There’s something truly special about a dish that brings back memories of grandma’s kitchen, and that’s exactly what you get with my grandma’s cucumber salad. This isn’t just any salad; it’s a refreshing burst of flavors that takes me back to sunny afternoons spent in her garden, where the cucumbers were crisp and the dill was fragrant. I can still hear her laughter while she tossed together this simple yet delightful mix of ingredients. It’s the perfect side for barbecues, picnics, or just a light lunch on a hot day. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it your go-to recipe for any occasion!
Ingredients for Grandma’s Cucumber Salad
- 3 large cucumbers, sliced thinly for a crisp texture
- 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced to add a bit of zing
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved to bring a burst of sweetness
- 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped for that classic flavor
- 1/2 cup sour cream, giving the salad its creamy richness
- 2 tablespoons vinegar, to balance the creaminess with a little tang
- 1 tablespoon sugar, just to round out the flavors
- Salt and pepper to taste for seasoning
How to Prepare Grandma’s Cucumber Salad
- First things first, grab a large bowl and toss in those beautifully sliced cucumbers, the vibrant red onion, and the sweet cherry tomatoes. The colors alone will make your heart sing!
- Now, let’s get to the dressing! In a separate bowl, mix together the sour cream, vinegar, sugar, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. This is where the magic really happens; you want everything to blend together beautifully, so whisk until it’s nice and smooth.
- Once your dressing is ready, pour it over the cucumber mixture. Now, here’s the fun part—gently toss everything together until every piece is coated in that creamy goodness. Don’t go too wild; we want to keep those cucumbers crisp!
- Now, it’s time for a little patience. Cover the salad and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This allows all those lovely flavors to mingle and deepen. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a refreshing, cool salad perfect for hot summer days.
- Simple, fresh ingredients that are easy to find and prepare.
- Can be made ahead of time, allowing flavors to develop for a tastier dish.
- Versatile enough to accompany any main dish, from grilled meats to vegetarian options.
- A delightful mix of creamy, tangy, and sweet flavors that everyone will enjoy.
- Brings back nostalgic memories of family gatherings and time spent with loved ones.
Tips for Success
To make grandma’s cucumber salad truly shine, here are a few handy tips! First, always choose fresh, firm cucumbers for that perfect crunch. If you want a bit of extra flavor, you can sprinkle some salt on the cucumbers and let them sit for about 10 minutes before mixing. This helps draw out excess moisture and intensifies their taste. If you prefer a lighter version, swap out the sour cream for Greek yogurt—it’s just as creamy but with a touch more tang! And don’t forget to taste as you go; adjust the seasoning to your liking. A little extra dill or a dash more vinegar can make all the difference! Lastly, let the salad chill longer if you can—trust me, it gets even better with time!
Variations of Grandma’s Cucumber Salad
If you’re feeling adventurous and want to switch things up, there are plenty of fun ways to give grandma’s cucumber salad a twist! For a bit of crunch, try adding diced bell peppers or sliced radishes. If you love a little heat, toss in some diced jalapeños for a spicy kick. You can also swap out the dill for fresh parsley or basil for a different herbal note. And if you’re a fan of fruit, adding diced avocado or even some cubed watermelon can bring a refreshing sweetness to the mix. The possibilities are endless, so feel free to get creative and make it your own!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for each serving of grandma’s cucumber salad. This salad is not only delicious but also light and refreshing! Each serving contains approximately:
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 10g
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 150mg
Keep in mind that these are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. Enjoy this guilt-free salad as a tasty addition to your meals!
FAQ Section
Got questions about grandma’s cucumber salad? I’ve got you covered! Here are some common inquiries:
Can I use different types of cucumbers?
Absolutely! While I love the classic crunch of regular cucumbers, you can use Persian or English cucumbers for a slightly different taste and texture.
How long can I keep this salad in the fridge?
This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but you can keep it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just give it a good stir before serving!
Can I make this salad vegan?
Sure! Just swap the sour cream for a plant-based yogurt, and you’re good to go!
What’s the best way to serve grandma’s cucumber salad?
It’s fantastic as a side dish at barbecues or picnics, but it also complements grilled chicken or fish beautifully!
Is it possible to make this salad spicy?
Yes! Add some chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for a fun spicy kick!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing grandma’s cucumber salad is super easy! Just transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to 2 days, but trust me, it’s best enjoyed within the first day for that crispness. Don’t worry about reheating—this salad is meant to be served cold, so just give it a good stir before enjoying it again. If you notice some extra liquid has formed, that’s just the cucumbers releasing moisture; simply drain it off for the perfect texture. Enjoy every bite!
Serving Suggestions
Grandma’s cucumber salad is a versatile delight that pairs beautifully with so many dishes! It’s the perfect sidekick to grilled meats like juicy burgers, smoky chicken, or tender steak straight off the barbecue. If you’re serving up a vegetarian feast, this salad complements hearty dishes like stuffed peppers or lentil burgers wonderfully. It also shines alongside picnic favorites such as sandwiches, wraps, or even a classic potato salad. And don’t forget, it makes a refreshing addition to any summer potluck or gathering. Trust me, everyone will be reaching for this salad again and again!
Drucken
Grandma’s Cucumber Salad: 5 Refreshing Secrets Inside
- Gesamtzeit: 45 minutes
- Ertrag: Serves 4
- Ernährung: Vegetarisch
Beschreibung
A refreshing and simple cucumber salad inspired by grandma’s recipe.
Zutaten
- 3 large cucumbers, sliced
- 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Anweisungen
- In a large bowl, combine cucumbers, red onion, cherry tomatoes, and dill.
- In a separate bowl, mix sour cream, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the cucumber mixture and toss to coat.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste.
- Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter option.
- This salad can be made a day ahead for better flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Kochen Zeit: 0 minutes
- Kategorie: Salad
- Methode: Mixing
- Küche: American
Ernährung
- Portionsgröße: 1 serving
- Kalorien: 150
- Zucker: 3g
- Natrium: 150mg
- Fett: 10g
- Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 5g
- Ungesättigte Fette: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Kohlenhydrate: 12g
- Faser: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterin: 15mg
Keywords: grandmas cucumber salad
