Description
A refreshing Polish cucumber salad combining crisp cucumbers with a creamy dressing.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1/2 lbs (250g) cucumbers, sliced into thin rounds
- 2 tablespoons (30g) sour cream, adjust for creaminess preference
- 11/2 teaspoon (5ml) lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon (15g) chopped dill
- 1 tablespoon (15g) chopped red onion, optional
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1/21/2 teaspoon (2g) salt, for cucumbers
- 1/41/2 teaspoon (1g) black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prep Your Cucumbers: Start by slicing the cucumbers into thin rounds using a knife or mandoline. Keep them thin so they soak up the flavors. Do not skip the drying step after salting them.
- Salt & Drain: Sprinkle salt over the sliced cucumbers and let them sit. This step is crucial for preventing a watery salad as the salt will draw out excess water. Drain and pat the cucumbers dry.
- Mix the Creamy Base: In a bowl, whisk together the sour cream, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth. Adjust the sour cream based on your preference for creaminess.
- Combine & Toss: Gently toss the drained cucumbers in the creamy mix until evenly coated. Ensure each piece has the dressing on it. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Chill & Serve: Refrigerate the salad briefly to allow the flavors to meld. Stir before serving and check again for seasoning.
Notes
- Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day. Drain excess liquid before serving.
- Expert Tips: If cucumbers are too watery after salting, pat them dry with a paper towel.
- To perk up bland flavors, add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice.
- If the sour cream thickens after refrigeration, add a splash of lemon juice or water to loosen it before serving.
- For uniform cucumber slices, use a mandoline for better texture retention.
- Begin with two tablespoons of sour cream for creaminess, and adjust according to personal preference.
- Reheating Instructions: Not applicable for this salad as it is best served cold.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve alongside grilled meats like chicken or pork. Pair with creamy mashed potatoes for a hearty meal or enjoy with crusty bread for a light lunch.
- Recipe Variations: Try adding finely chopped garlic for extra flavor or thinly sliced radishes for added crunch. Diced tomatoes can be mixed in for freshness too.
- Ingredient Notes: Select fresh, crisp cucumbers for the best texture. Smaller Persian or larger English cucumbers work well. For a dip variation, consider using thick Greek yogurt or Skyr instead of sour cream.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 94
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg