There's a certain joy in transforming humble ingredients into something spectacular, and this Everything Bagel Cucumber Salad is my latest delight. The crunchy English cucumbers paired with a creamy, zesty dressing create a refreshing balance that’s perfect for any occasion. I originally whipped this up as a light side dish for a summer barbecue, but it quickly became a favorite at my dinner table.
The unexpected twist comes from the everything bagel seasoning, which infuses each bite with a savory depth that transports you far beyond the typical salad. Plus, it’s easily customizable—add cherry tomatoes for a pop of sweetness or briny capers for a touch of intrigue.
If you’ve ever found yourself yearning for a break from the same old boring salads or are simply trying to dethrone fast food from your weeknight routine, then this recipe is your answer. Let’s dive in and whip up this deliciously simple salad that’s as pleasing to the palate as it is to the eye!
Why You'll Love This Everything Bagel Cucumber Salad
- This Everything Bagel Cucumber Salad is incredibly easy to make, allowing you to whip up a delicious dish in just 15 minutes of prep time.
- The vibrant flavors from the everything bagel seasoning and creamy dressing offer a delightful twist on traditional salads that will invigorate your taste buds.
- Its versatility means you can customize it to suit your preferences with optional ingredients like grape tomatoes or capers, making it perfect for any occasion.
- Visually appealing with fresh greens and colorful toppings, this salad is sure to impress your guests and become a crowd favorite at gatherings.
Everything Bagel Cucumber Salad Ingredients
For the Salad
• 2 English cucumbers – the star of this dish, providing a refreshing crunch.
• ½ teaspoon salt – helps draw out excess moisture for a crisp salad.
• ½ medium red onion, sliced – adds a vibrant color and a zesty bite.
• 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved (optional) – sweet bursts of flavor that complement the cucumbers.
• 2 tablespoon capers (optional) – brings a tangy brininess for added depth.
• ¼ cup fresh dill, chopped (optional) – offers a fragrant herbal touch that elevates the dish.
For the Dressing
• ½ cup sour cream – creates a creamy base for the dressing that clings beautifully to the veggies.
• ½ cup mayonnaise – adds richness and smoothness to the salad.
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice – brightens up the flavors with a refreshing acidity.
• 2 tablespoon everything bagel seasoning – infuses a savory depth that gives this Everything Bagel Cucumber Salad its unique twist.
How to Make Everything Bagel Cucumber Salad
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Slice the Cucumbers: Begin by slicing the cucumbers thinly using a mandoline or a sharp knife. Place the slices into a colander and sprinkle with ½ teaspoon of salt to draw out excess moisture, ensuring a crisp texture.
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Rinse and Dry: After letting the salted cucumbers sit for about 30 minutes, rinse them under cold water to remove the salt. Pat them dry with paper towels thoroughly to prevent a watery salad.
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Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon of everything bagel seasoning. Add salt and black pepper to taste, creating a creamy blend that will enhance the salad.
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Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the dried cucumber slices, sliced red onion, and any optional ingredients like grape tomatoes or capers for an extra burst of flavor. Pour the creamy dressing over the veggies and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
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Season and Serve: Sprinkle the remaining 1 tablespoon of everything bagel seasoning and fresh dill on top of the salad. Toss gently one last time to ensure all the flavors are distributed evenly.
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Chill for Flavor: For the best results, refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a delicious and refreshing dish.
Optional: Serve with extra fresh dill as a garnish for added aroma.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Everything Bagel Cucumber Salad?
Looking to craft a full, vibrant meal that delights the senses? Let’s explore perfect pairings for this refreshing salad.
- Grilled Chicken: Tender and smoky, grilled chicken provides a satisfying protein that complements the crisp cucumber salad beautifully.
- Quinoa Pilaf: A nutty and hearty side dish, quinoa pilaf adds texture and nutrients, making your meal more filling without overpowering.
- Roasted Salmon: The rich, buttery flavor of roasted salmon harmonizes with the tanginess of the salad, offering a delightful contrast.
- Pita Bread: Soft, warm pita serves as a perfect vessel for scooping up the creamy salad, bringing a lovely textural element to your plate.
- Lemon Garlic Hummus: The zesty notes of hummus pair wonderfully with the everything bagel seasoning, enhancing the salad while staying delightfully healthy.
- Berry Tart: A sweet dessert like a berry tart provides a refreshing finish to your meal, balancing savory flavors with a hint of sweetness.
- Sparkling Water: A refreshing drink choice, sparkling water cleanses the palate between bites, enhancing the flavors of both the salad and main dish.
- Feta Cheese Crumble: Sprinkle some over the salad for a tangy element that elevates the dish with an extra layer of flavor.
Elevate your dining experience by thoughtfully pairing your Everything Bagel Cucumber Salad with these delightful additions!
Everything Bagel Cucumber Salad Variations
Feel free to add your own personal touch to this delightful salad, making it uniquely yours!
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Greek Yogurt: Swap sour cream for Greek yogurt for a tangier, healthier alternative that still delivers creaminess.
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Vegan: Replace mayonnaise with a plant-based alternative and use a non-dairy yogurt to make this dish entirely vegan-friendly.
