Chilled Cucumber Salad
A refreshing chilled cucumber salad with sour cream, dill, and tiny shrimp, perfect for light summer meals or as a cool side dish for gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sprinkle salt over sliced cucumber and let stand for 30 minutes.
- Drain the salted cucumbers to remove excess moisture.
- Combine sour cream, vinegar, Tabasco sauce, chopped chives or green onion, dill seed, and pepper in a bowl.
- Toss the drained cucumbers and tiny shrimp with the sour cream mixture.
- Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, let the cucumbers sit with salt for more than 30 minutes if you prefer a saltier taste. For a lighter twist, substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream. Fresh dill can replace dill seed for a more vibrant flavor. If you want a bit more heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper along with the Tabasco sauce.
Serving Suggestions
This Chilled Cucumber Salad serves beautifully as a refreshing side dish, especially alongside grilled meats or seafood recipes like Shrimp Margarett. Pair it with a light white wine or iced tea for a complete meal. Consider serving it with crusty bread to soak up the creamy dressing.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The salad may become watery over time, so give it a gentle stir before serving. Avoid freezing, as the texture of the cucumbers and shrimp may change upon thawing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chilled Cucumber Salad contains roughly 70 calories, with 3g protein, 14g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (50% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2468mg per serving (107% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the salad a few hours in advance. Just remember to keep it chilled until serving to maintain its freshness. The flavors will meld beautifully if given some time, enhancing the overall taste.
Is it possible to add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add diced bell peppers, radishes, or even cherry tomatoes for additional crunch and color. Just keep in mind that these may alter the overall flavor profile slightly, so adjust the seasoning accordingly.
What can I substitute for tiny shrimp?
If tiny shrimp aren't available, you can use canned crab meat or chopped cooked chicken as alternatives. Both options will provide protein while complementing the creamy dressing. Adjust the seasoning if the substitute has a stronger flavor.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).