Description
Dad’s Creamy Cucumber Salad is a refreshing and crisp side dish featuring thinly sliced cucumbers and sweet onions tossed in a tangy, creamy dressing made with mayonnaise, vinegar, and aromatic spices. This salad is chilled for hours to meld flavors perfectly, making it an ideal accompaniment for warm-weather meals or family dinners.
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: In a large bowl, combine the thinly sliced cucumbers and sweet onion with 1 tablespoon of sea salt. Mix well to evenly distribute the salt among the vegetables. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the mixture sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. This step draws out excess moisture from the cucumbers and onions, helping the salad become crispier.
- Drain the Vegetables: After 30 minutes, transfer the salted cucumber and onion mixture into a colander set over a sink or bowl to catch the liquid. Allow it to drain for about 30 minutes, gently stirring occasionally to encourage the release of excess water. Once drained, move the vegetables into a large clean bowl.
- Prepare the Creamy Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons vinegar, 1 tablespoon white sugar, 1 teaspoon dried dill weed, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon ground black pepper. Mix thoroughly until the dressing is smooth, creamy, and well combined.
- Combine and Toss: Pour the creamy dressing over the drained cucumber and onion mixture. Gently stir to coat all the vegetables evenly with the dressing, ensuring every slice is well covered.
- Chill Before Serving: Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate the salad for at least 2 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the salad to become thoroughly chilled and refreshing.
Notes
- For best texture, peel cucumbers before slicing.
- You can adjust the amount of mayonnaise to make the dressing creamier or lighter as per taste.
- Use white vinegar for a mild tang; apple cider vinegar can be substituted for a fruitier flavor.
- This salad keeps well refrigerated for up to 2 days but is best served fresh.
- Add fresh dill instead of dried for a brighter herb flavor if preferred.
- Serve chilled as a refreshing side dish with grilled meats or sandwiches.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
