Description
This Creamy Cucumber Cheddar Salad is a refreshing and flavorful side dish combining crisp cucumbers, sharp cheddar cheese, and a creamy tangy dressing made from mayonnaise, sour cream, and apple cider vinegar. Finished with a hint of sweetness and fresh herbs, it’s perfect for summer meals or as a cool accompaniment to grilled dishes.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad
- 3 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Dressing
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp sugar
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional Garnish
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill or parsley
Instructions
- Prepare the dressing: In a large bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Whisk the mixture thoroughly until it becomes smooth and well blended.
- Add the main ingredients: Gently fold in the thinly sliced cucumbers and shredded sharp cheddar cheese into the dressing. Toss carefully to ensure every slice is evenly coated without breaking the cucumbers.
- Add fresh herbs: Sprinkle the chopped fresh dill or parsley over the salad, then lightly mix it in to distribute the herbs throughout the dish for added freshness and flavor.
- Chill to meld flavors: Cover the salad and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This chilling step allows the flavors to develop and the salad to cool down nicely for serving.
- Serve: Remove from the refrigerator and serve the salad cold as a refreshing side dish to complement various meals.
Notes
- For extra crunch, you can peel the cucumbers if desired, but leaving the peel on adds more texture and nutrients.
- If sharp cheddar is too strong, mild cheddar can be substituted for a gentler flavor.
- Adjust the sugar and vinegar amounts to suit your preferred balance of tangy and sweet.
- This salad is best enjoyed within 1-2 days for optimal freshness and texture.
- Optional herbs like fresh chives or basil can be used instead of dill or parsley.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American