Creamy Dill Cucumber Salad a Refreshing Lowcarb Delight
Table of Contents
Recipe Introduction: Creamy Dill Cucumber Salad
Fancy a light bite? How about a low carb cucumber salad that’s both dead easy and tastes amazing? Honestly, this recipe's a winner.
It’s got that fresh, creamy dill flavour that just screams summer.
Quick Hook
This recipe's perfect for BBQs or just a quick lunch. My Auntie Carol always made a version of this, but it was full of sugar.
This low carb cucumber salad ditches the sugar. It is still delicious, I promise.
Brief Overview
Cucumber salad's been around for ages. You know? It is popular in loads of cultures. This version is a keto cucumber salad , so it's low carb.
Prep takes about 15 mins, no cooking, and you get 4 servings.
Main Benefits
This salad's hydrating and low in calories, so what's not to love? The cucumbers are full of good stuff. It's perfect for a light lunch or a side at your next picnic.
The creamy cucumber salad dressing takes it to another level.
What You'll Need
Right, let’s gather the troops. For this dill cucumber salad , you'll need: 2 cucumbers, red onion, fresh dill, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, mayonnaise, olive oil, sweetener, salt, and pepper.
Simple as that!
Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Started!
Alright, let's dive into what you'll need for this crazy good low carb cucumber salad . Honestly, it's so simple, you'll be making it all summer long.
I had this once at a BBQ, and had to get the recipe. Now I make a variation of the cucumber red onion salad all the time.
Main Ingredients for a Creamy Cucumber Salad
First up, the stars of the show. You'll need 2 large cucumbers. That's about 1.5 lbs (680g) . Thinly sliced, mind you! Quality matters here.
Firm cukes are key. Next, 1/4 of a medium red onion, around 1 oz (28g) , thinly sliced. Then, grab 1/4 cup (0.
25 oz / 7g) of fresh dill, chopped. Fresh dill makes all the difference.
Now, for the cucumber salad dressing . You'll need 1/2 cup (4 oz / 113g) of sour cream. Don’t skimp on the full fat stuff.
Then, 2 tablespoons (30ml) of apple cider vinegar. This stuff is cheap. Next, 1 tablespoon (0.5 oz / 14g) of mayonnaise.
Gotta have some creaminess! And 1 tablespoon (15ml) of olive oil. 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) of sweetener, like Erythritol or Stevia.
Lastly, 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) of salt and 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) of black pepper. Simple as that.
Seasoning Notes for the Perfect Dill Cucumber Salad
The dill is non-negotiable. It really brings that classic flavour. But don’t be scared to experiment! A pinch of garlic powder adds a nice little something.
If you want a creamy cucumber salad with a bit of a kick, try a tiny dash of red pepper flakes.
If you don’t have apple cider vinegar, white wine vinegar works in a pinch. Honestly, there is some flexibility there.
Essential Equipment for Healthy Cucumber Recipes
You don't need much kit for this. A big mixing bowl is a must. A sharp knife or mandoline for slicing the cucumbers and red onion.
And a whisk or fork for the dressing. If you haven't got a mandoline, a sharp knife will do. Just take your time.
That's it! Now, lets move on to how to make this amazing keto cucumber salad . Honestly, it’s dead easy. It is one of my go to keto summer recipes .
Plus, it's a delicious low carb side dish .
Cooking Method
Prep Steps
Okay, so first things first, the mise en place for this low carb cucumber salad is dead simple. Honestly, it’s mostly chopping.
We are talking cucumbers, red onion and fresh dill. Get it all prepped and ready to go. This bit takes about 15 minutes .
Now, a time saver? Slice those cukes and the onion really thin, right? A mandoline will do it, or a good knife if you're feeling like a pro.
It makes the salad way more delightful to eat, and it makes for a better texture. Also, use a big bowl.
You know, one that will fit everything.
No real safety concerns here, just watch your fingers with that knife, yeah? And maybe don't lick the sour cream while you're at it.
step-by-step Process
Alright, here's the super easy method to make the best creamy cucumber salad :
- Slice the cucumbers and red onion super thin.
- Chop up the fresh dill. Fresh dill is the secret weapon to a good dill cucumber salad .
- In a bowl, whisk together the sour cream, apple cider vinegar, mayonnaise, olive oil, sweetener, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning!
- Add the cucumber, red onion, and dill to the bowl of dressing.
- Gently toss everything together.
- Cover and chill for at least 30 minutes (optional, but recommended). Chilling really brings out the flavor.
Pro Tips
Want to take your keto cucumber salad up a notch? Here's some top advice:
- Salt your cucumber slices before you assemble the salad. It draws out extra water and stops the dressing from becoming a watery mess. This is a good trick.
