Hamdi Saidani This Pioneer Woman Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe is a refreshing and easy recipe, which is made with fresh cucumbers and a tangy mayonnaise dressing. It’s the perfect summer side dish, ready after chilling for at least an hour.
Pioneer Woman Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 2 large cucumbers, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 sweet onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon sea salt
For the Dressing:
- 1 ½ 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
How To Make Pioneer Woman Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe
- Salt the vegetables: In a large bowl, mix the sliced cucumbers, onion, and sea salt together. Cover and let the mixture sit for 15 to 30 minutes.
- Drain the vegetables: Transfer the cucumber and onion mixture to a colander and let it drain for 15 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, to remove excess liquid and salt.
- Make the dressing: While the vegetables drain, whisk the mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, dill, garlic powder, and pepper together in a bowl until smooth.
- Combine and chill: Transfer the drained cucumber and onion mixture to a large bowl. Pour the dressing over the top and stir until everything is well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 to 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Recipe Tips
- How to get a non-watery salad? Salting and draining the cucumbers and onions is the most crucial step. This process, called disgorging, draws out a significant amount of water, which is key to preventing a soupy, watery salad.
- Can I make this salad ahead of time? Yes, this salad is great for making a few hours ahead. The chilling time is essential for the flavors to develop. If making it a day in advance, the cucumbers may lose some of their crispness.
- What are the best cucumbers for this salad? Standard field cucumbers work well since they are peeled. English or Persian cucumbers are also great options as they have thinner skins and fewer seeds.
- Can I use fresh dill? Absolutely! If you have fresh dill, use about 1 tablespoon of finely chopped fresh dill in place of the dried dill for a brighter, fresher flavor.
What To Serve With Creamy Cucumber Salad
This crisp and refreshing salad is a classic side dish for many summer meals.
- Fried Chicken or BBQ
- Grilled Hamburgers and Hot Dogs
- A simple grilled salmon or steak
- Pulled Pork Sandwiches
How To Store Creamy Cucumber Salad
- Refrigerate: Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It is best enjoyed within 2 days, as the cucumbers will continue to soften and release a bit more water over time.
Creamy Cucumber Salad Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Protein: 1g
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 5g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Why did my cucumber salad get so watery?
Even after draining, cucumbers will continue to release a little water. However, if it’s very watery, it likely means the cucumbers and onions were not drained for long enough after salting.
Can I use a different type of onion?
Yes, a sweet Vidalia onion is recommended, but you can use a red onion for a sharper bite and a pop of color, or a simple yellow onion if that’s what you have on hand.
Can I make this with less mayonnaise?
Yes, for a lighter version, you can substitute half of the mayonnaise with an equal amount of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt for a tangier flavor.
Try More Pioneer Woman Recipes:
- Pioneer Woman Cowboy Pasta Salad Recipe
- Pioneer Woman Dill Pickle Pasta Salad Recipe
- Pioneer Woman Bologna Salad Recipe
Pioneer Woman Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe
Description
A classic, crisp, and refreshing creamy cucumber salad with thinly sliced onions in a tangy, dill-seasoned mayonnaise dressing.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Toss sliced cucumbers and onions with salt; let stand for 15-30 minutes.
- Drain the cucumber mixture in a colander for 15-30 minutes to remove excess liquid.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together all the dressing ingredients until smooth.
- Combine the drained cucumbers and onions with the dressing.
- Toss to coat and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours before serving.
Notes
- u003cliu003eSalting and draining the cucumbers is the most important step to prevent a watery salad.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eThis salad tastes best when it has had time to chill and the flavors have melded together.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eFor the best texture, slice the cucumbers and onions as thinly as possible.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eThis is a perfect make-ahead side dish for potlucks and summer BBQs.u003c/liu003e
