Description
Dad’s Creamy Cucumber Salad is a refreshing, crunchy side dish featuring thinly sliced cucumbers and sweet onions tossed in a tangy and creamy dressing made with mayonnaise, vinegar, and a blend of herbs and spices. This classic salad requires no cooking and is perfect for warm days or as a crisp accompaniment to your favorite meals.
Ingredients
Scale
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, combine the thinly sliced cucumbers and sweet onion with sea salt. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and allow it to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. This process draws out excess water from the vegetables, helping the salad stay crisp.
- Drain the Vegetables: Transfer the salted cucumber and onion mixture into a colander set over a sink or bowl. Let it drain for about 30 minutes, gently stirring occasionally to press out as much liquid as possible. Once well drained, relocate the vegetables 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 smooth and fully combined.
- Combine and Toss: Pour the prepared creamy dressing over the drained cucumber and onion mixture. Stir thoroughly so all the vegetables are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Chill Before Serving: Cover the salad bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. This chilling allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a more refreshing and well-blended salad.
Notes
- Peeling the cucumbers helps reduce bitterness and improves the texture of the salad.
- Letting the salted vegetables sit and drain is essential to prevent a watery salad.
- Adjust the amount of mayonnaise according to your preferred creaminess.
- For a tangier flavor, use apple cider vinegar instead of white vinegar.
- This salad is best served chilled and enjoyed within 2 days for optimal freshness.
