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Dad's Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe

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4 from 10 reviews

Dad's Creamy Cucumber Salad is a refreshing summer favorite featuring thinly sliced cucumbers and sweet onions combined with a creamy mayonnaise-based dressing infused with dill, garlic, and a hint of sweetness. This salad is chilled to develop flavor and offers a crunchy, tangy, and creamy texture that perfectly complements warm-weather meals.

Ingredients

Vegetables

  • 2 large cucumbers, peeled and thinly sliced
  • 1 sweet onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon sea salt

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

Instructions

  1. Gather Ingredients: Assemble all the necessary ingredients to prepare the salad, ensuring cucumbers and onions are properly peeled and sliced as specified for best texture.
  2. Mix and Salt Cucumbers and Onion: In a bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers, onions, and sea salt. Toss well to distribute the salt evenly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it sit for 15 to 30 minutes. This step helps to draw out excess moisture from the vegetables, improving texture.
  3. Drain Excess Liquid: Transfer the cucumber and onion mixture to a colander set over a bowl or sink to catch the liquid. Stir the mixture occasionally and allow it to drain for another 15 to 30 minutes until most of the liquid and salt have drained off. Then, transfer the drained mixture to a large bowl.
  4. Prepare Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, vinegar, white sugar, dried dill weed, garlic powder, and ground black pepper until the dressing is smooth and fully combined.
  5. Combine Dressing with Vegetables: Pour the dressing over the drained cucumber and onion mixture. Stir gently but thoroughly until all slices are evenly coated with the creamy dressing.
  6. Chill Before Serving: Cover the salad with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours. Chilling allows the flavors to meld together and the salad to become nicely chilled, making it a perfect summer side dish.
  7. Serve and Enjoy: After chilling, give the salad a final stir and serve as a refreshing accompaniment to your meal.

Notes

  • If the dressing feels too runny, add a little more mayonnaise to thicken it to your desired consistency.
  • For best results, allow the cucumbers and onions to drain thoroughly to avoid a watery salad.
  • This salad is best served chilled and is an excellent make-ahead dish for picnics and barbecues.