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
Scale
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.
