I Made 3 Cucumber Salads (Creamy, Marinated, and Asian)

I Made 3 Cucumber Salads (Creamy, Marinated, and Asian) is a easy American recipe that serves 4. 120 calories per serving. Recipe by Allrecipes on YouTube.

Prep: 1 hr | Cook: PT0M | Total: 1 hr 15 min

Cost: $2.87 total, $0.72 per serving

Ingredients

  • 2 pieces Cucumber (regular cucumbers, peeled, thinly sliced)
  • 1 tablespoon Kosher Salt (to draw out moisture from cucumbers)
  • 1/2 cup Mayonnaise (full‑fat, room temperature)
  • 2 teaspoons Granulated Sugar (balances the saltiness)
  • 1 tablespoon White Vinegar (adds tanginess)
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Dill (chopped)
  • 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
  • 1 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground)
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh Dill (for garnish) (chopped, optional)
  • 1 teaspoon Cracked Black Pepper (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

  1. Slice and Peel Cucumbers

    Peel the cucumbers, then slice them thinly (about 1/8‑inch thick) using a sharp knife or mandoline.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Salt the Cucumbers

    Place the sliced cucumbers in a bowl, sprinkle with 1 tablespoon kosher salt, toss to coat, then cover with plastic wrap and let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.

    Time: PT30M

  3. Drain and Rest

    After 30 minutes, transfer the cucumbers to a colander, press gently to remove excess liquid, then let them sit for an additional 15 minutes to finish draining.

    Time: PT15M

  4. Prepare the Creamy Dressing

    In a separate mixing bowl, combine 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 2 teaspoons sugar, 1 tablespoon white vinegar, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. Whisk until smooth.

    Time: PT5M

  5. Toss and Garnish

    Add the drained cucumbers to the dressing, toss gently to coat evenly. Transfer to a serving dish, sprinkle with extra chopped dill and a pinch of cracked black pepper.

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
120
Protein
2 g
Carbohydrates
8 g
Fat
9 g
Fiber
1 g

Dietary info: Vegetarian, Gluten‑Free

Allergens: Eggs

Last updated: April 20, 2026

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I Made 3 Cucumber Salads (Creamy, Marinated, and Asian)

Recipe by Allrecipes

A cool, crunchy, and creamy cucumber salad that balances salty, tangy, and sweet flavors. Thinly sliced cucumbers are salted to stay crisp, then tossed in a rich mayo‑vinegar dressing with fresh dill, garlic powder, and black pepper. Perfect as a side for summer barbecues or a refreshing snack.

EasyAmericanServes 4

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Source Video
1h
Prep
0m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 10m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$2.87
Total cost
$0.72
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Salting the cucumbers to draw out moisture while keeping them crunchy.
  • Draining and patting the cucumbers dry before adding the dressing.
  • Whisking the dressing until smooth to avoid lumps.

Safety Warnings

  • Use a stable cutting board to prevent the knife from slipping.
  • Wash cucumbers thoroughly before peeling.
  • If using raw eggs in mayonnaise, ensure the mayo is from a reputable source to avoid salmonella.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of creamy cucumber salad in American cuisine?

A

Creamy cucumber salad became popular in the United States during the mid‑20th century as a refreshing side for picnics and barbecues. Its simple combination of crisp cucumbers and a mayo‑based dressing reflects the era’s love for quick, no‑cook dishes that could be prepared ahead of summer gatherings.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of cucumber salad in the United States?

A

In the South, cucumber salad often includes a splash of apple cider vinegar and a pinch of sugar, while Midwestern versions may add sour cream or buttermilk for extra tang. Some New England recipes incorporate dill and a light vinaigrette instead of a heavy mayo base.

cultural
Q

How is Dad's Creamy Cucumber Salad traditionally served in American households?

A

It is typically served chilled as a side dish alongside grilled meats, fried chicken, or barbecue ribs. Families often present it in a simple glass bowl, garnished with fresh dill and cracked pepper, and enjoy it straight from the refrigerator.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is creamy cucumber salad traditionally associated with in American culture?

A

The salad is a staple at summer barbecues, Fourth of July picnics, potlucks, and family reunions. Its refreshing crunch makes it a perfect counterbalance to rich, smoky mains during warm weather gatherings.

cultural
Q

What makes Dad's Creamy Cucumber Salad special or unique in American side‑dish cuisine?

A

The key is the salting step that removes excess water while preserving crunch, combined with a balanced mayo‑vinegar dressing that delivers tang, sweetness, and herbaceous dill flavor. This technique keeps the salad from becoming soggy, a common issue in other cucumber salads.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Dad's Creamy Cucumber Salad?

A

Common errors include skipping the salting step, which leads to watery cucumbers, over‑mixing the dressing causing it to separate, and using too much salt in the dressing, making the salad overly salty. Follow the timing and draining steps precisely for the best texture.

technical
Q

Why does this creamy cucumber salad recipe use mayonnaise instead of a vinaigrette?

A

Mayonnaise provides a rich, creamy mouthfeel that coats each cucumber slice, creating a luxurious texture that a simple vinaigrette cannot achieve. The mayo also balances the acidity of the vinegar and the sweetness of the sugar, resulting in a harmonious flavor profile.

technical
Q

Can I make Dad's Creamy Cucumber Salad ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes. Prepare the dressing up to a day in advance and keep it refrigerated. Salt and drain the cucumbers no more than 4 hours before serving, then toss with the dressing right before you’re ready to eat. Store the finished salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3‑4 days.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when making Dad's Creamy Cucumber Salad?

A

The cucumbers should be bright green, uniformly thin, and visibly crisp after draining. The dressing should be smooth, slightly glossy, and coat the cucumber slices without pooling at the bottom of the bowl.

technical
Q

How do I know when Dad's Creamy Cucumber Salad is done cooking?

A

Since there is no cooking, the salad is done when the cucumbers have been salted, drained, and fully coated with the creamy dressing. Taste for balance—if the salad feels too salty, rinse the cucumbers briefly; if too tangy, add a pinch more sugar.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Allrecipes specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Allrecipes focuses on home‑cooked, family‑friendly recipes that are easy to follow. It offers step‑by‑step video tutorials for a wide range of cuisines, emphasizing practical tips for everyday cooks.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Allrecipes' approach to American side‑dish cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

Allrecipes emphasizes clear, concise instructions with a strong focus on ingredient accessibility and time‑saving techniques, such as salting cucumbers to retain crunch. Unlike some channels that prioritize gourmet plating, Allrecipes aims for reliable, repeatable results that home cooks can achieve with basic kitchen tools.

channel

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