There is something truly special about a fresh Salad that hits the table during a warm afternoon. It is the kind of side dish that makes everything else feel complete and balanced.
You might be looking for something that is both cooling and flavorful. That is where a good Cucumber Salad comes into play for your family dinner tonight.
Honestly, we all have those days where we want a treat but do not want to spend hours in the kitchen. This recipe is designed for exactly those moments.
It fits perfectly into your collection of Easy Salad Recipes because it requires very little preparation. You do not even need any fancy tools to get this done right now.
Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned home cook, you will find joy in the simplicity here. Let us dive into why this bowl of goodness is so popular.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You are going to love this Salad because it is incredibly versatile. It works as a side dish for grilled chicken or even as a standalone snack when you are hungry.
One of the best parts is that it falls under the category of Low Carb Recipes. This makes it a great choice for anyone watching their intake of heavy starches.
The combination of textures is what really sells it. You get the crisp snap of the cucumber paired with the velvet smooth texture of the sour cream and mayonnaise dressing.
If you enjoy Veggie Salad Recipes, this one will likely become a staple in your rotation. It is affordable and uses ingredients you probably already have in your fridge.
Plus, you can easily customize it. If you add some crispy bits of pork, you suddenly have a Cucumber Bacon Cheese Salad that feels even more indulgent and satisfying.
The ranch seasoning provides that classic American flavor we all know and love. It makes the whole dish feel familiar and comforting like a big hug in a bowl.
It is also a fantastic way to use up garden produce. If your garden is overflowing with cucumbers, this Ranch Cucumber Salad is the ultimate solution for your harvest.
Kids usually love the flavor of ranch too. This means you might actually get them to eat their vegetables without any complaints or long negotiations at the table.
The total time to make this is minimal. You can have the whole thing tossed together in about ten minutes or less if you are fast with a knife.
Budget conscious shoppers will appreciate that cucumbers are often very cheap. You get a huge amount of food for just a few dollars spent at the local grocery store.
Ingredients
To make this Salad, you will need a few simple items. We want to keep things easy so you can get back to enjoying your day with your loved ones.
- 3 medium English or Persian cucumbers sliced thin
- 1/2 cup sour cream for that classic tang
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise to add some extra richness
- 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning mix for the perfect flavor
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese like cheddar or Colby Jack
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill or chives chopped for a fresh pop
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper to give it a little bite
- Salt to taste depending on your personal preference
When you combine these ingredients, you are essentially creating a Homemade Ranch dressing that is much better than anything you would find in a plastic bottle at the store.
The Creamy Cucumber Salad With Sour Cream base is what makes this dish so decadent. It coats every single slice of cucumber so you get flavor in every bite.
Using English cucumbers is a great tip because they have thinner skin. This means you do not even have to peel them if you are in a big hurry.
Persian cucumbers are also wonderful because they are small and extra crunchy. They hold their shape well even after being sitting in the creamy dressing for a while.
The shredded cheese adds a nice salty element. It pairs perfectly with the ranch and the cucumbers to create a very satisfying profile for your palate.
If you want to make it a Cucumber Bacon Cheese Salad, just crumble some cooked bacon on top. It adds a smoky depth that takes the dish to a whole new level.
Fresh herbs like dill really brighten the whole thing up. If you do not have fresh herbs, a little dried dill can work in a pinch for your Salad.
Make sure your sour cream is full fat for the best results. The fat helps carry the flavors of the ranch seasoning and the black pepper throughout the entire dish.
Having everything ready on the counter makes the process go even faster. It is all about that convenience when you are trying to get dinner on the table quickly.
Step By Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare The Cucumbers
First things first, you need to wash your cucumbers thoroughly. Even if they look clean, it is always a good idea to give them a quick scrub under cold water.
Once they are clean, slice them into even rounds. You can make them as thick or as thin as you like, but thin slices tend to soak up the dressing better.
If your cucumbers seem very watery, pat them dry with a paper towel. This helps the dressing stick to the vegetables instead of sliding right off into the bowl.
Place all those beautiful green slices into a large mixing bowl. Make sure the bowl is big enough to allow you to toss everything without making a huge mess.
Step 2: Mix The Creamy Dressing
In a separate smaller bowl, you are going to create your Homemade Ranch base. Grab your sour cream and mayonnaise and whisk them together until they are smooth.
Now add in the ranch seasoning mix, the black pepper, and just a pinch of salt. Remember that the seasoning mix already contains some salt, so go easy at first.
