Cucumber salad is a timeless side dish, perfect for summer barbecues, potlucks, or a light lunch. And when you think of home-style, comforting recipes, the Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond, often comes to mind. This Pioneer Woman inspired cucumber salad recipe takes the classic to the next level, offering a refreshing, crisp, and flavorful experience that’s incredibly easy to make. It’s the ideal way to use up those garden cucumbers and impress your family and friends with a dish that’s both simple and sensational.
Why This Recipe is a Pioneer Woman Favorite
Ree Drummond’s recipes are known for their approachability, deliciousness, and family-friendly appeal. This cucumber salad embodies those qualities. It’s likely inspired by classic Southern and Midwestern cucumber salad recipes, focusing on fresh, simple ingredients and bold flavors. What makes this version stand out is its perfect balance of creamy and tangy, with a hint of sweetness and dill that elevates the humble cucumber to star status.
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Ingredients for Pioneer Woman Cucumber Salad
To create this refreshing side, you’ll need just a handful of everyday ingredients:
- Cucumbers: 3-4 medium cucumbers, thinly sliced. English cucumbers or garden cucumbers work best.
- Red Onion: 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced. For a milder flavor, you can soak the sliced onion in cold water for 10 minutes.
- Sour Cream: 1 cup. Full-fat sour cream provides the richest flavor and creamy texture.
- Mayonnaise: 1/2 cup. Use your favorite mayonnaise; full-fat is recommended for the best taste.
- White Vinegar: 1/4 cup. Adds a tangy kick that balances the creaminess. Apple cider vinegar can be substituted for a slightly milder flavor.
- Sugar: 2 tablespoons. Granulated sugar provides a touch of sweetness to complement the vinegar. Adjust to your preference.
- Fresh Dill: 2 tablespoons, chopped. Fresh dill is essential for that classic cucumber salad flavor. Dried dill can be used in a pinch (use about 2 teaspoons), but fresh is highly recommended.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste. Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper are preferred for their flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making this Pioneer Woman Cucumber Salad is incredibly straightforward:
- Prepare the Cucumbers and Onions: Wash and thinly slice the cucumbers. If using garden cucumbers with thicker skins, you may want to peel them partially or fully. Thinly slice the red onion. If you prefer a milder onion flavor, soak the sliced red onion in cold water for 10 minutes, then drain well.
- Make the Dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together the sour cream, mayonnaise, white vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the sliced cucumbers and red onion to the dressing. Gently toss to ensure all the cucumbers and onions are evenly coated.
- Add Dill: Stir in the chopped fresh dill.
- Chill: For the best flavor, cover the bowl and refrigerate the cucumber salad for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours, before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the salad to become nicely chilled.
- Serve: Before serving, give the salad another gentle toss. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve chilled and enjoy!
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Tips for the Best Cucumber Salad
- Use Fresh, Crisp Cucumbers: The quality of your cucumbers directly impacts the salad. Choose firm, fresh cucumbers for the best texture.
- Thinly Slice the Vegetables: Thinly sliced cucumbers and onions allow for better flavor absorption and a more pleasant texture. A mandoline slicer can be helpful for uniform slices.
- Don’t Overdress: The dressing should coat the cucumbers lightly, not drown them. Adjust the amount of dressing to your liking.
- Chill Thoroughly: Chilling the salad is crucial. It allows the flavors to blend and creates that refreshing, cool bite that’s perfect for warm weather.
- Make Ahead (But Not Too Far): Cucumber salad is best made a few hours ahead of time. However, cucumbers release water as they sit, so making it too far in advance (more than 4-6 hours) can result in a watery salad. If making ahead, you can prepare the dressing and slice the vegetables separately and combine them closer to serving time.
- Variations: Feel free to customize this recipe! Add a pinch of garlic powder to the dressing, include other fresh herbs like chives or parsley, or add a splash of lemon juice for extra zing. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Serving Suggestions
Pioneer Woman cucumber salad is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of dishes:
- Barbecue Sides: Perfect alongside grilled chicken, burgers, ribs, or pulled pork.
- Picnic Favorite: A refreshing addition to any picnic basket, especially with sandwiches and potato salad.
- Light Lunch: Enjoy it on its own for a light and healthy lunch, or pair it with a simple grilled chicken breast or fish.
- Potluck Star: Easy to transport and always a crowd-pleaser at potlucks and gatherings.
- Southern Comfort Food: Complements classic Southern dishes like fried chicken, meatloaf, or ham.
Embrace the Pioneer Woman Spirit with this Cucumber Salad
This Pioneer Woman inspired cucumber salad is more than just a side dish; it’s a celebration of simple, fresh ingredients and comforting flavors. It’s a recipe that embodies the spirit of home cooking and sharing good food with loved ones. So, gather your cucumbers, whisk together the creamy dressing, and enjoy this refreshingly crisp and delightful salad that’s sure to become a new family favorite!
