Grannys Cucumber Salad
Table of Contents
Granny's Fresh Cucumber Salad : A Slice of Summer, Sorted!
Fancy a bit of sunshine on your plate, even when it's chucking it down outside? This fresh cucumber salad recipe is just the ticket.
It's like a little holiday for your taste buds. I always think of summer afternoons and garden parties when I whip this up!
This isn't just any old cucumber salad. We're talking Granny level deliciousness. A recipe passed down through generations, meaning it's simple.
This creamy cucumber salad is a classic, and it's dead easy to make. You'll be done in 45 minutes (including chilling time).
It serves 6.
Where Did It Come From? And Why You'll Love It!
Honestly, I don't know the exact origin. It tastes like pure British summertime. Perfect with a burger or a sandwich in the garden.
This recipe stands out due to its refreshing and creamy texture. The tang from the vinegar. It's an amazing side dish for barbecues, or anytime you fancy a light, healthy bite.
It feels amazing on a hot day.
So, What's Good For You?
Cucumbers are mostly water, so they're brilliant for hydration. This refreshing salad is low in calories but packed with flavour.
Not to mention, it's a cracking way to sneak some veggies into your diet without feeling like you're sacrificing fun.
Okay, right then, let's get this show on the road . Let's grab the bits and bobs we need to make it happen!
The Bits You'll Need
- 3 medium cucumbers, peeled and thinly sliced.
- 1/2 medium red onion, thinly sliced.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill.
- 1 cup sour cream.
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise.
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar.
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
Okay, right then, let's get this show on the road and talk about what you'll need to make this fresh cucumber salad .
Honestly, it’s so simple. Even I can't mess it up!
Ingredients & Equipment
Based on that smashing recipe for " fresh cucumber salad ," here are the bits and bobs you'll need. I remember the first time I made this.
I completely forgot the dill! Don't be like me. It makes a world of difference! This Granny's Cucumber Salad is just something else.
Main Ingredients
- Cucumbers : 3 medium, peeled, and thinly sliced. That's about 750g or 1.6lbs . Quality indicators? Go for firm cucumbers. They shouldn’t be squishy.
- Red Onion : 1/2 medium, thinly sliced (around 50g/1.8oz ).
- Fresh Dill : 1/4 cup chopped (about 5g/0.2oz ). Fresh is key!
- Sour Cream : 1 cup ( 240ml/8fl oz ). It is creamy cucumber salad after all!
- Mayonnaise : 1/4 cup ( 60ml/2fl oz ).
- White Vinegar : 2 tablespoons ( 30ml/1fl oz ).
- Granulated Sugar : 1 tablespoon ( 12g/0.4oz ).
- Salt : 1/2 teaspoon ( 3g/0.1oz ).
- Black Pepper : 1/4 teaspoon ( 1g/0.03oz ).
Seasoning Notes
Right, seasoning is where the magic happens! Dill is essential for that classic cucumber dill salad flavour. For a bit of extra zing, try a pinch of mustard powder in the dressing! If you are out of white vinegar try apple cider vinegar.
It gives a sweeter flavor.
It makes a refreshing salad ideal for them summer days. The quick cucumber salad is a favorite.
Equipment Needed
You really don't need much. A good knife and a chopping board are crucial. A large bowl for mixing and a whisk for the dressing.
If you haven't got a whisk, a fork will do just fine. It will be an easy salad recipe after all! This is a perfect side dish for barbecues !
Cooking Method: Granny's Fresh Cucumber Salad
Okay, right then, let's get this show on the road. We're diving into a cracking fresh cucumber salad recipe. Nothing fancy, just good, honest food.
This isn't just any salad; it's a nostalgic trip back to those garden parties, where Granny's Cucumber Salad was always the star.
It's a refreshing salad that goes down a treat, especially when the sun's blazing!
Prep Steps: Getting Your Ducks in a Row
First things first. Chop your veggies before mixing the dressing. Peel and thinly slice 3 medium cucumbers . Thinly slice ½ medium red onion , because no one wants a huge chunk of onion.
Chop a ¼ cup of fresh dill honestly, fresh is best here! For safety, always use a sharp knife and watch those fingers.
A little tip, if you are short on time, use a mandoline to slice your cucumber; just watch your fingers.
step-by-step to Cucumber Perfection
- Combine: Mix sliced cucumber, red onion, and dill in a bowl.
- Whisk: In another bowl, whisk 1 cup sour cream, ¼ cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons white vinegar, 1 tablespoon sugar, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper.
- Dress: Pour dressing over the salad and gently toss.
- Chill: Cover and chill for at least 30 minutes .
- Serve: Give a final toss and serve.
Visual cues for doneness? The cucumbers should be coated, but not swimming. The chilling process melds the flavors nicely.
Pro Tips: Elevating Your Salad Game
Want that extra oomph ? Salt the cucumbers for 15 minutes before rinsing. This gets rid of extra water and makes them crispier.