Stir everything until the spices are evenly distributed. You should see little flecks of herbs throughout the white creamy mixture, which looks absolutely delicious and very inviting.
Step 3: Combine And Toss
Add the shredded cheese and your fresh herbs to the dressing bowl. Stir them in gently so you do not mash the cheese or the delicate herbs too much.
Pour that rich dressing over your cucumbers in the large bowl. Use a large spoon or a spatula to toss the Salad until every slice is completely covered.
Be gentle during this part so you do not break the cucumber slices. You want them to stay intact so they provide that satisfying crunch when you finally take a bite.
Step 4: Chill And Serve
Cover your bowl with some plastic wrap or a tight lid. Place it in the refrigerator for at least fifteen minutes before you plan on serving it to guests.
This resting time allows the flavors to meld together. The cucumbers will release a little juice which thins the dressing just enough to make it perfectly light and refreshing.
Give it one final gentle stir right before you put it on the table. This ensures the dressing is redistributed and every bite of your Cucumber Salad is perfect.
How To Store Leftovers
If you happen to have any of this Salad left over, you can store it in an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for about two days.
Keep in mind that cucumbers contain a lot of water. Over time, they will release more liquid, which might make the dressing look a little bit thin or watery.
Do not worry if this happens because it is completely natural. Just give the mixture a good stir before you eat it again to bring the creaminess back together.
I would not recommend freezing this dish. The texture of the cucumbers and the dairy in the dressing will not hold up well to the freezing and thawing process.
This is definitely a dish that is best enjoyed fresh or within a day or two of making it. Luckily, it is so tasty that it usually disappears quickly anyway.
Tips
For the best Ranch Cucumber Salad, try to use a mandoline slicer if you have one. It creates perfectly even slices that look very professional and ensure consistent texture.
If you want to reduce the moisture even further, you can salt the cucumbers and let them sit in a colander for ten minutes. Rinse and dry them before mixing.
Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. A sharp white cheddar or even some crumbled feta can add a unique twist to this classic recipe.
If you are looking for more Low Carb Recipes, you can serve this alongside a steak or grilled fish. it provides a cool contrast to the hot savory meat.
Add a little bit of red onion for a bit of a sharp kick. Just slice it very thin so it does not overwhelm the delicate flavor of the cucumbers.
Always taste your Salad before serving. Sometimes a tiny extra pinch of salt or a squeeze of lemon juice can make all the flavors pop even more.
Conclusion
Making a delicious Salad does not have to be a complicated chore. With just a few ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create something truly wonderful.
This Creamy Cucumber Salad With Sour Cream is the perfect example of how simple ingredients can shine. It is refreshing, tangy, and satisfying all at the same time.
I hope you give this recipe a try next time you need a quick side dish. It is a fantastic addition to any meal and a great way to eat more vegetables.
Remember that cooking should be fun and stress free. Enjoy the process of mixing and tasting as you go to make this dish your very own creation.
FAQ
Can I Use Greek Yogurt Instead Of Sour Cream?
Yes, you can definitely use plain Greek yogurt. It will give the dish a bit more of a tang and increase the protein content while keeping it creamy.
Is This Recipe Gluten Free?
Most ranch seasoning mixes are gluten free, but you should always check the label to be sure. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten free and safe.
How Do I Make It Spicy?
If you want a little heat, try adding some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing. It adds a nice contrast to the cool cucumbers.
Creamy Ranch Cucumber Salad
This quick and easy Creamy Ranch Cucumber Salad is a refreshing, low-carb side dish perfect for any family dinner. Tossed in a tasty homemade ranch dressing with sour cream and cheese, it’s a no-fuss recipe you can whip up in just 10 minutes.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash and slice the cucumbers into thin, even rounds. Place them into a large mixing bowl.
- In a separate smaller bowl, whisk together the sour cream and mayonnaise until smooth.
- Add the ranch seasoning mix, black pepper, and a pinch of salt to the dressing. Stir until evenly distributed.
- Gently stir the shredded cheese and fresh herbs into the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the cucumbers and toss gently until every slice is coated.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Give the salad a final stir before serving and enjoy.
Notes
For perfectly even slices, use a mandoline slicer if you have one. This ensures a consistent texture throughout the salad.
If you want a sharper kick, add some very thinly sliced red onion to the mix.
Feel free to experiment with different cheeses. A sharp white cheddar or crumbled feta can add a unique twist to this classic recipe.
Always taste your salad before serving. A tiny extra pinch of salt or a squeeze of lemon juice can make all the flavors pop.
Nutrition
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