This Refreshing Cucumber Everything Bagel Salad is a simple yet incredibly flavorful side dish or light meal! It combines crisp, refreshing cucumbers with a creamy, tangy dressing that’s infused with the irresistible taste of everything bagel seasoning. I love how this recipe is quick, easy, and requires minimal ingredients. It’s perfect for summer picnics, potlucks, or a light and healthy lunch. Get ready for a salad that’s both satisfying and bursting with flavor!
Why You’ll Love This Cucumber Salad
- Quick and Easy: Ready in minutes, this salad is perfect for a last-minute side dish or snack.
- Fresh and Flavorful: The combination of crisp cucumbers, creamy dressing, and everything bagel seasoning is a delight.
- Healthy and Light: This salad is a refreshing and low-calorie option.
- Versatile: Serve it as a side dish, a light meal, or a topping for sandwiches or wraps.
- Unique Flavor: The Everything Bagel seasoning offers great flavor
Ingredients for Cucumber Everything Bagel Salad
Here’s what you’ll need to make this refreshing salad. The full list with measurements is in the recipe card below.
Main Ingredients
- English cucumbers, thinly sliced (peeled and deseeded if desired) (Vegetable)
- Sour cream (Dairy)
- Everything bagel seasoning (Spice Blend)
- White vinegar (Acid)
- Thinly sliced red onion (Vegetable)
Seasoning
- Salt (Seasoning)
- Black pepper (Spice)
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card below.)
Variations
I love this Cucumber Everything Bagel Salad as is, but here are a few ideas for variations:
- Add Cream Cheese: For an even creamier salad, add a few tablespoons of softened cream cheese to the dressing.
- Different Vegetables: Toss in some chopped tomatoes, bell peppers, or radishes.
- Add Protein: Add some cooked and crumbled bacon, chopped hard-boiled eggs, or chickpeas for added protein.
- Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing.
- Different Seasoning: Use a different seasoning blend, such as ranch seasoning or dill seasoning.
How to Make Cucumber Everything Bagel Salad
Let me show you how easy it is to make this Refreshing Cucumber Everything Bagel Salad:
Prepare Cucumbers
- I toss the thinly sliced cucumbers with salt in a colander over the sink or a bowl.
- I allow them to rest for 30 minutes to an hour. This helps to draw out excess moisture and keep the salad from becoming watery.
- After 30 minutes, I gently rinse the cucumbers.
- I press them down using your hands to squeeze out any moisture.
Make the Dressing
- In a bowl, I prepare the dressing by combining the sour cream, everything bagel seasoning, white vinegar, and ground black pepper.
Combine and Serve
- I combine the dressing, cucumbers, and thinly sliced red onion in a bowl.
- I add salt and pepper to taste.
- I serve it immediately.
Tips and Tricks for the BEST Cucumber Salad
Here are my secrets for making this salad truly exceptional:
- Use English Cucumbers: English cucumbers have thinner skins and fewer seeds than regular cucumbers, making them ideal for this salad.
- Salt the Cucumbers: Salting the cucumbers and letting them drain helps to remove excess moisture and keep them crisp.
- Don’t Overdress: Add the dressing just before serving to prevent the cucumbers from becoming soggy.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the salad and adjust the salt, pepper, and everything bagel seasoning to your liking.
How to Serve
This Cucumber Everything Bagel Salad is perfect as:
- Side Dish: A refreshing side dish for grilled meats, fish, or sandwiches.
- Light Meal: Enjoy it as a light lunch or dinner.
- Potlucks and Picnics: Easy to transport and serve at potlucks and picnics.
- Topping: Use it as a topping for bagels, sandwiches, or wraps.
Make Ahead and Storage
You can prepare the cucumbers and the dressing ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. Combine them just before serving. Leftover salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, but the cucumbers may release more moisture over time.
FAQs about Cucumber Everything Bagel Salad
- Can I use a different type of cucumber?
- Yes, you can use regular cucumbers, but English cucumbers are preferred for their thin skins and fewer seeds.
- Can I make this without the sour cream?
- You can substitute the sour cream with Greek yogurt or mayonnaise.
- Can I use a different type of seasoning?
- Absolutely!
Enjoy this quick, easy, and flavorful Refreshing Cucumber Everything Bagel Salad! It’s a perfect side dish or light meal for any occasion.
Print
Refreshing Cucumber Bagel Salad
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 1x
- Category: Salad, Side Dish
- Cuisine: American
Description
This refreshing Cucumber Everything Bagel Salad is a quick and easy side dish or light meal. Crisp cucumbers and red onion are tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing seasoned with everything bagel seasoning.
Ingredients
- 2 English cucumbers, thinly sliced (peeled and deseeded, if desired)
- 1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 3 tablespoons everything bagel seasoning
- 2 teaspoons white vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, plus more to taste
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion
Instructions
- Salt Cucumbers: Thinly slice the English cucumbers. Place the sliced cucumbers in a colander set over a sink or bowl. Toss the cucumbers with 1 teaspoon of salt. Let them sit for 30 minutes to 1 hour. This step helps to draw out excess moisture and keep the salad from becoming watery.
- Rinse and Dry Cucumbers: After 30 minutes to 1 hour, gently rinse the cucumbers under cold water to remove excess salt. Press down on the cucumbers with your hands (or pat them dry with paper towels) to remove as much moisture as possible.
- Make Dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together the sour cream, everything bagel seasoning, white vinegar, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper until well combined.
- Combine and Serve: Add the drained and pressed cucumbers and thinly sliced red onion to the bowl with the dressing. Toss gently to combine. Taste and add more salt and pepper, if needed.
- Chill (Optional): For best flavor, cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. However, you can also serve it immediately.
Notes
- English Cucumbers: English cucumbers are recommended for their thin skin and fewer seeds. You can use regular cucumbers, but you may want to peel and deseed them.
- Salting Cucumbers: Salting the cucumbers and letting them drain is a crucial step to prevent a watery salad.
- Everything Bagel Seasoning: You can find everything bagel seasoning in most grocery stores, usually in the spice aisle. You can also make your own.
- Sour Cream: You can substitute plain Greek yogurt for the sour cream for a tangier flavor.
- Red Onion: If you find red onion too strong, you can soak the sliced onion in cold water for 10-15 minutes to mellow the flavor.
- Serving Suggestions: This salad is a great side dish for grilled meats, sandwiches, or as a light lunch.