Creamy Cucumber Salad

There’s nothing quite like a light and refreshing salad to brighten up your table. Creamy Cucumber Salad is a delightful combination of crisp cucumbers, tangy yogurt, and zesty herbs, making it the perfect side dish for any meal or a refreshing snack on its own.

Why You’ll Want This With Every Meal

• Fast.
• Easy.
• Vegetarian.

Creamy Cucumber Salad is a simple and delightful dish that celebrates the fresh and crisp flavors of cucumbers while embracing the creamy goodness of Greek yogurt and the zesty aroma of fresh herbs.

Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, enjoying a light lunch, or simply seeking a cool and refreshing treat on a hot day, this salad is the perfect addition to any meal.

How Do You Keep Cucumber Salad From Getting Soggy?

Keeping cucumber salad from getting soggy is essential to maintain its crisp and refreshing texture. Here are some tips to prevent cucumber salad from becoming mushy or waterlogged:

• Salt the Cucumbers - After slicing the cucumbers, sprinkle them with a little salt and gently toss to coat. Let the salted cucumbers sit for about 10-15 minutes in a colander or on paper towels. This step helps draw out excess moisture from the cucumbers, preventing the salad from becoming soggy.
• Drain the Cucumbers - After salting the cucumbers, rinse them under cold water to remove the excess salt. Pat them dry with paper towels or use a clean kitchen towel to gently press out any remaining moisture.
• Use English Cucumbers - English cucumbers, also known as hothouse or seedless cucumbers, have thinner skins and fewer seeds compared to other cucumber varieties. They naturally contain less water and are less likely to make the salad overly watery.
• Serve Chilled- Always serve cucumber salad chilled to enhance its crispness and freshness.

What Cucumbers Are Good For Salad?

• English Cucumbers (Hothouse Cucumbers or Seedless Cucumbers): English cucumbers are a popular choice for cucumber salad because of their thin skin, few seeds, and sweet flavor. They are long and slender with a dark green color. Since they have a tender skin, you can leave it on for added color and texture. English cucumbers are also seedless or have very tiny seeds, which helps prevent the salad from becoming watery. Their crunchy and refreshing nature makes them perfect for slicing thinly and using in salads.
• Persian Cucumbers: Also known as mini cucumbers or cocktail cucumbers, Persian cucumbers are small, thin-skinned, and seedless. They have a slightly sweeter flavor than English cucumbers and are just as crisp and refreshing. Their small size makes them easy to work with and great for single-serving salads. Since they are seedless, you won’t have to worry about excess water in your cucumber salad.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• English Cucumbers
• Red Onion
• Greek Yogurt
• Lemon Juice
• Olive Oil
• Garlic
• Dill
• Parsley
• Salt and Pepper

How To Make Creamy Cucumber Salad

1. Prepare the Cucumbers and Onions. Start by washing the cucumbers thoroughly and patting them dry with a clean towel. You can leave the skin on for added crunch and nutrients or peel them if desired. Slice the cucumbers thinly using a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer for even, paper-thin cuts.
2. Make the Creamy Dressing . In a mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, fresh lemon juice, extra-virgin olive oil, and minced garlic for a touch of sweetness. Whisk the ingredients together until the dressing is smooth and well blended.
3. Add the Herbs . Fold in the finely chopped dill and parsley into the creamy dressing. The aromatic herbs will infuse the salad with refreshing flavors and a delightful aroma.
4. Toss It All Together . Add the sliced cucumbers and onions to the creamy dressing mixture, ensuring that each cucumber slice is evenly coated with the dressing.
5. Season to Perfection . Season the Creamy Cucumber Salad with salt and pepper to taste. The seasoning will enhance the flavors of the cucumbers and elevate the overall taste of the dish.
6. Chill and Let the Flavors Marinate . Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the Creamy Cucumber Salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill.
7. Serve and Garnish . When ready to serve, transfer the Creamy Cucumber Salad to a serving bowl. For a final touch, garnish the salad with a few sprigs of fresh herbs on top.

Tips And Tricks

• Chill the Salad . Refrigerate the creamy cucumber salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. Chilling allows the flavors to meld, and the dressing to thicken, enhancing the overall taste.
• Keep It Simple . Cucumber salad shines in its simplicity. Avoid adding too many ingredients that may overpower the natural flavor of the cucumbers and the creaminess of the dressing.
• Garnish with Fresh Herbs . Before serving, garnish the salad with a few extra sprigs of fresh herbs. This adds a touch of color and makes the salad visually appealing.
• Serve Chilled . Always serve creamy cucumber salad chilled to maintain its crispness and refreshing taste.

