Nans Creamy Cucumber Salad A Refreshing Classic
Nans Creamy Cucumber Salad A Refreshing Classic
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts
Recipe Introduction
Fancy a salad that's both dead easy and totally delicious? Have you ever wondered how to make something refreshing and creamy at the same time? Then get ready, because we're diving into a creamy cucumber salad with sour cream that'll knock your socks off.
Honestly, it's so good, you'll be making it all summer long!
Cucumber Coolness: Why This Salad Rocks
This salad isn't just any old salad. It's a nod to Eastern European traditions. It takes about 45 minutes, including chilling time.
This recipe makes about 4-6 servings. Perfect for sharing, or not – I won't judge if you keep it all to yourself!
Benefits That Go Beyond Taste
Besides tasting amazing, this salad is super hydrating thanks to the cucumbers. It's ideal for a light lunch. It also rocks as a side at your next barbie.
What makes this recipe special? It's so simple, yet the flavors are just spot on.
Okay, Let's Get This Creamy Cucumber Salad Party Started!
So, what makes this cucumber salad with sour cream so good? It’s the perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and fresh.
Think of it as a light bite, packing a refreshing punch. This salad has German cucumber salad vibes. You know, that creamy taste.
But this one is a bit lighter and brighter. Ready to gather your ingredients?
Ingredients & Equipment: Nan's Creamy Cucumber Salad Edition
Okay, let's get this creamy cucumber salad keyword list sorted, shall we? Think "Bake Off" meets SEO. First, gather your bits and bobs. Honestly, this recipe is dead simple. I promise!
Main Ingredients
Alright, listen up! This is crucial, innit? We need the right amounts for that perfect creamy cucumber salad . It’s all about the balance, just like Mary Berry says.
- English Cucumbers: 2 large (approx. 600g ), thinly sliced. Look for firm ones, yeah?
- Salt: 1 teaspoon . Any will do, but sea salt's a bit fancy, isn't it?
- Sour Cream: 1 cup (240ml) , full-fat. This is non-negotiable! It needs to be proper sour cream. This makes the sour cream salad dressing really special.
- White Vinegar: 1/4 cup (60ml) . Apple cider vinegar works too, gives it a lil' sweetness.
- Fresh Dill: 2 tablespoons , chopped. The fresher, the better!
- Granulated Sugar: 1 tablespoon . Balances out the sour and vinegary taste.
- Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon , freshly ground. Adds a wee kick.
- Optional: Red Onion: 1/4 small , thinly sliced. For that extra bite if you're feeling adventurous.
My nan always said, "Good ingredients make a good salad ." And she was right! For the Cucumber Dill Salad, the quality of the dill is key.
Seasoning Notes
Right, the flavour bombs! This cucumber salad is all about that zing.
- Essential Spice Combinations: Dill and pepper, the classic combo. It's like fish and chips, you can't have one without the other.
- Flavour Enhancers and Aromatics: That vinegar kick is essential! You can also use lemon juice instead if you like. The sugar balances the sour nicely.
- Quick Substitution Options: No fresh dill? (Oh my gosh!). Use 1 teaspoon of dried dill, but fresh is always better for a refreshing cucumber salad .
Equipment Needed
Keep it simple, yeah? No need for any fancy gadgets! Remember, we are going for that Eastern European Cucumber Salad vibe.
- Large Bowl: For mixing all the goodness.
- Colander: To drain the cucumbers, proper important!
- Sharp Knife: For slicing those cucumbers.
- Cutting Board: Don't want to ruin your worktop, do you?
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accuracy is key.
Alternatives? Use a plate to drain the cucumbers if you don't have a colander. Just tilt it! See? Easy peasy.
Honestly, this easy salad recipe is a winner. The main benefit is freshness. It is a quick recipe for any occasion, from Summer Salad recipe to a nice side dish with your Sunday roast.
You know? It's creamy , it's cucumbery , and it's perfect. Let's get cooking! If you like the German Cucumber Salad creamy taste, this will hit the spot.
Nan's Creamy Cucumber Salad: A Refreshing Classic
This creamy cucumber salad is a throwback to simpler times. Think sunny garden parties. It's like something your nan would whip up! It combines the cool crunch of cucumbers with the tangy richness of sour cream.
Dill and a hint of vinegar make it utterly moreish. Forget fancy, this is proper comfort food. We are gonna learn how to make a creamy cucumber salad with sour .
Prep Like a Pro: Mise en Place and Safety
Okay, let's get this creamy cucumber salad sorted, shall we? First, grab 2 large English cucumbers . They are about 600g.
Thinly slice them. Get 1 cup of full-fat sour cream . You'll also need 1/4 cup white vinegar , 2 tablespoons fresh dill , 1 tablespoon sugar , and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper .
Optional: 1/4 small red onion . Having everything prepped saves time. No last-minute scrambles, yeah? Safety first! Watch those fingers when slicing! A sharp knife is safer than a dull one.
Creamy Cucumber Salad Step-by-Step
- Thinly slice cucumbers.
- Place cucumber slices in a colander. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon salt . Toss. Let sit for 30 minutes to drain. This is super important! No one wants a watery salad.
- While cucumbers drain, whisk together sour cream, vinegar, dill, sugar, and pepper in a large bowl.
- Gently squeeze excess liquid from cucumbers. Add cucumbers (and red onion, if using) to the sour cream dressing. Toss to combine.
