Sandra This Paula Deen Creamy Cucumber Salad is a crisp and refreshing recipe, which is made with fresh dill and sweet Vidalia onion. It’s the perfect side dish for a summer cookout, ready in about 15 minutes, plus chilling time.
Paula Deen Creamy Cucumber Salad Ingredients
- 2 medium cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 1 medium Vidalia onion, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup white vinegar
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
How To Make Paula Deen Creamy Cucumber Salad
- Salt and drain the cucumbers: Place the thinly sliced cucumbers in a colander set over a bowl. Sprinkle them with the salt and toss to coat. Let them sit for at least 30 minutes (or up to an hour) to draw out the excess water.
- Make the dressing: While the cucumbers drain, whisk together the mayonnaise, white vinegar, sugar, fresh dill, and black pepper in a large bowl until the sugar has dissolved and the dressing is smooth.
- Combine and chill: Gently pat the drained cucumber slices with a paper towel to remove any remaining moisture. Add the cucumbers and the thinly sliced Vidalia onion to the bowl with the dressing. Stir gently to combine.
- Chill and serve: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Recipe Tips
- How to prevent a watery salad? The most important step is salting and draining the cucumbers. Cucumbers are full of water, and this step draws out the excess moisture, ensuring your dressing stays creamy and doesn’t become watery.
- What are the best cucumbers to use? English or Persian cucumbers are excellent choices because they have thin skins and fewer seeds. If you use a standard garden cucumber, you may want to peel it and scoop out the seeds first for the best texture.
- Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, this is a great make-ahead salad. The flavor actually improves as it chills. You can make it up to a day in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator.
- Can I use a different type of onion? While a sweet Vidalia onion is classic for its mild flavor, you can substitute it with a thinly sliced red onion for a sharper bite and a pop of color.
What To Serve With Creamy Cucumber Salad
This cool and refreshing salad is a classic side dish for any summer meal, barbecue, or potluck. It pairs perfectly with:
- Fried Chicken
- BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches
- Grilled Hamburgers or Hot Dogs
- A simple baked or fried fish dinner
How To Store Creamy Cucumber Salad
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, though the cucumbers may release a bit more water over time.
Creamy Cucumber Salad Nutrition Facts
- Serving: 1/6th of recipe
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Protein: 1.5g
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Sugar: 12g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
This is a matter of preference. If you’re using thin-skinned English or Persian cucumbers, leaving the peel on adds a nice color and texture. If using a regular cucumber with a thicker, waxy skin, it’s best to peel it.
Yes, you can substitute the sugar with your preferred sweetener to taste. The dressing should have a pleasant balance of sweet and tangy.
Fresh dill provides the best, brightest flavor for this salad. However, you can substitute with 1 teaspoon of dried dill if that’s what you have on hand.
Try More Recipes:
- Paula Deen Strawberry Pretzel Salad Recipe
- Paula Deen Pasta Salad Recipe
- Paula Deen Cracker Salad Recipe
Paula Deen Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe
Description
A classic Southern side dish featuring crisp, thinly sliced cucumbers and sweet onions in a simple, creamy, sweet and tangy dill dressing.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place the sliced cucumbers in a colander, toss with salt, and let them drain for at least 30 minutes.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, dill, and pepper to make the dressing.
- Pat the drained cucumbers dry and add them, along with the sliced onion, to the dressing.
- Stir to combine, then cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
Notes
- The most important step for a creamy, not watery, salad is to salt and drain the cucumbers before mixing.
- For the best flavor, make this salad at least an hour ahead of time to allow the flavors to meld in the refrigerator.
- Using a mandoline slicer is the easiest way to get
