- 4 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cucumbers:
- Wash the cucumbers thoroughly under cold running water.
- Peel the cucumbers if desired. If the skin is tender, leaving it on adds color and texture.
- Using a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer, thinly slice the cucumbers. You can also use a vegetable peeler to create ribbons for a different presentation.
2. Slice the Onion:
- Peel the red onion and slice it thinly. Soaking the onion slices in cold water for 10-15 minutes can help reduce their sharpness.
3. Make the Dressing:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, white vinegar, chopped dill, sugar, and garlic powder.
- Whisk the ingredients together until they form a smooth and creamy dressing.
- Season the dressing with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences. Remember, the cucumbers will absorb some seasoning, so it’s better to season the dressing a bit more than you might initially think
- 4. Combine Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, add the sliced cucumbers and onions.
- Pour the creamy dressing over the cucumbers and onions.
- 5. Toss and Chill:
- Gently toss the ingredients together until the cucumbers and onions are evenly coated with the creamy dressing.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. Chilling allows the flavors to meld and develop.
- 6. Serving:
- Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir to redistribute the dressing.
- Garnish with a sprig of fresh dill or a sprinkle of paprika for added visual appeal.
- Tips:
- Cucumber Prep: If you’re using cucumbers with larger seeds, you can scoop them out to prevent the salad from becoming too watery.
- Make-Ahead: This salad can be prepared a few hours ahead of time. However, for the freshest taste and texture, it’s best when consumed within a day or two.
- Variations: Feel free to add cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, or feta cheese to enhance the flavors and textures of the salad. You can also experiment with different herbs like parsley or mint.
- This creamy cucumber salad offers a refreshing crunch and a delightful blend of flavors, perfect for accompanying grilled meats, sandwiches, or as a refreshing side dish on its own. Enjoy!