- Cover bowl with cling film. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavours meld.
- Give the salad a final toss before serving. Taste and adjust seasoning. Add salt, pepper, or vinegar as needed.
Pro Tips for Creamy Cucumber Salad Perfection
- Don't skip salting and draining the cucumbers ! Honestly, this is the key to preventing a soggy salad.
- Full-fat sour cream provides the best flavour. Low-fat can be watery. I learned that the hard way. It gives it more authentic Eastern European Cucumber Salad taste.
- Avoid overmixing . Be gentle when mixing the cucumbers.
So there you have it. A simple, refreshing cucumber dill salad . It's the perfect summer salad recipe or a light lunch.
This easy salad recipe will be your new go-to side. The sour cream salad dressing makes it extra special. Think of it as a German cucumber salad but even better.
Enjoy your own refreshing cucumber salad ! And remember a little cucumber salad with vinegar brightens everything up.
Recipe Notes
Plating Perfection: Serving Suggestions
Right, so you've made this amazing creamy cucumber salad . But how do you make it look as good as it tastes? Presentation matters, you know? Think about layering it in a pretty bowl.
I like using a clear glass one so you can see all the lovely colours. A sprinkle of extra fresh dill on top? Always a good shout.
Honestly, even a simple white bowl looks elegant.
This salad is cracking with grilled sausages or chicken. I reckon it'd be lush with a slice of crusty bread, too.
A crisp glass of white wine wouldn't go amiss, either. Perfect for a summer garden party, innit?
Sorted Storage: Keeping it Fresh
Okay, let's get this creamy cucumber salad keyword list sorted, shall we? Think "Bake Off" meets SEO. You want to keep this bad boy fresh.
Pop it in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll happily sit there for up to 3 days. Just bear in mind the cucumbers might release a bit more water, so give it a stir before serving.
Freezing? Nah, I wouldn't bother. Sour cream doesn't really freeze well, does it? It goes a bit weird and watery. Best to make it fresh, mate.
Remix Time: Variations
Want to mix things up a bit? Course you do! For a lighter option, try swapping half the sour cream for Greek yogurt.
It gives it a bit of a tang. Or, if you are a vegan, use a vegan sour cream alternative.
If you fancy a bit of sweetness, a drizzle of honey or maple syrup works a treat. Oh my gosh! And if you're feeling adventurous, try using different herbs.
Mint, chives – go wild! Use apple cider vinegar or even lemon juice when white vinegar is not available. I've tried it with a pinch of chili flakes before now – not traditional, but surprisingly tasty.
Nutrition Nitty-Gritty
Alright, a bit of geeky stuff. Each serving has around 120 calories. Not bad, eh? It's got about 2 grams of protein, 10 grams of fat, and 7 grams of carbs.
Plus, cucumbers are mostly water, so it's hydrating, which is always a bonus.
This creamy cucumber salad with sour cream is a delightful choice! It combines the cool crunch of cucumbers with the tangy richness of sour cream , dill , and a hint of vinegar for a salad that's both refreshing and satisfying.
Enjoy this easy salad recipe , perfect as a summer salad recipe or a light snack. It's a fantastic refreshing cucumber salad that reminds me of German cucumber salad or Eastern European cucumber salad , with its creamy texture and flavor.
Don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own!
So there you have it. Now get in the kitchen and give it a go. You'll smash it!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my creamy cucumber salad with sour cream watery? I thought this was like what my nan used to make!
A watery salad is the bane of any good cook! The key is to salt your cucumbers and let them sit in a colander for at least 30 minutes before mixing them with the dressing. This draws out excess moisture. Giving them a gentle squeeze before combining with the sour cream also helps!
Can I make creamy cucumber salad with sour ahead of time? Or will it go all soggy like a wet weekend in Blackpool?
You can certainly prep it in advance, but be mindful! I recommend making the dressing and preparing the cucumbers separately. Store them individually in the fridge, then combine them about 30 minutes before serving. Any longer and, yes, you risk a soggy salad, which no one wants!
What are some variations I can make to this creamy cucumber salad with sour recipe? I'm feeling a bit adventurous!
Fancy a twist? You could try adding a pinch of garlic powder to the dressing or swapping out some of the sour cream for Greek yogurt for a tangier flavor. A little red onion adds a nice bite too! For a sweeter flavour profile, try adding a teaspoon of honey.
Is creamy cucumber salad with sour healthy? I'm trying to eat more greens, but still want something comforting.
Cucumber salad can absolutely be part of a healthy diet! It's low in calories and high in vitamins and minerals. To make it even healthier, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. Using alternative options with lower saturated fat content and higher protein content can also benefit your dietary goals.
Can I use something other than sour cream in this creamy cucumber salad? I'm out of sour cream!
Absolutely! Plain Greek yogurt is a great substitute, offering a similar tang but with less fat and more protein. Crème fraîche could also work, though it's richer and creamier than sour cream, so adjust the other ingredients accordingly. Mayonnaise is another substitute with different flavor profile altogether
How long does creamy cucumber salad with sour last in the fridge?
Generally, creamy cucumber salad will keep for up to 3 days in the fridge, stored in an airtight container. However, the cucumbers will continue to release moisture, so the salad may become a bit watery over time. Give it a good stir before serving and drain off any excess liquid.
