Name: Creamy Cucumber Salad recipe
Ingredients: 2 large English cucumbers (or 3-4 Kirby/Persian cucumbers, or 2 standard garden cucumbers); 1 – 1.5 teaspoons kosher salt (for drawing out water); 1 cup sour cream (full-fat recommended) Or use 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (full-fat or low-fat); Or use 1/2 cup sour cream + 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (from about 1/2 large lemon) OR 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar (or apple cider vinegar); 1-2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped; 1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely snipped (optional, but nice); 1 small clove garlic, minced or grated (about 1/2 teaspoon) (optional); 1/4 – 1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar (optional, to balance acidity); 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste, remember cucumbers were salted); 1/8 – 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground, or to taste); Optional: A dash of onion powder (if not using fresh onion/chives)

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cucumbers:

- 2 large English cucumbers (or 3–4 Kirby/Persian cucumbers, or 2 standard garden cucumbers)

- 1 – 1.5 teaspoons kosher salt (for drawing out water)

For the Creamy Dressing:

- 1 cup sour cream (full-fat recommended)
  - - Or use 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (full-fat or low-fat)
  - - Or use 1/2 cup sour cream + 1/2 cup mayonnaise

- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (from about 1/2 large lemon) OR 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)

- 1–2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped

- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely snipped (optional, but nice)

- 1 small clove garlic, minced or grated (about 1/2 teaspoon) (optional)

- 1/4 – 1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar (optional, to balance acidity)

- 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste, remember cucumbers were salted)

- 1/8 – 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground, or to taste)

- Optional: A dash of onion powder (if not using fresh onion/chives)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Cucumbers:
  - - Wash the cucumbers thoroughly. Peel them if using standard garden cucumbers or if you prefer them peeled. For English, Kirby, or Persian cucumbers, peeling is optional.
  - - Slice the cucumbers very thinly (about 1/8 inch thick) using a mandoline slicer or a sharp knife.
  - - If using cucumbers with large seeds (like some garden cucumbers), cut them in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds with a small spoon before slicing.

1. Salt and Drain the Cucumbers (Crucial Step):
  - - Place the sliced cucumbers in a colander set over a bowl. Sprinkle them evenly with 1 to 1.5 teaspoons of kosher salt. Gently toss to distribute the salt.
  - - Let the cucumbers sit for at least 20-30 minutes (or up to 1 hour) at room temperature. You will see a significant amount of water collect in the bowl underneath.

1. Rinse (Optional) and Dry Cucumbers:
  - - After the draining period, you can briefly rinse the cucumbers under cold water to remove excess salt, if desired.
  - - Whether you rinse or not, thoroughly pat the cucumbers dry with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel. Gently squeeze out any remaining moisture. This step is vital for a crisp, non-watery salad.

1. Prepare the Creamy Dressing:
  - - In a medium bowl, combine the sour cream (or Greek yogurt/mayonnaise combination), fresh lemon juice or vinegar, chopped fresh dill, snipped chives (if using), minced garlic (if using), optional sugar, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and black pepper.
  - - Whisk everything together until smooth and well combined.
  - - Taste the dressing and adjust seasonings as needed. You might want more lemon/vinegar for tang, a touch more sugar for balance, or more salt/pepper.

1. Combine Cucumbers and Dressing:
  - - Add the dried cucumber slices to a large serving bowl.
  - - Pour the prepared creamy dressing over the cucumbers.
  - - Gently fold everything together until the cucumber slices are evenly coated with the dressing. Be careful not to overmix, which could make the cucumbers release more water.

1. Chill (Recommended):
  - - For the best flavor, cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 15-30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld. If you chill it for longer (1-2 hours), the cucumbers might soften slightly but will absorb more flavor.

1. Serve:
  - - Garnish with a little extra fresh dill or chives, if desired. Serve chilled.

Nutrition

Serving Size: one normal portion
Calories: 80-150