Delicious Vegan Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe
Welcome, food lovers! If you’re craving something creamy, crunchy, and refreshing, this Vegan Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe is exactly what you need. I’m thrilled to share this recipe with you today because it’s one of my personal favorites. This dish is perfect for summer gatherings or any time you want a light and zesty salad that pairs well with grilled vegetables or protein.
You’ll love the combination of thinly sliced cucumbers and sweet onions, complemented by a luscious dressing made with vegan sour cream and mayo. The addition of fresh dill and lemon juice brings a refreshing citrusy tang to the mix, perfectly balanced by the savory taste of garlic and olive oil. This vegan creamy cucumber salad is extremely versatile and can be enjoyed as a side dish or a light main meal.
One of the best things about this recipe is that it’s dairy-free while still being creamy, so if you’re looking for a plant-based alternative to traditional creamy salads, this recipe is perfect for you. Trust me; it’s a crowd-pleaser even for non-vegans! So let’s get started and head over to the ingredient list.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I can’t help but get excited as I share with you all the reasons why you’ll love this Vegan Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe. Yes, you heard it right! This salad is not only plant-based, but it also hits every taste bud and texture requirement for an ideal summer salad.
If you’re on the lookout for a salad recipe that’s crisp, creamy, tangy, and comes together in minutes, then you don’t want to miss out on this one. This recipe is perfect when you are craving a light meal that is refreshing and nourishing at the same time.
Let me break down the goodness of each ingredient in this salad. First, we have the star of our dish – cucumbers, which are well-seasoned in salt and pepper mix to enhance its natural flavors. Secondly, we have a sweet onion, which provides the right punch of sweetness to balance out the tanginess of the dressing.
And now, let’s talk about the creamy component in our dish. In place of sour cream or mayo, we use vegan sour cream and plain vegan yogurt to create a luscious and rich base for our dressing. These ingredients not only make our salad healthier but give it a creaminess that will make your taste buds sing.
To further elevate our dressing’s flavor profile, we add dill leaves, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, and freshly squeezed lemon juice. All these ingredients work hand-in-hand to create an umami burst in your mouth that will make you forget all other vegan salad recipes.
This Vegan Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe can be prepared quickly with minimum effort required. The delicious combination of flavors coupled with its nutrient-dense ingredients will leave you feeling energized and satisfied. In fact, once you take the first bite of this cucumber salad german-inspired dish, you’ll fall in love with it too!
Ingredient List
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious vegan creamy cucumber salad recipe:
For the Salad:
- 4 cups thinly sliced cucumbers (about 1 large or 2 medium cucumbers)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped sweet onion (about 1 small onion)
- 3 ounces thinly sliced red onion (about 1/2 cup)
- 1 tbsp roughly chopped fresh dill
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Creamy Dressing:
- 1 cup vegan sour cream or plain vegan yogurt
- 1/4 cup vegan mayonnaise
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Juice of 1/2 lemon (about 1 tbsp)
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp maple syrup
- Salt and pepper to taste
Make sure to have these dairy-free and plant-based ingredients in your pantry before starting with the recipe.
The Recipe How-To
Now that we have gathered all the ingredients, it is time to start making this delicious vegan creamy cucumber salad. Follow these simple steps to create a dish that will be the perfect addition to any meal:
Step 1: Preparing the Cucumbers
The first step in making this recipe is to prepare the cucumbers. Wash them well and slice them thinly. If you prefer thicker slices, feel free to adjust accordingly.
Step 2: Mixing the Dressing
In a separate bowl, combine the vegan sour cream, mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, chopped dill, and apple cider vinegar. Mix these ingredients together until you get a smooth consistency.
Step 3: Combining Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers with the dressing mixture. Add in finely sliced sweet onion and mix everything well until all cucumbers are evenly coated. Season with salt and pepper according to your tastes.
Step 4: Cooling Time
Allow your creamy vegan cucumber salad to cool down in the refrigerator for at least an hour or up to overnight. This allows time for all the flavors to blend together and make each bite more scrumptious.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once cooled, take out your vegan creamy cucumber salad from the fridge and sprinkle some freshly chopped dill on top before serving as a side dish or even as a main course!
Making this vegan creamy cucumber salad is so easy, takes only little time and leaves you with a refreshing dish perfect for any occasion!
Substitutions and Variations
Who said salads are boring? With so many variations out there, the possibilities are endless. Here are some substitutions and variations that you can try with this Vegan Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe:
– Instead of using vegan sour cream, you can substitute it with plain Greek yogurt or any other vegan yogurt of your choosing.
– If you don’t have dill or prefer a different herb, try using fresh parsley or cilantro instead.
– Want to add some extra crunch to your salad? Try throwing in some sliced almonds or walnuts.
– For a spicier kick, add some diced jalapeño or red pepper flakes to the dressing.
– Looking for a low-carb option? Replace the cucumbers with zucchini noodles, also known as “zoodles,” for a delicious and refreshing cucumber pasta salad.
– Want to switch up the onions? Try using thinly sliced shallots, scallions, or red onion instead of sweet onion.
– If you don’t have apple cider vinegar on hand, you can substitute it with white wine vinegar, rice vinegar or even freshly squeezed lemon juice.
