Refreshing Everything Bagel Cucumber Salad for a Perfect Side Dish

Dive into the world of delectable salads with this scrumptious Everything Bagel Cucumber Salad! Crunchy cucumbers, zesty red onion, and a creamy dressing bursting with the savory flavors of an everything bagel – this salad is a true taste sensation. Whether you’re serving it as a refreshing side dish or enjoying it as a light meal, this recipe is sure to delight your taste buds and leave you craving more.

Table of Contents

The Rise of Everything Bagel Seasoning

The popularity of Everything Bagel Cucumber Salad is largely due to the growing obsession with everything bagel seasoning. This flavorful blend, typically made up of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, garlic, onion, and a pinch of salt, has become a staple in kitchens across the country. Its ability to transform everyday dishes into something extraordinary has made it a must-have ingredient for home cooks and food enthusiasts alike.

Why Cucumbers Make the Perfect Salad Base

Crisp, cool, and hydrating, cucumbers are the ideal foundation for a refreshing salad. Their mild flavor allows the vibrant seasonings to shine, while their crunchy texture provides a satisfying contrast to the creamy dressing. Plus, cucumbers are packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making this Everything Bagel Cucumber Salad a nutritious and delightful choice.

Ingredients for Everything Bagel Cucumber Salad

• 2 English cucumbers, thinly sliced
• 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced or chopped
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1 1/2 tbsp mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tbsp everything bagel seasoning, divided
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1/8 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 cup halved grape tomatoes (optional)
• 2 tsp drained capers (optional)
• 1 tbsp fresh or freeze-dried dill

Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfecting Everything Bagel Cucumber Salad

Ready to bring this Everything Bagel Cucumber Salad to life? Follow these simple steps for a guaranteed crowd-pleaser:

Slice Cucumbers

Using a mandoline or sharp knife, thinly slice the English cucumbers. Place the cucumber slices in a colander and toss with 1 teaspoon of kosher salt. Let the cucumbers sit for 30 minutes to draw out any excess moisture.

Rinse and Dry

After the 30-minute resting period, rinse the cucumber slices under cold water to remove the salt. Pat the cucumbers completely dry with paper towels to prevent a watery salad.

Make the Creamy Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon of the everything bagel seasoning. Season the dressing with salt and black pepper to taste.

Combine the Salad

In a large bowl, add the dried cucumber slices, sliced red onion, grape tomatoes (if using), and capers (if using). Pour the creamy dressing over the vegetables and toss everything together until the cucumbers are evenly coated.

Add the Final Touches

Sprinkle the remaining 1 tablespoon of everything bagel seasoning and the fresh dill over the top of the salad. Gently toss one more time to incorporate the final seasonings.

Chill and Serve

For the best flavor, refrigerate the Everything Bagel Cucumber Salad for at least 1 hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together perfectly. Serve this crunchy, creamy delight as a refreshing side dish or a light, satisfying meal.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This Everything Bagel Cucumber Salad is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. It makes a fantastic accompaniment to grilled meats, sandwiches, or as a stand-alone snack. For a visually appealing presentation, serve the salad in a clear glass bowl or on a platter, garnished with extra dill or a sprinkle of the everything bagel seasoning.

Nutritional Information and Health Benefits

In addition to its delectable flavor, this Everything Bagel Cucumber Salad is also a nutritious choice. Cucumbers are low in calories, high in water content, and rich in vitamins and minerals like vitamin K, vitamin C, and potassium. The sour cream and mayonnaise provide a creamy texture and a balance of healthy fats, while the everything bagel seasoning adds a savory punch of flavor without compromising the overall nutrient profile.

Customizing Your Everything Bagel Cucumber Salad

The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. Feel free to experiment with different variations to suit your taste preferences. Try swapping the sour cream for Greek yogurt for a tangier dressing, or add a dash of garlic powder or dried herbs to the mix. You can also incorporate additional vegetables like bell peppers, radishes, or cherry tomatoes for extra crunch and color. The possibilities are endless when it comes to making this Everything Bagel Cucumber Salad your own.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make Everything Bagel Cucumber Salad vegan?

To make a vegan version of Everything Bagel Cucumber Salad, substitute the sour cream and mayonnaise with plant-based alternatives. You can use vegan sour cream and mayonnaise, or opt for a combination of blended silken tofu with a splash of lemon juice for a creamy texture. Additionally, ensure that the Everything Bagel seasoning you use is free from animal products, as some blends may contain dairy. This way, you can enjoy the same delicious flavors while keeping it plant-based.

Can I use other types of cucumbers in this salad?

Yes, you can use other types of cucumbers in Everything Bagel Cucumber Salad. While English cucumbers are preferred for their mild flavor and minimal seeds, you can also use Persian cucumbers or even regular slicing cucumbers. Just be aware that regular cucumbers have thicker skin and more seeds, so you might want to peel them and scoop out the seeds for a better texture in the salad. Each type will bring a slightly different flavor and crunch, but all can work well in this dish.

What should I do if my cucumbers are too watery?

If your cucumbers turn out too watery, there are a few steps you can take to remedy the situation. First, ensure that you follow the initial salting step to draw out moisture before rinsing and drying. If the salad is still watery after mixing, you can try adding a bit more Everything Bagel seasoning or some additional vegetables like bell peppers or radishes to absorb some of the excess moisture. Alternatively, serve the salad in a colander to drain off excess liquid before serving or mix in some cooked quinoa or couscous to help soak up the extra liquid.

How can I enhance the flavor of my Everything Bagel Cucumber Salad?

There are several ways to enhance the flavor of your Everything Bagel Cucumber Salad. Consider adding fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or chives for an extra burst of freshness. A splash of vinegar, such as apple cider or white wine vinegar, can also brighten the flavors. For a bit of heat, you can mix in some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. Additionally, to deepen the flavor profile, try incorporating a bit of garlic powder or finely minced garlic into the dressing. Each of these additions can elevate the overall taste of your salad.

More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy

• Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes
• Pineapple Cucumber Salad
• Refreshing Mango Cucumber Salad

Conclusion

Dive into the delightful world of Everything Bagel Cucumber Salad and experience the perfect balance of crunch, creaminess, and flavor. This versatile dish is sure to become a new favorite, whether you’re serving it as a side or enjoying it as a light and refreshing meal. So, gather your ingredients, put on your chef’s hat, and get ready to create a salad masterpiece that will have your taste buds dancing with joy!

For more snack ideas and kitchen inspiration, follow me on Pinterest.

Print