Variations

Creamy cucumber salad is a versatile dish that can be customized to create exciting variations. Here are some delicious ideas to switch it up:

• Cucumber and Tomato Salad - Add juicy cherry tomatoes to the creamy cucumber salad for a burst of color and extra sweetness. The combination of cucumbers and tomatoes creates a delightful summer salad.
• Cucumber and Avocado Salad- Incorporate creamy avocado slices into the cucumber salad for a buttery and rich twist. The avocado adds a luscious texture and healthy fats to the dish.
• Creamy Ranch Cucumber Salad - Replace the Greek yogurt with ranch dressing for a tangy and herby variation of the salad.

What To Serve With It

Creamy cucumber salad pairs well with a variety of dishes, adding a refreshing and tangy contrast to complement the main flavors of the meal. Here are some delicious options to serve with it:

• Grilled Meats - Serve creamy cucumber salad alongside grilled chicken, steak, pork chops, or even grilled shrimp. The cool and creamy salad balances the smoky flavors of the grilled meats.
• Sandwiches - Serve creamy cucumber salad with sandwiches, wraps, or pitas. It works well with various fillings like chicken salad, tuna salad, or falafel.
• Quiche- Serve the salad as a side dish with delicious quiche, whether it’s a classic quiche Lorraine or a vegetarian option.

How Long Is Cucumber Salad Good For?

For any cucumber salad with a dressing containing dairy (like Greek yogurt), it is best to consume it within 2-3 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

The moisture from the cucumbers and the dairy-based dressing can cause the salad to become soggy over time, affecting its texture and taste.

More Cucumber Recipes

• Korean Cucumber Salad
• Indian Cucumber Salad
• Cucumber Tomato Onion Salad
• Smashed Cucumber Salad
• Cucumber Chips
• Creamy Cucumber Salad

Creamy Cucumber Salad | Creamy Cucumber Side Dish

Ingredients

• ▢ 2 english cucumbers
• ▢ 1 cup Plain Greek Yogurt
• ▢ 2 tbsp Lemon Juice
• ▢ 1 tbsp Olive Oil
• ▢ 2 cloves Minced Garlic
• ▢ 1 tbsp Dill
• ▢ 1 tsp Salt
• ▢ 1/2 tsp Pepper
• ▢ 1 tbsp Parsley
• ▢ 1/2 cup Red Onion

Instructions

• Prepare the Cucumbers and Onions. Start by washing the cucumbers thoroughly and patting them dry with a clean towel. You can leave the skin on for added crunch and nutrients or peel them if desired. Slice the cucumbers thinly using a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer for even, paper-thin cuts.
• Make the Creamy Dressing . In a mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, fresh lemon juice, extra-virgin olive oil, and minced garlic for a touch of sweetness. Whisk the ingredients together until the dressing is smooth and well blended.
• Add the Herbs . Fold in the finely chopped dill and parsley into the creamy dressing. The aromatic herbs will infuse the salad with refreshing flavors and a delightful aroma.
• Toss It All Together . Add the sliced cucumbers and onions to the creamy dressing mixture, ensuring that each cucumber slice is evenly coated with the dressing.
• Season to Perfection . Season the Creamy Cucumber Salad with salt and pepper to taste. The seasoning will enhance the flavors of the cucumbers and elevate the overall taste of the dish.
• Chill and Let the Flavors Marinate . Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the Creamy Cucumber Salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill.
• Serve and Garnish . When ready to serve, transfer the Creamy Cucumber Salad to a serving bowl. For a final touch, garnish the salad with a few sprigs of fresh herbs on top.

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Keto Instant Pot, Keto Fat Bombs, Sweets, & Treats , and Easy keto in 30 minutes.

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Creamy Cucumber Salad | Creamy Cucumber Side Dish

Ingredients

• 2 english cucumbers
• 1 cup Plain Greek Yogurt
• 2 tbsp Lemon Juice
• 1 tbsp Olive Oil
• 2 cloves Minced Garlic
• 1 tbsp Dill
• 1 tsp Salt
• 1/2 tsp Pepper
• 1 tbsp Parsley
• 1/2 cup Red Onion

Instructions

• Prepare the Cucumbers and Onions. Start by washing the cucumbers thoroughly and patting them dry with a clean towel. You can leave the skin on for added crunch and nutrients or peel them if desired. Slice the cucumbers thinly using a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer for even, paper-thin cuts.
• Make the Creamy Dressing . In a mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, fresh lemon juice, extra-virgin olive oil, and minced garlic for a touch of sweetness. Whisk the ingredients together until the dressing is smooth and well blended.
• Add the Herbs . Fold in the finely chopped dill and parsley into the creamy dressing. The aromatic herbs will infuse the salad with refreshing flavors and a delightful aroma.
• Toss It All Together . Add the sliced cucumbers and onions to the creamy dressing mixture, ensuring that each cucumber slice is evenly coated with the dressing.
• Season to Perfection . Season the Creamy Cucumber Salad with salt and pepper to taste. The seasoning will enhance the flavors of the cucumbers and elevate the overall taste of the dish.
• Chill and Let the Flavors Marinate . Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the Creamy Cucumber Salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill.
• Serve and Garnish . When ready to serve, transfer the Creamy Cucumber Salad to a serving bowl. For a final touch, garnish the salad with a few sprigs of fresh herbs on top.

