Description

This Creamy Cucumber Salad is a refreshing and easy-to-make side dish featuring thinly sliced English cucumber tossed in a tangy sour cream dressing with fresh dill and a hint of sweetness. Perfect for a light lunch or a cooling accompaniment to grilled meals, this salad balances crisp, cool cucumbers with a creamy, flavorful dressing enhanced by red onion and a touch of vinegar.

Ingredients

Cucumber Preparation

1 English cucumber
1 teaspoon salt

Dressing

1/2 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon white vinegar
1 teaspoon white sugar
1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
Pepper to taste

Salad

3-4 tablespoons finely chopped red onion

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Instructions

Slice and salt cucumbers: Using a mandoline or a sharp knife, slice the English cucumber thinly into approximately 2mm slices. Place the slices in a colander, sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of salt, and toss to coat evenly. Allow the cucumbers to sit for about 30 minutes so excess water is drawn out.
Prepare the dressing: While the cucumbers are resting, combine sour cream, white vinegar, white sugar, chopped fresh dill, and pepper in a medium bowl. Stir the ingredients until smooth and adjust seasoning to taste. Refrigerate the dressing until ready to use.
Prepare the onions: Finely chop 3-4 tablespoons of red onion and add to a salad bowl.
Rinse and dry cucumbers: After 30 minutes, rinse the salted cucumber slices in cold water to remove excess salt and then thoroughly pat them dry using paper towels to avoid excess water in the salad.
Assemble the salad: Add the dried cucumber slices to the bowl with the chopped onion. Pour the chilled dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. Taste and adjust salt if needed before serving.
Serve and store: It is best to serve this salad soon after preparation as it may become watery if left for too long. You can chill it for up to 15 minutes before serving for a refreshing effect.

Notes

Using a mandoline ensures uniformly thin cucumber slices which improve texture and flavor absorption.
The sugar in the dressing balances the acidity from the vinegar for a well-rounded flavor.
Salt helps draw moisture from the cucumbers preventing a watery salad.
For best texture, serve the salad within a short time of making it.
Chilling the salad briefly before serving enhances its refreshing quality.