Cucumber salad with mayo is a classic, creamy side dish that’s perfect for warm weather, BBQs, or any time you want a cool, crisp salad with a rich, tangy dressing. It’s simple to make, uses just a handful of ingredients, and can be ready in under an hour. If you love fresh cucumbers and creamy textures, this recipe will quickly become a favorite.
What Makes Cucumber Salad with Mayo So Good?
The magic lies in the combination of crisp cucumber slices, sharp red onions, and a creamy mayonnaise-based dressing that’s balanced with vinegar, a touch of sweetness, and fresh herbs like dill. The mayo adds richness, while the vinegar cuts through with tang, creating a refreshing yet indulgent flavor profile. Plus, chilling the salad allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Ingredients You’ll Need
– Cucumbers: English cucumbers are ideal because of their thin skin and fewer seeds, but regular garden cucumbers work well too.
– Red onion: Thinly sliced for a bit of sharpness and color contrast.
– Mayonnaise: The creamy base of the dressing. You can use regular mayo or vegan mayo if preferred.
– White vinegar: Adds tang and balances the creaminess.
– Sugar: Just a little to offset the vinegar’s acidity.
– Fresh dill: This herb brings a bright, aromatic flavor that complements cucumbers perfectly.
– Salt and pepper: To season and enhance all the flavors.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Creamy Cucumber Salad with Mayo
1. Prepare the Cucumbers and Onion
Start by washing your cucumbers thoroughly. Peel them if you prefer, then slice them thinly and evenly. Using a mandoline slicer can help achieve uniform slices, but a sharp knife works fine too. Thinly slice the red onion as well.
2. Make the Creamy Dressing
In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, white vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth. This simple dressing is the heart of the salad, delivering creaminess with a perfect tangy-sweet balance.
3. Combine and Toss
Add the cucumber slices and red onions to a large mixing bowl. Pour the dressing over the vegetables, then sprinkle in the chopped fresh dill. Gently toss everything together until the cucumbers and onions are evenly coated with the creamy dressing.
4. Chill and Marinate
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This chilling step is crucial as it allows the cucumbers to soak up the dressing’s flavors and the salad to become wonderfully refreshing.
5. Serve and Enjoy
Before serving, give the salad a light toss. You can garnish with a little extra dill or a sprinkle of black pepper if you like. Serve chilled as a side dish with grilled meats, sandwiches, or as part of a picnic spread.
Tips for the Best Cucumber Salad with Mayo
– Remove excess water: Cucumbers have a lot of moisture. Salting them lightly and letting them sit for 15-20 minutes before mixing can help draw out excess water, preventing a soggy salad.
– Use fresh herbs: Fresh dill is best for flavor, but dried dill can work in a pinch.
– Customize sweetness and tang: Adjust the sugar and vinegar to your taste. Some like it tangier, others a bit sweeter.
– Try variations: Add a pinch of garlic powder or swap red onion for green onions for a milder bite. For a spicy twist, mix in a little Sriracha with the mayo.
Why This Salad Works for Any Occasion
Cucumber salad with mayo is incredibly versatile. It’s light enough to be a refreshing summer side but creamy enough to satisfy your comfort food cravings. It pairs beautifully with BBQ dishes, sandwiches, and grilled veggies. Plus, it’s quick to prepare, making it a go-to recipe for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
This creamy cucumber salad with mayo is a simple, delicious way to enjoy fresh cucumbers. Its perfect balance of creaminess, tang, and herbaceous freshness makes it a standout side dish any time of year. Give it a try—you’ll love how easy and tasty it is!