Ah, grandma’s cucumber salad! Just thinking about it brings back so many sweet memories of family gatherings in the backyard, laughter filling the air, and that unmistakable crunch of fresh cucumbers. This salad is the epitome of refreshing—crisp cucumbers mingling with juicy cherry tomatoes and a whisper of dill. It’s not just a salad; it’s a part of our family tradition, served alongside everything from grilled burgers to holiday feasts. I remember her saying, “A little love and a lot of dill makes the best salad,” and she was absolutely right! Trust me, once you whip up this delightful dish, it’ll become a staple in your home too, just like it is in mine.
Ingredients for Grandma’s Cucumber Salad
- 4 medium cucumbers, sliced
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Prepare Grandma’s Cucumber Salad
Step 1: Combine the Vegetables
Start by grabbing a large bowl—trust me, you’ll want enough space to mix everything without a mess! Toss in the sliced cucumbers, thinly sliced onion, and halved cherry tomatoes. Give it a gentle stir with a spoon or your hands; just enough to combine them without squishing those juicy tomatoes. You want to see all those fresh colors mingling together!
Step 2: Add Fresh Dill
Now, here comes the magic ingredient: the chopped dill! Sprinkle it generously over the vegetable mix. This herb is what gives grandma’s cucumber salad that fresh, fragrant flavor that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. Just fold it in lightly, making sure it gets evenly distributed. You want every bite to be packed with that delicious dill goodness!
Step 3: Make the Dressing
In a separate bowl, let’s whip up the dressing. Combine the sour cream, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. Use a whisk or a fork to mix until it’s nice and smooth. You’re looking for a creamy consistency that coats the veggies beautifully. This dressing is what ties everything together, so don’t skip this step!
Step 4: Coat the Vegetables
Now, pour that luscious dressing over your vegetable mix. Grab a spatula or your trusty spoon and gently toss everything together. You want to make sure every cucumber slice and tomato half is coated in that creamy, tangy goodness. It’s all about getting that perfect balance of flavors, so take your time with this part!
Step 5: Refrigerate Before Serving
Here’s the final touch: cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time is crucial because it allows all those flavors to meld together, making the salad even tastier. Plus, it’ll be extra refreshing when you serve it cold! Trust me, the wait is worth it.
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk numbers! Each serving of grandma’s cucumber salad is not just delicious but also a lighter option to enjoy. Here’s a quick breakdown of the estimated nutrition per cup:
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Cholesterol: 20mg
These numbers can vary a bit depending on the exact ingredients you use, but overall, you can feel good about enjoying this salad as a refreshing side dish. It’s a great way to add some crunch and freshness to your meals without the guilt!
Tips for Success
To really nail grandma’s cucumber salad, here are a few of my favorite tips that’ll elevate your dish to the next level!
- Adjusting Seasonings: Don’t hesitate to taste as you go! If you like a bit more tang, add an extra splash of vinegar. Prefer it sweeter? A touch more sugar can do the trick. It’s all about making it your own!
- Make Ahead: If you can, prepare the salad a day in advance. The flavors deepen and blend beautifully overnight, making it even more delicious. Plus, it saves you time on the day you’re serving it!
- Use Fresh Ingredients: The fresher your cucumbers and tomatoes, the better the salad will taste. If you can grab them from a local farmer’s market, go for it! Fresh produce makes all the difference.
- Experiment with Herbs: While dill is the star of the show, don’t be afraid to mix in other herbs like parsley or chives for a little twist. It can add a new dimension to the flavor profile!
- Serve Chilled: This salad is best served cold, so make sure it’s nice and chilled before serving. It’s the perfect refreshing side on a hot day!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be well on your way to making grandma proud with your cucumber salad skills! Enjoy every crunchy, creamy bite!
Variations of Grandma’s Cucumber Salad
Now, if you’re feeling a little adventurous, there are so many fun ways to switch up grandma’s cucumber salad and make it your own! Here are some of my favorite variations that you might want to try:
- Herb Medley: While dill is a must, why not mix in some fresh parsley, basil, or cilantro? Each herb brings a unique flavor that can really brighten the salad!