- Don’t be afraid to taste test that cucumber salad dressing and adjust the sweetener! I have a sweet tooth, I’ll admit. Also, a touch of extra apple cider vinegar if you like it tangy.
- A common mistake is overmixing. You don't want to mash the cucumbers. Just a gentle toss will do.
The cucumber red onion salad can be made ahead of time. Honestly? It tastes even better the next day because the flavours have had a chance to get to know each other.
If you are aiming for the best healthy cucumber recipes , I suggest to serve this dish with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal.
This low carb side dish is a star and one of my favorite keto summer recipes !
Recipe Notes
Right, so you've got your cucumbers sliced and your dressing ready. But hold on a sec! Let's chat about some extra bits and bobs to make this low carb cucumber salad totally awesome.
Ace Serving Suggestions
Okay, presentation does matter, even if it's just for you. Pile that creamy cucumber salad high in a pretty bowl.
Garnish with extra fresh dill! I like to think of it as a mini dill forest. It's visually appealing, right? Serve alongside grilled chicken or fish.
Seriously, it cuts through the richness perfectly. If you are doing pulled pork sandwiches, try it as a low carb side dish !
Storage Sorted
Right, so you made a bit too much dill cucumber salad ? No worries, happens to the best of us.
You can stick it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure it's in an airtight container, you know? Freezing? Hmm, not really recommended.
The cucumbers get all watery. Nobody wants watery cucumbers. I mean honestly...reheating isn't an issue. It's a salad! Cold is the way to go.
Switching Things Up
Fancy a change? You could try a Greek twist by adding feta. I love cucumber red onion salad . For a dairy-free option, swap out the sour cream.
Use a dairy-free alternative. Or, you can have some keto summer recipes by adding some lemon juice. It's so easy to make it your own, honestly!
Nutrition Nitty Gritty
Alright, let's talk numbers. This keto cucumber salad is around 130 calories per serving. You also get around 2 grams of protein and 11 grams of fat .
It is quite healthy cucumber recipes , The carbs are low, about 6 grams . This makes it ideal for a low carb cucumber salad .
This cucumber salad with sour cream is full of vitamins too, you know? A great option for those keeping an eye on their health!
So there you have it! A super simple, super tasty low carb cucumber salad that's easy to customize and perfect for any occasion.
Get stuck in and let me know what you think!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this low carb cucumber salad really low carb? What's the carb count?
Absolutely! This recipe is designed to be low in carbohydrates, making it suitable for keto and other low-carb diets. Each serving contains approximately 6 grams of carbohydrates, but keep in mind this is an estimate.
You can further reduce the carbs by using a zero carb sweetener and carefully measuring your ingredients - a bit like watching the pennies, eh?
Can I make this low carb cucumber salad ahead of time? Will it get soggy?
You can definitely make this salad ahead of time! However, cucumbers tend to release water, which can make the salad a bit soggy. To minimise this, lightly salt the sliced cucumbers and let them sit for about 10-15 minutes before assembling the salad.
Pat them dry with a paper towel before adding the dressing a good tip to keep it from getting as watery as a Bank Holiday Monday!
What are some good variations I can make to this cucumber salad?
Fancy jazzing up your low carb cucumber salad? You could add a bit of crumbled feta cheese and a squeeze of lemon juice for a Greek twist. Alternatively, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favourite hot sauce for a spicy kick.
For a dairy-free option, swap out the sour cream for a dairy-free alternative the possibilities are as endless as episodes of 'Coronation Street'!
How long does this low carb cucumber salad last in the fridge?
This cucumber salad is best enjoyed within 2-3 days when stored in an airtight container in the fridge. After that, the cucumbers will start to lose their crispness and the dressing may become a bit watery.
While it will still be safe to eat, the texture and flavour won't be at their best a bit like reheated chips, really.
I don't have apple cider vinegar; can I use something else in my low carb cucumber salad?
No worries, apple cider vinegar can be substituted! White wine vinegar or even fresh lemon juice work perfectly well as alternatives. They'll provide a similar level of acidity to balance the creamy dressing.
If you’re using lemon juice, start with a tablespoon and add more to taste - just like adding milk to your tea, it's all about personal preference!
I don't have sweetener on hand. Is it ok to leave the sweetener out of the low carb cucumber salad?
Leaving out the sweetener is totally fine! The sweetness in this recipe is very subtle and can be easily omitted if you prefer a tangier salad. If you do want a touch of sweetness, a very small amount of honey can be used, but keep in mind this will increase the carb count, making it less keto friendly.
It's your salad, so make it as sweet (or not!) as you like!
Creamy Dill Cucumber Salad A Refreshing Lowcarb
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 130 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 11g |
| Fiber | 1g |