Cucumber Everything Bagel Salad
Indulge in the vibrant, refreshing crunch of this Everything Bagel Cucumber Salad, a delightful twist on a classic side. Thinly sliced cucumbers and red onion are tossed in a creamy, tangy sour cream dressing infused with the irresistible savory flavors of everything bagel seasoning. It's a remarkably easy-to-make dish that brings a burst of fresh flavor to any meal.
Prep Time
15 minutes active, plus 30-60 minutes resting
Cook Time
0 minutes
Total Time
45-75 minutes (including resting time)
Servings
4-6 servings
Keywords
Why This Recipe Delivers
- Delivers an irresistible crunch with every bite, thanks to proper salting.
- Packed with the bold, savory, and aromatic flavors of everything bagel seasoning.
- Incredibly refreshing and light, making it a perfect complement to richer dishes or a light lunch.
- Quick and easy to prepare, requiring minimal active time and no cooking.
- A versatile side dish that complements a wide array of main courses, from grilled meats to sandwiches.
Ingredients
- 2 English cucumbers (approx. 500-600g each), thinly sliced (peeled and deseeded if desired)
- 5g (1 teaspoon) fine sea salt, plus more to taste
- 120ml (1/2 cup) full-fat sour cream
- 45ml (3 tablespoons) everything bagel seasoning
- 10ml (2 teaspoons) white vinegar
- 2.5ml (1/2 teaspoon) freshly ground black pepper, plus more to taste
- 80g (1/2 cup) thinly sliced red onion
Instructions
- In a large colander set over a sink or a bowl, combine the thinly sliced cucumbers with 5g (1 teaspoon) of fine sea salt. Gently toss to ensure the salt evenly coats the cucumber slices. Allow the salted cucumbers to rest for 30 minutes to 1 hour; this crucial step draws out excess moisture, ensuring the salad remains crisp and prevents it from becoming watery.
- After the resting period, thoroughly rinse the cucumbers under cold running water to remove the excess salt. This is vital for balancing the flavor. Then, using your hands, gently but firmly press down on the cucumbers to squeeze out as much remaining moisture as possible, or spread them in a single layer on paper towels and pat them completely dry. This step is key to maintaining a crisp texture.
- While the cucumbers are drying, prepare the creamy dressing. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the 120ml (1/2 cup) full-fat sour cream, 45ml (3 tablespoons) everything bagel seasoning, 10ml (2 teaspoons) white vinegar, and 2.5ml (1/2 teaspoon) freshly ground black pepper until thoroughly combined and smooth. The sour cream forms a rich, tangy base, while the everything bagel seasoning infuses it with its iconic garlicky, oniony, and seedy flavor.
- In a large serving bowl, gently combine the dried cucumber slices and the 80g (1/2 cup) thinly sliced red onion. Pour the prepared everything bagel dressing over the vegetables and toss gently until all components are well coated. Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. For immediate enjoyment, serve right away, or for optimal flavor melding, refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. Chilling allows the flavors to deepen and the textures to become even more refreshing.
Tools You’ll Need
- Large colander
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Paper towels (optional)
Essential Success Tips
- Do not skip salting the cucumbers! This fundamental step removes excess water, preventing a soggy salad and concentrating the cucumber's natural flavor.
- Ensure cucumbers are thoroughly dried after rinsing. Any remaining water will dilute the creamy dressing and compromise the crisp, refreshing texture.
- Use full-fat sour cream for the richest, creamiest dressing. Low-fat alternatives may result in a thinner consistency and less robust flavor.
- Adjust the amount of everything bagel seasoning to your preference, and consider the salt content of your chosen brand. Taste as you go and season accordingly.
- Allowing the salad to chill for at least 30 minutes before serving lets the flavors meld beautifully, enhancing the overall taste experience and serving it perfectly chilled.
Professional Cooking Secrets
- For an extra layer of flavor and aroma, lightly toast your everything bagel seasoning in a dry pan over medium-low heat for 1-2 minutes before adding it to the dressing. This awakens the oils in the seeds and spices.
- Consider adding a tiny pinch of sugar (1-2g or 1/4 teaspoon) to the dressing to subtly balance the acidity of the white vinegar and the savoriness of the seasoning, creating a more harmonious and rounded flavor profile.
- If you want to prepare this dish ahead of time for entertaining, keep the dressing separate from the salted and dried cucumbers and red onion. Combine them just before serving to maintain maximum crispness and freshness.
Notes
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. The texture may soften slightly over time, but the flavors will still be delicious.
- Variations: For added crunch, stir in some toasted sesame seeds or sunflower seeds just before serving. A sprinkle of fresh dill or finely chopped chives would also add a lovely herbaceous note.
- Spice It Up: For those who enjoy a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular cucumbers instead of English cucumbers?
Yes, you can, but regular cucumbers typically have more seeds and a higher water content. Be sure to peel and deseed them thoroughly, and then follow the salting process diligently to draw out additional moisture, ensuring a crisp result.
How far in advance can I make this salad?
While the salad is best served within a few hours of preparation for optimal texture, you can prepare the dressing and the salted/dried cucumbers (stored separately) up to a day in advance. Combine them just before serving to maintain the best crispness.
What can I serve this salad with?
This versatile salad pairs wonderfully with a wide variety of dishes. It's an excellent side for grilled chicken, fish, steak, or as a refreshing accompaniment to a hearty sandwich or burger. It's also fantastic for potlucks and summer picnics.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Approximate per serving (based on 6 servings): Calories: 120, Protein: 2g, Fat: 10g, Carbs: 6g, Fiber: 1g, Sodium: 350mg.
Allergy Information
Contains dairy (sour cream). This dish is naturally gluten-free. For a dairy-free version, use a plant-based sour cream alternative. Contains sesame seeds, poppy seeds, and garlic from the everything bagel seasoning.
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