that balances smoky, hearty mains beautifully. It’s also fantastic at picnics and barbecues, pairing wonderfully with baked beans, roasted potatoes, or even fresh bread.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve Dad’s Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe in individual glass jars for easy portioning at parties or pack it in a lunchbox for a delightful mid-day snack. You can also layer it with cottage cheese or feta cheese in a bowl to create a creamy, tangy vegetable dip that’s both pretty and delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It maintains its freshness for up to 3 days, though it’s best enjoyed within the first day or two when the cucumbers are still perfectly crisp.
Freezing
Because this salad relies on fresh cucumbers and creamy mayo, freezing is not recommended. The cucumbers will become mushy once thawed and the texture of the dressing will separate, losing the signature appeal of Dad’s Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe.
Reheating
This salad is best served chilled and does not require reheating. If anything, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes for a softer, milder flavor experience, but always avoid warming it up.
FAQs
Can I use different types of vinegar in Dad’s Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe?
Absolutely! While white vinegar is classic, apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar can be great alternatives that add a slightly different nuance of flavor without overwhelming the salad.
Is it necessary to peel the cucumbers?
Peeling cucumbers is recommended here to keep the texture smooth and creamy, but if you prefer a bit more color and a slight crunch, you can leave the skins on. Just be sure to wash them thoroughly.
Can I make this salad vegan or dairy-free?
Yes! Simply substitute the mayonnaise for a vegan mayo or a dairy-free alternative to keep it creamy while accommodating your dietary needs.
How long can I let the salad sit before serving?
While chilling for at least two hours is ideal to meld the flavors, you can prepare it up to 24 hours in advance. Just note that the cucumbers might soften a bit more over time.
What can I add to make the salad more filling?
Adding some chopped hard-boiled eggs, crumbled bacon, or even diced avocado can transform this salad into a more substantial dish, perfect for a light lunch or picnic.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting and nostalgic about Dad’s Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together with its fresh, creamy, and vibrant flavors. I encourage you to give this recipe a try — it’s easy, satisfying, and the perfect companion to so many meals. Trust me, once you make it, it will quickly become one of your all-time favorites too!
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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 and crisp side dish featuring thinly sliced cucumbers and sweet onions tossed in a rich, creamy dressing made with mayonnaise, vinegar, and aromatic seasonings. This easy-to-make salad is perfect for summer meals or as a cool accompaniment to grilled dishes, offering a delightful balance of tangy, creamy, and fresh flavors.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 2 large cucumbers, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 sweet onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon of 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: Mix the thinly sliced cucumbers, sweet onion, and sea salt together thoroughly in a large bowl. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and let it rest at room temperature for 30 minutes. This step draws out excess water from the vegetables, enhancing the salad’s crispness.
- Drain the Vegetables: After the resting period, transfer the salted cucumber and onion mixture to a colander set over a sink or a bowl to catch the liquid. Allow it to drain for about 30 minutes, occasionally stirring gently to help release as much moisture as possible. Once drained, place the vegetables back into a large mixing bowl.
- 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 mixture is smooth and well combined, creating a creamy, flavorful dressing.
- Combine and Toss: Pour the creamy dressing evenly over the drained cucumber and onion mixture. Toss everything thoroughly to ensure all the vegetables are well coated with the dressing.
- Chill Before Serving: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the salad for at least 2 hours. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the salad to become even more refreshing and delicious before serving.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh, firm cucumbers to ensure a crunchy texture.
- Adjust the amount of mayonnaise according to your preferred creaminess.
- You can substitute white vinegar with apple cider vinegar for a milder tang.
- This salad keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 2 days but is freshest when eaten within the first day.
- Optional: Add a sprinkle of fresh chopped dill or chives for extra flavor before serving.