– For a heartier version of this salad, add in cooked chickpeas or black beans for added protein and texture.
No matter what substitutions or variations you choose to make, this Vegan Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe is sure to be a hit. So go ahead and get creative with your ingredients and have some fun experimenting in the kitchen.
Serving and Pairing
I’m delighted to say that this Vegan Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe is so versatile that it can be served with almost anything. You can make this creamy cucumber salad as a light lunch, as a side with a savory dinner, or as a refreshing snack for a warm day.
For lunch, try pairing the salad alongside vegan sandwiches, wraps of all sorts or even tossing it into cucumber pasta salad. The sweet onion and tangy dressing would perfectly balance out the flavors of any sandwich.
If you’re serving it as a side dish, I suggest pairing it with bean burgers, quinoa dishes or roasted tofu. The crispiness of the cucumbers and the creaminess of the dressing would provide that extra dimension to these dishes.
As for snacks, I highly recommend them during gatherings, picnics and even potlucks. They are simple to prepare and pair extremely well with crackers, fresh bread, pita chips or even veggie cuts!
Lastly, for special occasions such as Thanksgiving dinner parties, Christmas brunch or an Easter potluck spread try adding this creamy German-inspired salad to your vegan menu. Be sure to get ready for the compliments coming your way!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
One of the beauties of this Vegan Creamy Cucumber Salad recipe is that it can be made ahead of time and tastes even better after chilling in the fridge for a few hours. If you are planning to make it ahead, you can prepare the salad up to one day in advance, but do not add the dressing until right before serving. This will keep the cucumbers nice and crisp.
If you have leftovers, this Vegan Creamy Cucumber Salad can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When ready to eat, give it a good stir before serving to redistribute any excess dressing that may have settled at the bottom of the container.
If you want to enjoy this dish warm or hot, I suggest reheating it on low heat on the stove or microwave just long enough to take off the chill but without cooking it so much that it loses its crunch. However, keep in mind that this recipe is best enjoyed cold due to its creamy nature.
Overall, this vegan recipe is very accommodating when it comes to make-ahead prep and storage options, making it perfect for busy weekdays or for bringing to potlucks or picnics.
Tips for Perfect Results
Vegan creamy cucumber salad is a classic dish that can be enjoyed in various settings, from family dinners to outdoor barbecues. Here are some tips to ensure perfect results every time you create this delicious vegan dish.
Firstly, an important factor in achieving great results is the freshness of the ingredients. Make sure to choose crisp and firm cucumbers and a sweet onion that is not too overpowering, preferably organic if possible. Fresh dill is also crucial for flavoring the vegan creamy dressing, so opt for vibrant green bunches or grow it in your own herb garden.
To achieve the perfect texture for the salad, take extra care in slicing the cucumbers thinly and evenly. A mandoline slicer or a sharp knife will do the job perfectly. The onions must also be sliced thinly so they do not overpower the cucumbers.
When making the vegan creamy dressing, use good quality vegan ingredients such as sour cream, mayo or vegan yogurt as well as freshly squeezed lemon juice, garlic and herbs for added flavor. Mix all ingredients together thoroughly using a whisk or blender until you get a smooth and creamy texture.
Refrigerating the salad before serving will allow all the flavors to blend together perfectly. This will also keep the cucumbers crisp while letting the dressing soak into them beautifully.
Finally, feel free to add some extra seasonings like salt and pepper according to your own preferences. A sprinkle of paprika on top can also bring some extra depth of flavor to this creamy cucumber salad.
By following these simple tips, you can guarantee that your vegan creamy cucumber salad will turn out perfectly every time. Enjoy this tasty dish as part of your plant-based lifestyle!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this vegan creamy cucumber salad recipe is a delicious and refreshing dish that you will definitely want to add to your recipe collection. The combination of crisp cucumbers, sweet onions, and creamy vegan sour cream dressing creates an explosion of flavors in your mouth.
By using plant-based ingredients such as vegan sour cream, mayonnaise, and yogurt, this salad is not only dairy-free but also environmentally friendly. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, making this salad will become a quick and easy task.
Whether you are looking for a healthy snack or a side dish to complement your main course, this creamy cucumber salad recipe will undoubtedly become one of your go-to recipes. Plus, it is perfect for meal prep and can be stored for up to three days in the refrigerator.
So what are you waiting for? Grab some cucumbers, whip up the vegan sour cream dressing, and enjoy a mouth-watering creamy cucumber salad that will leave you wanting more!
Vegan Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 thinly sliced cucumbers (I use the smaller organic ones with no wax so that I can leave the skin on)
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced sweet onion
- 1/4 cup vegan mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup vegan sour cream
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon dill (dried)
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon fox point seasoning (a dried seasoning mix of salt, shallots, chives, garlic, onion and green peppercorns)
Instructions
- Mix mayo, sour cream, and spices in a large bowl.
- Add cucumbers and onions and toss to coat.
- Place covered in the fridge for 3-4 hours for the flavors to develop.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Jolo is a talented chef and food blogger with a passion for vegan and Caribbean flavors. From savory vegetarian dishes to tropical smoothies, Jolo’s Kitchen has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for meat-free meals or creative Caribbean recipes, Jolo’s Kitchen is the perfect place for you.