Imagine walking through a bustling farmers market on a sunny Saturday morning, the air filled with the scents of fresh herbs, ripe tomatoes, and crisp cucumbers. As I stroll past the colorful stalls, I’m drawn to a vendor offering a delightful variety of cucumbers — plump, vibrant, and perfect for my next culinary adventure. That’s when the idea strikes me: why not create something that combines my love for crisp veggies with the comforting flavors of an everything bagel? Enter my Cucumber Everything Bagel Salad—a refreshing dish that’s as easy to whip up as it is deliciously satisfying.
Recipe Timing
- Prep Duration: 10 minutes
- Active Cooking: 0 minutes
- Total Duration: 10 minutes
- Portion Size: Serves 4
- Complexity: Simple
Nutritional Recipe
- Calories per portion: Approximately 120 kcal
- Protein: 3g per serving
- Carbs: 8g per serving
- Fats: 9g per serving
- Fiber: 2g per serving
- Sugars: 2g per serving
- Sodium: 250mg per serving
Why You’ll Love This Cucumber Everything Bagel Salad
This Cucumber Everything Bagel Salad is a symphony of flavors. It marries the cool crunch of cucumbers with the sharp bite of red onion, all enveloped in a creamy, tangy dressing infused with everything bagel seasoning. Perfect as a side dish for barbecues or a light lunch, it also offers a refreshing twist that’s sure to impress your guests! Whether you’re entertaining friends or simply looking for a wholesome snack, this salad is versatile, vibrant, and truly delightful.
The Complete Cooking Journey
Making this salad is as simple as enjoying the sun-kissed flavors of summer. It requires minimal effort and a mere ten minutes of your time. Unleash your inner chef with this easy-to-follow guide and savor the delicious rewards!
Ingredients:
- 2 cucumbers, diced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup cream cheese
- 1 tablespoon everything bagel seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh dill for garnish
Method:
Step 1: Prepare the Fresh Veggies
In a large bowl, combine the diced cucumbers and sliced red onion. The crunchy cucumbers and vibrant red onions create a beautiful base for our salad.
Step 2: Create the Creamy Dressing
In a separate small bowl, mix the cream cheese, everything bagel seasoning, olive oil, and lemon juice until smooth. This velvety dressing is what makes the salad sing!
Step 3: Combine the Flavors
Pour the dressing over the cucumber mixture and gently toss to combine. Ensure every cucumber piece gets a taste of that delightful creaminess.
Step 4: Season to Perfection
Season with salt and pepper to taste. A sprinkle of salt can elevate the flavors and bring everything together seamlessly!
Step 5: Dress it Up
Garnish with fresh dill before serving. This not only adds a pop of color but also infuses an aromatic touch that’s simply irresistible.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
This Cucumber Everything Bagel Salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish, making it a delightful side for any summer meal. It can also be served on top of leafy greens for a filling lunch or alongside your favorite wraps. Don’t shy away from enjoying it with a scoop of your favorite hummus or pita chips, too!
Storage & Leftovers Guide
If you have leftovers (which is rare for this delicious salad), you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep it separate from the dressing if possible to maintain the crispness of the cucumbers.
Kitchen Wisdom & Success Tips
- Choosing Cucumbers: Opt for English cucumbers or Persian cucumbers; their thin skin and crisp texture are perfect for salads.
- Cream Cheese Alternative: If you want a lighter version, consider using Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese for a tangy twist.
- Adjusting Dressings: Feel free to tweak the seasoning or add more lemon juice for a zesty kick.
Flavor Variations & Adaptations
- Consider adding cherry tomatoes for a splash of color and juicy sweetness.
- Throw in some avocado for added creaminess and healthy fats.
- Spice it up with jalapeños or red pepper flakes for a kick.
Reader Questions & Solutions
- What if I don’t have everything bagel seasoning?
You can easily make your own by combining sesame seeds, poppy seeds, garlic powder, onion flakes, and salt. - Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the salad a few hours ahead, but it’s best to add the dressing right before serving to keep it crisp. - What type of cucumbers should I use?
English cucumbers or Persian cucumbers work best due to their delicate skin and minimal seeds. - How can I make this suitable for vegan diets?
Swap the cream cheese for a vegan alternative like cashew cream or a plant-based yogurt. - What can I serve with this salad?
It goes wonderfully with grilled meats, fish, or even as part of a picnic spread with fresh bread.
Wrapping Up
There you have it—a simple yet delightful recipe that captures the essence of summer in every bite! This Cucumber Everything Bagel Salad is a celebration of freshness, flavor, and fun, making it perfect for family gatherings or solo lunches alike. I encourage you to gather your ingredients and dive into this recipe—it’s as easy as it is delicious! Enjoy the rhythm of slicing, mixing, and savoring, and watch how a few simple ingredients can create magic in your kitchen. Happy cooking!
Print
Cucumber Everything Bagel Salad
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing salad that combines crisp cucumbers, red onion, and a creamy dressing infused with everything bagel seasoning.
Ingredients
- 2 cucumbers, diced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup cream cheese
- 1 tablespoon everything bagel seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh dill for garnish
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the diced cucumbers and sliced red onion.
- In a separate small bowl, mix the cream cheese, everything bagel seasoning, olive oil, and lemon juice until smooth.
- Pour the dressing over the cucumber mixture and gently toss to combine.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with fresh dill before serving.
Notes
Best served fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Keep dressing separate until serving for optimal crispness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
