When summer arrives, bringing with it an abundance of fresh, crisp cucumbers, there’s no better way to enjoy them than in a classic Southern Cucumber Salad. This beloved side dish features thinly sliced cucumbers and onions, bathed in a creamy, tangy, and subtly sweet dressing. It’s incredibly refreshing, wonderfully simple to make, and perfect for picnics, potlucks, barbecues, or any meal that calls for a cool, crisp, and flavorful accompaniment.
Why I Love This Recipe
I’m a huge fan of dishes that bring freshness and ease to summer meals, and this Southern Cucumber Salad absolutely hits the mark! What I truly adore is the way it transforms humble cucumbers into something so vibrant and satisfying. The crispness of the thinly sliced cucumbers, paired with the sharp bite of red onion, is perfectly balanced by the creamy, tangy dressing. It’s light yet incredibly flavorful, making it the ideal counterpoint to rich grilled meats or a refreshing side for any summer gathering. Plus, it’s a fantastic make-ahead dish, as the flavors only get better as they meld in the fridge. It’s always a crowd-pleaser and disappears fast!
Ingredients:
- 3-4 medium cucumbers (about 1.5 lbs), thinly sliced
- ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup white vinegar
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
Swaps and Notes
- Cucumbers: English cucumbers are great as they have fewer seeds and thinner skins. Regular slicing cucumbers work too, but you might want to peel them and/or scoop out larger seeds. Thin, uniform slices are key for the best texture. A mandoline slicer makes this quick and easy.
- Red Onion: Red onion provides a beautiful color and a sharp bite. For a milder onion flavor, you can soak the sliced red onion in ice water for 10-15 minutes, then drain thoroughly before adding to the salad.
- Mayonnaise: Use your favorite brand of mayonnaise for the creamy base.
- White Vinegar: This provides the essential tangy kick. Apple cider vinegar can be substituted for a slightly fruitier tang.
- Sugar: Adjust the amount of granulated sugar to your preferred level of sweetness. Some prefer more tangy, others sweeter.
- Dill (Optional): Fresh dill adds a classic, refreshing herb note. If using dried dill, use about 1 teaspoon.
- Seasoning: Adjust salt and black pepper to taste. A tiny pinch of garlic powder could also be added to the dressing.
- Creaminess Adjustment: For a lighter, tangier dressing, you can substitute half of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt.
Instructions:
1. Prepare Cucumbers and Onion: Wash and thinly slice the 3-4 medium cucumbers. You can use a mandoline for perfectly even, thin slices, or a sharp knife. Thinly slice the ½ small red onion.
2. Make the Creamy Dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together the ½ cup mayonnaise, ¼ cup white vinegar, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. If using, stir in the 1 tablespoon fresh chopped dill. Whisk until the dressing is smooth and well combined.
3. Combine and Toss: In a large mixing bowl, combine the thinly sliced cucumbers and red onion. Pour the prepared creamy dressing over the vegetables. Gently toss everything together until all the cucumber and onion slices are evenly coated with the dressing.
4. Chill the Salad: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the cucumber salad for at least 1 hour. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld together and ensures the salad is nicely chilled and refreshing for serving. Longer chilling (2-4 hours) is even better!
5. Serve: Give the salad a gentle stir before serving. Serve chilled as a refreshing side dish. Enjoy your perfectly balanced and delicious Southern Cucumber Salad!
Tips for Success
- Thin Slices are Key: Uniform, paper-thin slices of cucumber and onion are crucial for the best texture and for absorbing the dressing.
- Chill Thoroughly: This salad is best served very cold; ensure it has enough time in the refrigerator.
- Adjust Sweetness & Tanginess: Taste the dressing before adding it to the cucumbers and adjust the sugar or vinegar to your preference.
- Don’t Add Salt Too Early (Before Dressing): Salting cucumbers directly before adding dressing can draw out too much water, making the salad watery. The salt in the dressing is sufficient.
- Fresh Dill: If possible, use fresh dill for a brighter, more pronounced flavor.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This Southern Cucumber Salad is an incredibly versatile and refreshing side dish that complements a wide array of summer meals.
- Barbecue & Grilling: Perfect alongside grilled chicken, ribs, burgers, or hot dogs.
- Fried Chicken/Fish: A classic cool and crisp counterpoint to rich, fried foods.
- Sandwiches: Serve as a refreshing side with sandwiches or wraps.
- Picnics & Potlucks: Easy to transport and always a popular choice.
- Other Summer Sides: Pair with other light summer dishes like Grilled Halloumi and Tomato Salad for Summer Bliss or Creamy Fruit Salad with Honey Drizzle.
- Seafood Dishes: A light complement to seafood, such as a Simple Salmon and Rice Bowl with Fresh Cucumber.
- Beverages: A tall glass of iced tea, lemonade (like This Blueberry Lemonade Is My Favorite Refreshing Drink for Sunny Days), or sparkling water. For a spicier meal, it could even accompany something with a kick like Spicy Jalapeño Pineapple Relish.
Storage and Leftover Tips
This cucumber salad is excellent for making ahead and enjoying as leftovers.
- Make Ahead: This salad actually tastes better after it has had time to chill and for the flavors to meld, so making it 1-2 hours in advance (or even the day before) is recommended.
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover Southern Cucumber Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The cucumbers will soften slightly over time, but the flavor will remain.
- Draining Excess Liquid: If the salad releases a lot of liquid after a day or two in the fridge, you can gently drain some of it off before serving.
- Freezing: Freezing is not recommended for this salad, as the cucumbers will become very mushy upon thawing.
Final Thoughts
This Southern Cucumber Salad is a truly delightful and incredibly refreshing side dish that perfectly captures the essence of summer. Its crisp cucumbers, tangy dressing, and subtle sweetness make it an absolute crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion. Get ready to savor every cool, delicious bite!
What are your go-to refreshing side dishes for summer gatherings, or do you have a secret ingredient that makes your creamy salads extra special? Share your insights and feedback in the comments below, and don’t forget to follow Chefmaniac for more exciting and delicious recipes!
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