This Cucumber Salad Is Soo Delicious
This Cucumber Salad Is Soo Delicious is a easy American recipe that serves 4. 185 calories per serving. Recipe by Sweet Adjeley on YouTube.
Prep: 17 min | Cook: 12 min | Total: 37 min
Cost: $4.11 total, $1.03 per serving
Ingredients
- 4 pieces Eggs (hard‑boiled, peeled)
- 2 pieces Cucumbers (seedless or English cucumbers, sliced half‑moon)
- 1 piece Carrot (peeled and shredded)
- 1 cup Tomatoes (cherry tomatoes, halved (optional))
- 0.5 piece Red Onion (thinly sliced (optional))
- 1 tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar (or any vinegar of choice)
- 3 tablespoons Mayonnaise (regular or light)
- 1 tablespoon Honey (or 1 tsp sugar if preferred)
- pinch to taste Salt (for boiling eggs)
- as needed cup Cold Water (for cooling boiled eggs)
Instructions
Boil Eggs
Place eggs in a saucepan, cover with cold water, add a pinch of salt, bring to a boil over medium‑high heat, then reduce to a low simmer for 8 minutes for hard‑boiled eggs. Remove from heat, drain, and transfer to a bowl of cold salted water to cool.
Time: PT12M
Temperature: medium‑high
Peel Eggs
Once the eggs are cool, peel them under running water and set aside.
Time: PT2M
Chop Vegetables
Wash cucumbers, carrots, tomatoes, and onion. Slice cucumbers into half‑moon pieces, grate or julienne the carrot, halve the tomatoes, and thinly slice the onion.
Time: PT8M
Mix Vegetables with Vinegar
In a large mixing bowl, combine cucumbers, carrots, tomatoes, and onion. Add 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or preferred vinegar) and toss to coat.
Time: PT2M
Make Mayo‑Honey Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons mayonnaise and 1 tablespoon honey (or 1 tsp sugar) until smooth.
Time: PT1M
Coat Vegetables
Pour the mayo‑honey dressing over the seasoned vegetables and stir until every piece is evenly coated.
Time: PT2M
Add Boiled Eggs
Slice or quarter the boiled eggs and gently fold them into the salad, giving a quick stir to distribute.
Time: PT2M
Chill or Serve
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to let flavors meld, or serve immediately if vegetables are already cold.
Time: PT15M
Temperature: refrigerator
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 185
- Protein
- 6g
- Carbohydrates
- 8g
- Fat
- 12g
- Fiber
- 1g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Allergens: Eggs, Mayonnaise (contains egg), Honey
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Eggs: hard‑boiled tofu cubes (vegan)
- Instead of Cucumbers: zucchini
- Instead of Carrot: radish
- Instead of Tomatoes: red bell pepper
- Instead of Red Onion: green onion
- Instead of Apple Cider Vinegar: white vinegar, lemon juice
- Instead of Mayonnaise: Greek yogurt
- Instead of Honey: maple syrup, agave nectar, sugar
- Instead of Salt: sea salt
Equipment Needed
- Saucepan
- Mixing Bowl
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Spatula
- Measuring Spoons
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Boil eggs until hard‑boiled (Step 1)
- Add boiled eggs last to avoid breaking (Step 7)
- Chill the salad for at least 15 minutes to let flavors meld (Step 8)
Chef Tips from the Video
- For a lighter version, substitute half the mayo with Greek yogurt
- Add fresh dill or chopped mint for extra freshness
- Use a spray bottle for vinegar to control the amount more precisely
Troubleshooting
Salad looks watery after mixing.
Drain excess liquid from the cucumbers and tomatoes before adding the dressing; add dressing gradually.
Eggs are overcooked and have a green ring.
Reduce simmer time to 8 minutes and shock eggs in ice water immediately after cooking.
Dressing separates.
Whisk the mayo and honey together thoroughly before adding; if separation occurs, stir in a splash of warm water to emulsify.
Storage
Refrigerator: Airtight container, up to 3 days
Freezer: Not recommended (dressing may separate)
Room temperature: Up to 2 hours if kept cool
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare and chill the vegetables up to step 4 and store in a sealed container
- Make the mayo‑honey dressing ahead and keep refrigerated
- Peel boiled eggs and keep them submerged in cold water to stay fresh
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of cucumber salad in American cuisine?
Cucumber salads have been a staple of American summer cooking since the early 20th century, offering a cool, crisp side that balances richer main dishes. They evolved from European cucumber‑vinegar salads, adapting to local ingredients like mayonnaise and honey for a sweeter, creamier profile.
What are traditional regional variations of cucumber salad in the United States?
In the South, cucumber salads often feature a sweet vinegar base with sugar and sometimes dill. In the Midwest, a creamy version with mayonnaise and sour cream is common, while West Coast versions may incorporate Asian-inspired ingredients like rice vinegar and sesame oil.
How is cucumber egg salad traditionally served in American households?
It is typically served chilled as a side dish alongside grilled meats, fried chicken, or rice dishes. It also appears on picnic tables and potlucks, often paired with sandwiches or as a topping for burgers.
During which occasions or celebrations is cucumber salad commonly enjoyed in American culture?
Cucumber salad is popular at summer barbecues, family picnics, holiday potlucks, and as a refreshing accompaniment during warm weather gatherings.
What authentic ingredients are essential for a classic American cucumber salad and what are acceptable substitutes?
Core ingredients include fresh cucumbers, a light vinegar (apple cider or white), mayonnaise, and a touch of sweetness such as honey or sugar. Substitutes can be Greek yogurt for mayo, lemon juice for vinegar, or maple syrup for honey while maintaining the salad’s flavor balance.
What other American dishes pair well with this cucumber egg salad?
It pairs beautifully with grilled salmon, fried rice, roasted chicken, BBQ ribs, or a simple turkey sandwich. The crispness cuts through rich, fatty flavors, making it a versatile side.
What makes this cucumber egg salad special or unique in American cuisine?
The addition of boiled eggs adds protein and texture, while the honey‑mayo dressing provides a sweet‑savory balance not always found in traditional cucumber salads. This combination creates a more filling, meal‑like side.
How has cucumber salad evolved over time in the United States?
Originally a simple vinegar‑dressed cucumber dish, it has incorporated creamy dressings, sweeteners, and protein additions like eggs or cheese. Modern versions reflect health trends, using yogurt or reduced‑fat mayo and adding fresh herbs.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making cucumber egg salad?
Common errors include overcooking the eggs (causing a green ring), adding too much dressing which makes the salad soggy, and mixing the eggs too early, which can cause them to break apart. Follow the recipe’s order of operations for best results.
Why does this cucumber egg salad recipe use a honey‑mayo dressing instead of a traditional vinaigrette?
The honey‑mayo dressing adds creaminess and a subtle sweetness that complements the crisp vegetables and balances the acidity of the vinegar. This creates a richer mouthfeel that many American palates enjoy for side dishes.
What does the YouTube channel Sweet Adjeley specialize in?
The YouTube channel Sweet Adjeley focuses on quick, family‑friendly recipes that blend comfort food with simple, wholesome ingredients. Host Sweet Adjeley often shares tips for efficient meal prep and emphasizes love and positivity in cooking.
How does the YouTube channel Sweet Adjeley's approach to American comfort cooking differ from other cooking channels?
Sweet Adjeley emphasizes minimal prep time, uses everyday pantry staples, and injects personal storytelling about family and faith, creating a warm, relatable atmosphere unlike more production‑heavy or technique‑focused channels.
Last updated: September 6, 2026