Creamy Cucumber Salad | Creamy Cucumber Side Dish https://twosleevers.com/creamy-cucumber-salad/

If you’re a fan of delicious, cheesy appetizers, then look no further than homemade mozzarella sticks. Create perfectly crispy and gooey air fryer mozzarella sticks without deep frying. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this irresistible snack!

Why They Will Be Your Favorite Appetizer

• Fast. Ready in under 30 minutes with the help of your air fryer!
• Easy. Create a breading, coat mozzarella cheese sticks, and air fry until melty and crispy.
• Delicious. Loaded with melted cheese, coated in perfectly crispy Panko bread crumbs, and seasoned with a tasty balance of Italian herbs.

With the help of an air fryer, you can enjoy crispy, homemade mozzarella sticks without deep frying. This easy-to-follow recipe ensures a perfect balance between crispy breading and melted cheese. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your air fryer, and get ready to tantalize your taste buds with these irresistible mozzarella sticks.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Mozzarella Cheese Sticks
• All Purpose Flour
• Eggs
• Panko Breadcrumbs
• Italian Seasoning
• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Cooking Spray

How To Make Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks

1. Prepare the Breading Station. To begin, set up a breading station with three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, place the all-purpose flour. In the second bowl, beat the eggs until well combined. In the third bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and paprika. Mix thoroughly to ensure an even distribution of the seasonings.
2. Prep the Mozzarella Sticks. Unwrap the mozzarella sticks and cut them in half, creating 16 shorter sticks. This step helps the mozzarella sticks fit better in the air fryer and ensures they cook evenly.
3. Coat the Mozzarella Sticks. Take one mozzarella stick and lightly coat it in the flour, shaking off any excess. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs, making sure it’s fully coated. Lastly, roll it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere to the breadcrumbs. Repeat this process with the remaining mozzarella sticks, placing them on a plate or baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Preheat the Air Fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 400F for about 5 minutes. This ensures that the mozzarella sticks cook evenly and become crispy.
5. Air Fry the Mozzarella Sticks. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the coated mozzarella sticks in a single layer, ensuring they don’t touch each other. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches.
6. Cook and Flip. Place the mozzarella sticks in the preheated air fryer and cook for 6-8 minutes, flipping them halfway through. Keep a close eye on them to prevent overcooking or melting. The mozzarella sticks should turn golden brown and the cheese inside should be melted and gooey.
7. Serve and Enjoy! Once the mozzarella sticks are done, carefully remove them from the air fryer using tongs or a spatula. Allow them to cool for a few minutes to avoid burning your mouth. Serve them with your favorite marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or any other dipping sauce of your choice.

Tips And Tricks

Here are some helpful tips and tricks to ensure your air fryer mozzarella sticks turn out perfectly:

• Use String Cheese or Mozzarella Sticks. Opt for string cheese or pre-made mozzarella sticks specifically designed for frying. These types of cheese are ideal because they have a higher moisture content, which results in a gooey, melted center when cooked.
• Freeze the Mozzarella Sticks. Before air frying, freeze the mozzarella sticks for at least 30 minutes. Freezing helps the cheese hold its shape during cooking and prevents excessive melting. It also helps the breading adhere better to the cheese.
• Preheat the Air Fryer. Always preheat your air fryer before cooking. This ensures that the mozzarella sticks cook evenly and achieve that desirable crispy texture.
• Use Panko Breadcrumbs. Panko breadcrumbs provide a light and extra crispy coating compared to regular breadcrumbs. If possible, opt for panko breadcrumbs to achieve a crunchier exterior.

By following these tips and tricks, you’ll be well on your way to making deliciously crispy and gooey air fryer mozzarella sticks that everyone will enjoy.

Variations

Here are a few variations of air fryer mozzarella sticks that you can try to add some excitement and variety to your snacks:

• Bacon-Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks - Indulge in a savory treat by wrapping each mozzarella stick with a strip of bacon. Secure the bacon with toothpicks, coat the sticks, and air fry until crispy and delicious. The combination of crispy bacon and melted cheese is irresistible.
• Buffalo Mozzarella Sticks - Give your mozzarella sticks a tangy and spicy twist by tossing them in buffalo sauce. After air frying the sticks, coat them in buffalo sauce or serve the sauce on the side for dipping. It’s a perfect option for those who enjoy a little heat.
• Pepperoni Mozzarella Sticks - Add a twist to the classic mozzarella sticks by wrapping each cheese stick with a slice of pepperoni before coating and air frying. The combination of melted cheese and savory pepperoni adds an extra burst of flavor.

