Kittencal's Fresh Dill Cucumber Delight
Experience the refreshing taste of garden-fresh cucumbers in this creamy and flavorful salad. Using English cucumbers for their superior taste and lower water content, this recipe ensures a perfectly textured dish. The preparation process involves a crucial draining step to prevent a watery salad, allowing the creamy dressing to adhere beautifully to the cucumber slices. Whether you choose to add the optional red onion for a slight tang and color, this salad is a delightful accompaniment to any meal.
4
Servings
155
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
English cucumber
1 large (peeled, halved lengthwise, seeds removed, then sliced)
kosher salt
1 teaspoon (none)
white vinegar
1.5 teaspoons (none)
Hellmann's mayonnaise
0.5 cup (none)
sour cream
0.33 cup (none)
sugar
1 pinch (none)
fresh dill
2-4 teaspoons (chopped)
fresh ground black pepper
0.5 teaspoon (or to taste)
red onion
1 small (thinly sliced, optional)
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing the cucumber. Peel the large English cucumber, slice it in half lengthwise, and use a spoon to remove the seeds, ensuring crisp slices.
2
Slice the cucumber into thin rounds and place them into a glass bowl.
3
Add the white vinegar and kosher salt to the cucumber slices. Toss gently using your hands to evenly distribute.
4
Allow the cucumbers to sit in the vinegar and salt mixture for approximately 45 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
5
Drain any released liquid from the bowl by pouring the cucumbers into a colander. Allow them to sit for an additional 30 minutes to ensure all excess water has drained off.
6
In a separate bowl, prepare the dressing by combining the mayonnaise, sour cream, a pinch of sugar, freshly chopped dill, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix until smooth.
7
Transfer the drained cucumber slices to a serving bowl. Pour the prepared creamy dressing over the cucumbers and gently toss to coat evenly.
8
If desired, add thinly sliced red onion to the salad and mix to incorporate.
9
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
13.75g
Fat
4.5g
Carbs
1g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Kittencal's Fresh Dill Cucumber Delight?
It is a refreshing, creamy salad made with garden-fresh English cucumbers, fresh dill, and a smooth dressing.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
What type of cucumber is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for a large English cucumber due to its superior taste and lower water content.
Why is it important to peel and seed the cucumber?
Peeling and removing the seeds with a spoon ensures that the cucumber slices remain crisp and the salad doesn't become too watery.
What is the purpose of adding kosher salt and white vinegar to the cucumbers?
This mixture is used to draw out excess moisture from the cucumbers before adding the dressing.
How long should the cucumbers sit in the salt and vinegar mixture?
The cucumbers should sit for approximately 45 minutes.
What is the next step after the cucumbers sit for 45 minutes?
You should pour the cucumbers into a colander to drain the released liquid.
How long should the cucumbers drain in the colander?
They should drain for an additional 30 minutes to ensure all excess water is removed.
What ingredients are used in the dressing?
The dressing consists of mayonnaise, sour cream, a pinch of sugar, freshly chopped dill, and freshly ground black pepper.
Is there a specific brand of mayonnaise suggested?
Yes, the recipe suggests using Hellmann's mayonnaise.
How much sour cream is needed?
The recipe calls for 0.33 cup of sour cream.
What kind of salt should be used?
The recipe specifies 1 teaspoon of kosher salt.
Can I add onion to this cucumber salad?
Yes, you can optionally add one small, thinly sliced red onion for extra tang and color.
How much fresh dill is required?
You should use between 2 to 4 teaspoons of freshly chopped dill.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 155 calories.
How much fat is in one serving of this salad?
There are 13.75 grams of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate content?
There are 4.5 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Does this recipe contain protein?
Yes, each serving provides 1 gram of protein.
How much sugar is in the dressing?
The recipe calls for just one pinch of sugar.
How long should the salad refrigerate before serving?
The salad should be refrigerated for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Should this salad be served warm or cold?
This salad should be served chilled.
What type of vinegar is used?
The recipe uses 1.5 teaspoons of white vinegar.
How do I remove the seeds from the cucumber?
Slice the cucumber in half lengthwise and use a spoon to scrape out the seeds.
What is the total number of ingredients?
The recipe uses 9 ingredients in total.
Can I use regular cucumbers instead of English cucumbers?
While you can, English cucumbers are preferred for their lower water content and better texture in this specific dish.
What is the preparation for the red onion?
The red onion should be thinly sliced.
How should the cucumber be sliced?
It should be sliced into thin rounds.
What equipment is needed for the initial mixing?
A glass bowl is recommended for tossing the cucumbers with salt and vinegar.
Is this recipe considered easy?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe.
What makes this salad a 'summer salad'?
Its refreshing taste, chilled serving temperature, and use of fresh garden ingredients like cucumber and dill make it a classic summer dish.