My gran always said "a little extra vinegar never hurt anyone" taste and adjust! I cannot stress enough how fresh herbs makes all the difference for a cucumber dill salad !
A common mistake is overdressing. Start with less, you can always add more.
You can totally make the dressing ahead of time. Store it in the fridge for up to 2 days .
A creamy cucumber salad is perfect for a side dish for barbecues , offering a refreshing salad that everyone will love.
Honestly, this quick cucumber salad is one of those easy salad recipes you'll find yourself making again and again during those long summer salad recipes days, and the sour cream salad dressing is just divine.
Based on that smashing recipe for fresh cucumber salad, here's a list of 10 tailored to get that site ranking, drawing from the description and keeping it all proper British.
Recipe Notes
Okay, right then, let's get this show on the road. Making Granny's Cucumber Salad is a doddle. But a few bits and bobs can elevate it from "meh" to "bloody brilliant".
Based on that smashing recipe, here are some helpful notes.
Serving Up a Treat
Plating and Presentation Ideas: Honestly, the way you serve it makes a difference. I love piling it high in a vintage bowl. Garnish with a sprig of dill. Looks fancy, right?
Complementary Sides or Beverages: This creamy cucumber salad is a cracking side dish for barbecues . Think sausages, burgers, all that jazz.
A crisp, dry white wine or even a refreshing elderflower cordial goes down a treat.
Sorted Storage Solutions
Refrigeration Guidelines: This cucumber salad recipe is best enjoyed within 2-3 days. Keep it covered in the fridge. Nobody wants soggy cucumbers.
Freezing Options (if applicable): Sadly, freezing this sour cream salad dressing isn’t recommended. The texture goes a bit weird. Best to make it fresh.
Reheating Instructions: Erm, you don't reheat it! This refreshing salad is meant to be served cold. Who reheats salad anyway?
Swapsies and Tweaks
Dietary Adaptations: Want a healthier version? Sub the sour cream with Greek yogurt for a tangier kick. Job's a good'un!
Seasonal Ingredient Swaps: In winter, pickled beetroot adds a lovely earthy sweetness. Not exactly traditional, but who cares? It’s your salad.
Nutrition Nitty Gritty
Simplified Nutrition Information: Roughly 110 calories per serving. A decent amount of vitamins from the cucumber. Perfect if you want to enjoy guilt free.
Key Health Benefits: Cucumbers are mostly water. So this quick cucumber salad is mega hydrating. Plus, dill is supposed to be good for digestion. Bonus.
Honestly, this recipe for fresh cucumber salad is a winner. Don't be afraid to experiment. Throw in some extra dill.
A pinch of chilli flakes. Make it your own. Now go get chopping and enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I stop my fresh cucumber salad from getting watery? It ends up a soggy mess!
Soggy cucumber salad is a common woe, a real kitchen drama! The key is to draw out excess moisture from the cucumbers before dressing them. Try tossing the sliced cucumbers with a teaspoon of salt and letting them sit for about 15 minutes.
Rinse them well and pat them completely dry with paper towels before adding the dressing. This makes a world of difference, trust me. Think of it like giving your cucumbers a little spa treatment before the party!
Can I make this fresh cucumber salad ahead of time, or will it get weird?
Yes, you can definitely make this ahead! In fact, chilling it for at least 30 minutes (or even a few hours) allows the flavors to meld beautifully. However, bear in mind the cucumbers will soften slightly the longer it sits.
If you're making it more than a few hours in advance, consider keeping the dressing separate and adding it just before serving to prevent the cucumbers from getting too soggy. No one wants a sad, droopy salad!
What are some good variations on this fresh cucumber salad recipe? I'm feeling adventurous!
Fancy jazzing things up a bit? Brilliant! You could try using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a tangier twist, or add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing for a bit of a kick. Thinly sliced radishes or green onions also add a nice bite and some extra visual appeal.
For a sweeter flavour you can swap the White Vinegar for Apple Cider Vinegar.
How long will this fresh cucumber salad last in the fridge? What's the best way to store it?
Your fresh cucumber salad is best enjoyed within 2-3 days of making it. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Keep in mind that the cucumbers will continue to release moisture as they sit, so it might get a bit watery over time. Give it a gentle stir before serving to redistribute the dressing.
If you're seeing excessive water pooling, you can carefully drain some off.
Is this cucumber salad healthy? I'm trying to watch my calories!
Cucumber salad can be a fairly healthy side dish, especially if you make a few smart swaps! Consider using low-fat sour cream or Greek yogurt to reduce the fat content. You could also try using a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup in place of sugar, using less overall. And remember, portion control is key!
Enjoy your salad as part of a balanced meal, like alongside a grilled chicken breast or some veggie skewers.
Grannys Cucumber Salad
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 110 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 9g |
| Fiber | 1g |