What To Serve With Them

Air fryer mozzarella sticks are a delicious appetizer on their own, but you can enhance the overall experience by serving them with complementary dips and sides. Here are a few ideas for what you can serve with air fryer mozzarella sticks:

• Marinara Sauce - A classic choice, marinara sauce pairs perfectly with mozzarella sticks. Its tangy and savory flavor complements the cheesy filling. You can use store-bought marinara sauce or make your own from scratch.
• Ranch Dressing - The creamy and tangy flavor of ranch dressing adds a nice contrast to the crispy mozzarella sticks. It’s a popular choice for dipping, and you can also consider adding some herbs or spices to the ranch dressing to elevate the flavor.
• Garlic Aioli - A homemade garlic aioli or even a store-bought one can be a fantastic accompaniment. The rich and garlicky flavor of the aioli complements the mozzarella sticks and adds a delicious twist to each bite.
• Sweet Chili Sauce - If you’re looking for a bit of a sweet and spicy flavor, try serving the mozzarella sticks with sweet chili sauce. It provides a unique balance of sweetness, tanginess, and a subtle kick that pairs well with cheesy goodness.

How Long Do They Last?

Air fryer mozzarella sticks are best enjoyed fresh and hot, right after they are cooked. The crispy exterior and gooey cheese filling are at their peak when served immediately. However, if you happen to have any leftovers, you can store them in the refrigerator.

Typically, leftover air fryer mozzarella sticks can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.

Can You Freeze Them?

Yes, you can freeze air fryer mozzarella sticks if you have leftovers or want to make a batch in advance for future use. Freezing them is a great option to extend their shelf life and enjoy them later.

Allow the mozzarella sticks to cool completely after cooking. Once cooled, place the mozzarella sticks in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Make sure they are not touching each other, as this will prevent them from sticking together during freezing.

Place the baking sheet with the mozzarella sticks in the freezer and let them freeze for about 2-3 hours or until they are firm and solid.

Once the mozzarella sticks are frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Return the mozzarella sticks to the freezer and store them for up to 2-3 months.

More Amazing Air Fryer Appetizers

• Crab Rangoon
• Keto Chips
• Keto Buffalo Cauliflower
• Queso Fundido
• Air Fryer Jalapeno Poppers

Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks | Homemade Mozzarella Sticks Recipe

Ingredients

• ▢ 8 mozzarella cheese sticks
• ▢ 1 cup All Purpose Flour
• ▢ 2 Eggs
• ▢ 1 cup Bread Crumbs
• ▢ 1 tsp Italian Seasoning
• ▢ 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
• ▢ 1/2 tsp Paprika
• ▢ Cooking Spray

Instructions

• Prepare the Breading Station. To begin, set up a breading station with three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, place the all-purpose flour. In the second bowl, beat the eggs until well combined. In the third bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and paprika. Mix thoroughly to ensure an even distribution of the seasonings.
• Prep the Mozzarella Sticks. Unwrap the mozzarella sticks and cut them in half, creating 16 shorter sticks. This step helps the mozzarella sticks fit better in the air fryer and ensures they cook evenly.
• Coat the Mozzarella Sticks. Take one mozzarella stick and lightly coat it in the flour, shaking off any excess. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs, making sure it’s fully coated. Lastly, roll it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere the breadcrumbs. Repeat this process with the remaining mozzarella sticks, placing them on a plate or baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
• Preheat the Air Fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This ensures that the mozzarella sticks cook evenly and become crispy.
• Air Fry the Mozzarella Sticks. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the coated mozzarella sticks in a single layer, ensuring they don’t touch each other. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches.
• Cook and Flip. Place the mozzarella sticks in the preheated air fryer and cook for 6-8 minutes, flipping them halfway through. Keep a close eye on them to prevent overcooking or melting. The mozzarella sticks should turn golden brown and the cheese inside should be melted and gooey.
• Serve and Enjoy! Once the mozzarella sticks are done, carefully remove them from the air fryer using tongs or a spatula. Allow them to cool for a few minutes to avoid burning your mouth. Serve them with your favorite marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or any other dipping sauce of your choice.

Get support & connect with our community on Facebook!

Nutrition

And don’t forget to check out my air fryer cookbooks! Every day easy air fryer , and Air Fryer Revolution .