Recipe Review

This Creamy Cucumber Salad Is the Perfect Summer Side Dish

Elizabeth Licata
Elizabeth Licata
Elizabeth Licata is a former contributor to The Kitchn.
updated Jul 9, 2019
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Credit: Well Plated

Instead of bringing coleslaw to a summer potluck or barbecue, consider a cool, lightly creamy cucumber salad instead. The mildness of the cucumber makes it a great side dish. Plus, cucumbers go with everything, so they’ll pair nicely with whatever the other guests are bringing. And when you’re eating a lot of heavy food, it’s good to have something light, cold, and fresh on the side to balance the menu.

To make, use a combination of cucumbers and radishes to ensure that the salad stays extra crunchy — even if you take it outside in the heat. Slice both the cucumbers and radishes into thin rounds, then sprinkle the slices with a bit of salt and set the bowl aside for at least 30 minutes. Salting the cucumber like this draws out the water and is essential to keeping the salad from getting soggy later. 

Make the dressing by combining Greek yogurt with a little bit of vinegar, honey, minced garlic, and salt and pepper and whisk until it’s smooth.

Drain the cucumbers and radishes, making sure to get rid of as much water as possible. Then pour some of the dressing over the vegetables and stir to combine everything. Give it a taste and add more dressing if you like. Adding the dressing in stages like this ensures that the salad is not over-dressed, and all the vegetables are coated but not soupy or soggy, so they’ll be a perfect side for any summer meal. 

Get the recipe: Creamy Cucumber Salad from Well Plated

Credit: Joe Lingeman

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