Love & Best Dishes: Cold Cucumber Salad Recipe

Love & Best Dishes: Cold Cucumber Salad Recipe is a easy Southern United States recipe that serves 4. 150 calories per serving. Recipe by Paula Deen on YouTube.

Prep: 55 min | Cook: PT0M | Total: 1 hr

Cost: $6.47 total, $1.62 per serving

Ingredients

  • 2 English Cucumber (seedless, English type; washed and trimmed)
  • 1 tablespoon Kosher Salt (for drawing out water)
  • 1.5 teaspoons White Distilled Vinegar (adds a subtle tang)
  • 0.5 cup Sour Cream (full‑fat for richness)
  • 0.5 cup Mayonnaise (use a good quality mayo)
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Dill (chopped finely)
  • 0.25 teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper (adjust to taste)

Instructions

  1. Slice the Cucumbers

    Wash the cucumbers, trim the ends, then use a potato peeler to create thin strips. Transfer the strips to a mandolin and slice them into thin ribbons, keeping the mandolin guard in place for safety.

    Time: PT10M

  2. Salt the Cucumbers

    Place the sliced cucumbers in a large bowl, sprinkle with 1 tablespoon of kosher salt, and toss to coat evenly. Let the cucumbers sit for about 30 minutes to draw out excess water.

    Time: PT30M

  3. Drain and Pat Dry

    After 30 minutes, pour the cucumbers into a colander, discard the liquid, and pat the cucumbers dry with paper towels.

    Time: PT5M

  4. Prepare the Dressing

    In a mixing bowl combine ½ cup sour cream, ½ cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill, 1½ teaspoons white vinegar, a pinch of salt, and ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. Stir until smooth.

    Time: PT5M

  5. Toss the Salad

    Add the drained cucumber ribbons to the dressing and gently toss until all pieces are evenly coated.

    Time: PT5M

  6. Chill and Serve

    Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or prepare the night before for deeper flavor. Serve cold.

    Time: PT0M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
150
Protein
2g
Carbohydrates
8g
Fat
12g
Fiber
1g

Dietary info: vegetarian, gluten‑free

Allergens: dairy, eggs

Last updated: March 14, 2026

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Love & Best Dishes: Cold Cucumber Salad Recipe

Recipe by Paula Deen

A light, refreshing Southern cucumber salad perfect for Labor Day. Seedless English cucumbers are thinly sliced, salted to draw out excess water, and tossed with a creamy sour‑cream‑mayonnaise dressing flavored with fresh dill, vinegar, and black pepper. Make it the night before for maximum flavor.

EasySouthern United StatesServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
55m
Prep
0m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 5m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$6.47
Total cost
$1.62
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Slice the cucumbers thinly with a mandolin
  • Salt the cucumbers and let them sit to draw out water
  • Drain and pat the cucumbers completely before mixing with dressing

Safety Warnings

  • Use the mandolin guard or a protective glove to avoid cuts
  • Handle the knife and peeler carefully
  • Keep the dressing refrigerated if not serving immediately

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of cucumber salad in Southern United States cuisine?

A

Cucumber salads have long been a staple in Southern cooking, especially during hot summer months. They provide a cool, refreshing side that balances richer fried or barbecued dishes, and are often served at holiday gatherings like Labor Day.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Southern cucumber salad?

A

In the South, cucumber salads range from simple vinegar‑based versions to richer creamy dressings with sour cream or mayonnaise. Some regions add sliced onions, bell peppers, or a touch of sugar for sweetness.

cultural
Q

How is a traditional Southern cucumber salad typically served?

A

It is usually served chilled as a side dish alongside fried chicken, barbecue, or grilled meats. It can be presented in a large bowl for family style or portioned into individual serving dishes.

cultural
Q

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

A

Cucumber salad is popular at summer picnics, barbecues, Fourth of July gatherings, and Labor Day celebrations, where a light, cooling side is welcomed.

cultural
Q

What makes Paula Deen’s quick cucumber salad special in Southern cuisine?

A

Paula Deen adds a creamy mayo‑sour‑cream dressing with fresh dill, giving the salad a richer texture compared to the classic vinegar‑only versions, while still keeping it quick and easy for busy holiday prep.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Paula Deen’s quick cucumber salad?

A

Common errors include not salting the cucumbers long enough, failing to drain and pat them dry, and over‑mixing the dressing which can cause it to separate. Following the salting and drying steps ensures a crisp, non‑soggy salad.

technical
Q

Why does this cucumber salad recipe use both sour cream and mayonnaise instead of just vinegar?

A

The combination of sour cream and mayonnaise creates a velvety, rich coating that balances the cucumber’s freshness, while a small amount of vinegar adds just enough tang without making the salad overly acidic.

technical
Q

Can I make Paula Deen’s cucumber salad ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, you can prepare the dressing and salt the cucumbers up to a day in advance. Store the dressed salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator; it will stay fresh for up to three days.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when making this cucumber salad?

A

The cucumber ribbons should be crisp and lightly wilted from the salt, not limp. The dressing should be smooth and coat the cucumbers evenly, with specks of fresh dill visible throughout.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Paula Deen specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Paula Deen specializes in Southern comfort food, featuring classic recipes like fried chicken, biscuits, and hearty side dishes, all presented with Paula’s warm, home‑style cooking approach.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Paula Deen’s approach to Southern cooking differ from other Southern cooking channels?

A

Paula Deen’s channel focuses on approachable, family‑friendly recipes with generous portions and a comforting tone, often emphasizing rich, buttery flavors and quick, practical techniques compared to more technique‑heavy or gourmet Southern channels.

channel

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