- Spicy Kick: If you love a little heat, add some chopped jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. It’ll give your salad a nice, spicy twist that contrasts beautifully with the cool cucumbers.
- Crunchy Add-Ins: For an extra crunch, toss in some chopped bell peppers, radishes, or even a handful of toasted nuts like almonds or walnuts. These additions not only enhance the texture but also add a delightful flavor!
- Fruit Fusion: Try adding some diced avocado or even fresh mango for a sweet twist. The creaminess of the avocado pairs wonderfully with the cucumbers, while mango adds a fun tropical vibe!
- Vegan Option: Substitute the sour cream with a dairy-free yogurt or homemade cashew cream for a lighter, vegan version that’s just as tasty.
- Asian Inspiration: Switch up the dressing by using soy sauce, sesame oil, and a splash of rice vinegar. Add in some sliced radishes and sesame seeds for an Asian-inspired delight!
Feel free to mix and match these ideas based on your taste preferences and what you have on hand. The best part about cooking is making recipes your own, and I can’t wait for you to discover your favorite twist on grandma’s classic cucumber salad!
Serving Suggestions
Grandma’s cucumber salad is such a versatile dish that it pairs beautifully with so many meals! Here are some of my favorite ideas for making a complete meal that will have everyone raving:
- Grilled Meats: This salad is the perfect sidekick to grilled chicken, steak, or fish. The refreshing crunch of the cucumbers contrasts wonderfully with the smoky flavors from the grill. Trust me, it’s a match made in heaven!
- Sandwiches and Wraps: Serve it alongside your favorite sandwiches or wraps for a delightful crunch. Whether it’s a classic club sandwich or a veggie wrap, the salad adds a light and zesty touch that complements the meal.
- Picnic Fare: Taking grandma’s cucumber salad to a picnic? It pairs excellently with potato salad, deviled eggs, and cold fried chicken. It’s all about that fresh taste that balances out the richer dishes!
- Light Lunches: Enjoy it as a part of a light lunch alongside some crusty bread, a cheese platter, or even a simple soup. The cool, creamy salad keeps things refreshing and satisfying.
- BBQ and Potlucks: If you’re heading to a barbecue or potluck, this salad is always a hit! It complements burgers, hot dogs, and ribs perfectly. Plus, it’s a great way to add some veggies to your plate!
Whatever you choose to serve it with, the key is to enjoy every bite and make those delicious memories just like grandma did. Happy eating!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Now, let’s talk about how to keep grandma’s cucumber salad fresh and ready for your next craving! This salad is best enjoyed cold, so proper storage is key. First things first, if you have any leftovers, transfer them to an airtight container. This will help keep that crunchy texture intact and prevent any unwanted odors from mingling in your fridge.
Stored this way, the salad will stay fresh for about 3 days. However, I recommend enjoying it within the first couple of days for the best flavor and texture. If you notice any liquid collecting at the bottom of the container, just give it a gentle stir before serving to reincorporate those tasty flavors!
As for reheating? Well, you won’t need to! This salad is all about the refreshing, cool crunch, so serving it chilled is the way to go. Just pull it out of the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy it again. If you made it ahead of time, the flavors will have developed even more, making it even tastier than before. So, no cooking needed here—just enjoy every cold, creamy bite! Happy munching!
For more delicious recipes, check out this pasta salad recipe or this raw zucchini salad recipe!
Print
Grandma’s Cucumber Salad: 5 Tasty Twist Secrets
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing cucumber salad inspired by grandma’s recipe.
Ingredients
- 4 medium cucumbers, sliced
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine cucumbers, onion, and cherry tomatoes.
- Add the chopped dill.
- In a separate bowl, mix sour cream, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss to coat.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Adjust seasoning to your taste.
- Can be made a day ahead for better flavor.
- Use Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: grandmas cucumber salad