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Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha for a zesty heat that livens up the flavors.
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Herbed Twist: Experiment with your favorite fresh herbs, like parsley or basil, in addition to or instead of dill for a different herbal note.
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Crunchy Add-Ins: Toss in some toasted nuts, like almonds or sunflower seeds, for an unexpected crunch that pairs nicely with the creamy dressing.
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Cheesy Delight: Sprinkle in some crumbled feta or shaved Parmesan cheese for an added layer of flavor and creaminess that will delight cheese lovers.
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Fruit Infusion: Consider mixing in diced avocado or chunks of fresh mango for a tropical twist that brings a sweet contrast to the savory elements.
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Pickled Flavor: Enhance the tanginess by adding pickled red onions or a splash of pickle juice to the dressing for an extra zing.
Your culinary adventure is waiting—have fun with these variations and let your creativity shine!
Make Ahead Options
This Everything Bagel Cucumber Salad is perfect for meal prep and helps save time on busy weeknights! You can prepare the cucumber slices, salted, and dried up to 24 hours in advance, ensuring a delightful crunch. Additionally, the dressing can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Just remember to keep the cucumbers and dressing separate until you're ready to serve, as this prevents any sogginess. When you're ready to enjoy your salad, simply combine the prepped ingredients, toss gently, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld. This way, you’ll have a refreshingly delicious Everything Bagel Cucumber Salad with minimal effort!
How to Store and Freeze Everything Bagel Cucumber Salad
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This will keep the salad fresh but be aware that cucumbers may lose some crunch over time.
Freezer: Freezing is not recommended for this Everything Bagel Cucumber Salad since the texture of cucumbers and creamy dressing does not hold up well after thawing.
Preparation Tips: If you're prepping in advance, consider storing the dressing separately until just before serving to maintain the salad's crispness.
Reheating: This salad is best enjoyed cold, straight from the fridge. No reheating is necessary! Just give it a gentle toss before serving to refresh the flavors.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To ensure your Everything Bagel Cucumber Salad is extra crunchy, make sure to slice the cucumbers thinly and salt them properly before rinsing.
- Avoid over-salting the cucumbers, as this can lead to a salad that is too salty and loses its refreshing taste.
- When preparing the dressing, whisk it until fully combined to achieve a smooth consistency that coats the vegetables well.
- For the best flavor, allow the salad to chill for at least one hour before serving, ensuring that all the ingredients meld together nicely.
Everything Bagel Cucumber Salad Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the best cucumbers for this salad?
Absolutely! Look for firm, smooth-skinned English cucumbers without any dark spots or blemishes, which often indicate overripeness. Aim for cucumbers that feel heavy for their size, as this usually means they have a lot of moisture. I often prefer English cucumbers because they have a thinner skin and fewer seeds, adding to that delightful crunch.
How should I store my Everything Bagel Cucumber Salad?
To keep your salad fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep in mind that cucumbers may lose some of their crispness over time, so it’s best to enjoy it soon after preparation. If you're meal prepping, store the dressing separately and mix it with the salad just before serving to enhance that snap!
Can I freeze Everything Bagel Cucumber Salad?
Very! Freezing is not recommended for this Everything Bagel Cucumber Salad because the texture of cucumbers and creamy dressing does not hold up well after thawing. However, if you really want to extend the shelf life, consider freezing dressing without cucumbers for up to 3 months and then make a fresh salad later!
What if my salad turns out too watery?
No worries! If you find your salad is too watery, it could be due to not salting the cucumbers long enough or not patting them dry thoroughly. Simply drain excess liquid and add a touch more dressing or even some extra everything bagel seasoning to boost the flavor. If you feel it’s too salty, balance it with additional cucumbers or fresh veggies.
Are there any dietary concerns with this recipe?
Absolutely! This Everything Bagel Cucumber Salad contains dairy from the sour cream and mayonnaise, which could be an issue for those with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies. Consider using dairy-free alternatives or a simple vinaigrette made from olive oil, vinegar, and seasoning for a lighter, dairy-free version.
Can my pets enjoy this salad?
While fresh cucumbers can be a healthy snack for dogs, be cautious with the onions and seasonings! Onions can be harmful to pets, so it's best to keep this Everything Bagel Cucumber Salad to yourself. If you do want to share, offer your pup some plain cucumber slices without any added ingredients.
Everything Bagel Cucumber Salad
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Begin by slicing the cucumbers thinly using a mandoline or a sharp knife. Place the slices into a colander and sprinkle with ½ teaspoon of salt to draw out excess moisture, ensuring a crisp texture.
- After letting the salted cucumbers sit for about 30 minutes, rinse them under cold water to remove the salt. Pat them dry with paper towels thoroughly to prevent a watery salad.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon of everything bagel seasoning. Add salt and black pepper to taste.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the dried cucumber slices, sliced red onion, and any optional ingredients like grape tomatoes or capers. Pour the creamy dressing over the veggies and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1 tablespoon of everything bagel seasoning and fresh dill on top of the salad. Toss gently one last time.
- For the best results, refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour before serving.
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