This Fresh Everything Bagel Cucumber Salad combines crunchy cucumbers, creamy dressing, and the tasty flavors of everything bagel seasoning. It’s a fun twist on a classic salad!
I love how refreshing this salad is, especially on hot days. Plus, it pairs perfectly with almost anything—seriously, it’s like summer on a plate! 🌞🥒
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cucumbers: Fresh, crunchy cucumbers are the star of this salad. English cucumbers are my favorite because they have fewer seeds and thinner skin. If you can’t find them, regular cucumbers work just fine. Try to slice them thinly for a better texture!
Cream Cheese: This adds a creamy texture to the dressing. If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can substitute with Greek yogurt. Not only is it lower in fat, but it also adds a tangy flavor!
Herbs: Dill and chives give this salad a fresh taste. If you don’t have fresh herbs, you can use dried ones; just remember the flavor is stronger so use less. I prefer fresh for the bright flavor, but either works!
Everything Bagel Seasoning: This is what makes the salad unique! You can easily make your own by combining sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, dried onion, and salt. If you don’t have all the ingredients, just sprinkle in whatever you have; it’ll still be tasty!
How Do I Get the Creamy Dressing Just Right?
The creamy dressing is key to this salad, and getting the right consistency is simple! Start by letting your cream cheese soften to room temperature; this makes it much easier to whisk smoothly.
- Mix the cream cheese with the sour cream or Greek yogurt first until you have a creamy base.
- Then, add the lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. This layering helps create a smooth blend.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed; remember, you can always add more, but it’s hard to take it away!
Letting the salad chill allows the flavors to combine beautifully. Trust me, it’s worth the wait! Enjoy your delicious salad!
Fresh Everything Bagel Cucumber Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon everything bagel seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Thinly sliced red onion or radishes for extra crunch
How Much Time Will You Need?
This salad takes about 10 minutes of prep time, plus an extra 20 minutes to chill in the refrigerator. In just half an hour, you can whip up this refreshing dish that’s perfect for any occasion!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Creamy Dressing:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the softened cream cheese, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Keep whisking until the mixture is nice and smooth. You want it to be creamy and easy to coat the cucumbers!
2. Add Fresh Herbs:
Next, add the chopped fresh dill (if you’re using it) and chives to the dressing. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed. The herbs will add a delicious fresh flavor to your salad!
3. Combine Cucumbers:
Now it’s time for the cucumbers! Add your thinly sliced cucumbers to the bowl with the dressing. Toss gently so that all the cucumber slices are evenly coated in that creamy goodness.
4. Season with Everything Bagel Goodness:
Sprinkle the everything bagel seasoning over the salad. Toss again gently so that the seasoning is mixed in well. If you’d like, save a little of the seasoning to sprinkle on top when serving for an added pop!
5. Add Optional Ingredients:
If you’d like some extra crunch, fold in thin slices of red onion or radishes at this stage. They add a nice bite and a bit of color to your salad!
6. Chill and Meld the Flavors:
Cover the salad with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container, and place it in the refrigerator. Let it chill for at least 20 minutes. This will help all the flavors come together beautifully!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once it’s chilled and ready, give the salad a light stir. Serve cold and garnish with any leftover everything bagel seasoning or fresh herbs. Now you’re ready to dig in!
Enjoy this crisp, creamy, and savory Fresh Everything Bagel Cucumber Salad as a perfect side or light snack! It’s delightful and refreshing!
Frequently Asked Questions about Fresh Everything Bagel Cucumber Salad
Can I Use Other Types of Cucumbers?
Absolutely! While English cucumbers are great for their crunch and fewer seeds, regular cucumbers work just as well. Just make sure to slice them thinly for better texture and flavor absorption!
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the salad up to 24 hours in advance. Just keep it tightly covered in the refrigerator. The flavors will meld beautifully, making it even tastier when you serve it!
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have Everything Bagel Seasoning?
No worries! You can create a simple blend by mixing together sesame seeds, poppy seeds, minced garlic, minced onion, and some salt. Use equal parts of each or adjust based on your taste preferences, and you’ll achieve a similar flavor!
How Should I Store Leftover Salad?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should keep well for 2-3 days. Just keep in mind that the cucumbers may soften slightly over time, but the salad will still be delicious!
