Creamy Italian Cucumber Salad Recipe

Introduction

This Creamy Italian Cucumber Salad is a refreshing and flavorful side dish perfect for warm days or whenever you want a crisp, tangy salad. Combining creamy dressing with fresh cucumbers and red onion, it brings a delightful twist to a classic cucumber salad.

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup Mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup Sour Cream
• 1 tablespoon Red or White Wine Vinegar
• 2 teaspoons Italian Seasoning
• 1 teaspoon Olive Oil
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt
• 1/4 teaspoon Pepper
• 1 pinch Granulated Sugar (about 1/8 teaspoon)
• 3 large Cucumbers
• 1 medium Red Onion

Instructions

1. Step 1: Peel the cucumbers if desired, then slice them thinly. Peel and thinly slice the red onion. Place both in a large bowl.
2. Step 2: In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, vinegar, Italian seasoning, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and sugar until smooth and well combined.
3. Step 3: Pour the creamy dressing over the sliced cucumbers and onions. Toss gently to coat everything evenly.
4. Step 4: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the cucumbers to absorb the dressing.
5. Step 5: Give the salad a quick toss before serving, then enjoy this cool and creamy Italian-inspired cucumber salad.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crunch, add sliced cherry tomatoes or chopped fresh bell peppers.
• Swap the Italian seasoning for fresh herbs like dill or basil for a different flavor profile.
• If you prefer a lighter dressing, reduce the mayonnaise and increase the sour cream slightly.
• To reduce strong onion flavor, soak the sliced onions in cold water for 10 minutes before draining and mixing in the salad.

Storage

Store the cucumber salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. It’s best eaten fresh, but the flavors do deepen if left overnight. When ready to serve, give it a gentle stir. Avoid freezing as the cucumbers will lose their crispness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cucumber?

Yes, you can use English cucumbers or Persian cucumbers if you prefer fewer seeds and a thinner skin. Just slice them thinly as directed.

Is this salad suitable for making ahead?

It’s best to prepare the salad a few hours ahead or the day before to let the flavors blend, but not too far in advance to keep the cucumbers crisp. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Creamy Italian Cucumber Salad Recipe

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This Creamy Italian Cucumber Salad is a refreshing and flavorful side dish perfect for warm weather meals or as a crisp complement to any main course. Featuring fresh cucumbers and red onion tossed in a tangy and creamy Italian dressing made from mayonnaise, sour cream, garlic, and Italian seasoning, this salad offers a delightful blend of textures and flavors with a perfect balance of acidity and creaminess.

• Author: Tara
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes (including chilling time)
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Salad
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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Dressing

• 3/4 cup Mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup Sour Cream
• 1 tablespoon Red or White Wine Vinegar
• 2 teaspoons Italian Seasoning
• 1 teaspoon Olive Oil
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt
• 1/4 teaspoon Pepper
• 1 pinch Granulated Sugar (about 1/8 teaspoon)

Salad

• 3 large Cucumbers
• 1 medium Red Onion

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cucumbers: Peel the cucumbers if desired and slice them thinly. For best texture, you can also remove the seeds if they are large and watery. Place the sliced cucumbers in a colander and sprinkle lightly with salt; let them sit for about 10 minutes to draw out excess water, then gently pat dry with paper towels.
2. Slice the Red Onion: Peel and thinly slice the red onion to ensure it mixes well with the cucumbers and the dressing, providing a mild crunchy bite.
3. Make the Dressing: In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, red or white wine vinegar, Italian seasoning, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and granulated sugar. Whisk thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
4. Toss the Salad: Add the sliced cucumbers and red onion to the bowl with the dressing. Gently toss everything together until the vegetables are evenly coated with the creamy Italian dressing.
5. Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Stir again before serving, and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Notes

• For extra crunch, add sliced bell peppers or cherry tomatoes.
• If you prefer a lighter dressing, substitute the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
• Use white wine vinegar for a milder tang or red wine vinegar for a bolder flavor.
• To reduce moisture and prevent sogginess, salting cucumbers before mixing is recommended.
• Keep the salad refrigerated and consume within 2-3 days for best freshness.

Keywords: creamy cucumber salad, italian cucumber salad, cucumber salad, creamy italian dressing, easy side dish, summer salad