Introduction
This Keto Creamy Cucumber Salad delivers the perfect cool, crisp, and tangy side dish for any meal. Its magic lies in the incredibly creamy dressing that clings to every slice, made rich with sour cream and mayonnaise yet brightened by fresh lemon. You’ll love how it comes together quickly while offering a sophisticated, low-carb alternative to traditional picnic salads.
Prep & Cook Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes (chilling)
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients
- 2 medium cucumbers ((thinly sliced))
- 1/4 cup shallot ((thinly sliced))
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup keto-approved mayonnaise
- 1 lemon ((juiced and zested))
- 1 tablespoon erythritol
- salt ((to taste))
- pepper ((to taste))
- fresh parsley or dill ((optional))
Instructions
- Place the thinly sliced cucumbers and shallots in a large mixing bowl.
- In a separate small bowl, combine the sour cream, keto mayonnaise, lemon juice, lemon zest, and erythritol. Whisk until smooth and fully incorporated.
- Pour the creamy dressing over the cucumbers and shallots. Gently toss until all slices are evenly coated.
- Season generously with salt and pepper to taste. If using, sprinkle with fresh parsley or dill.
- For best results, cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the cucumbers to chill.
Variations
- Extra-Crisp: Salt the sliced cucumbers lightly and let them drain in a colander for 15 minutes before rinsing and patting dry. This prevents a watery salad.
- Herb Swap: Use all dill for a classic flavor, or try chives or mint for a different aromatic profile.
- Textural Twist: For a chunkier salad, cut the cucumbers into thick half-moons instead of thin slices.
- Main Course Upgrade: Serve the creamy salad as a bed for grilled chicken, salmon, or seared shrimp for a complete meal.
Tips for Success
- Slice the cucumbers and shallots as thinly and uniformly as possible for the best texture and even coating of dressing.
- Don’t skip the chilling time; it’s essential for the flavors to develop and for the salad to become properly cold and refreshing.
- Taste the dressing before adding it to the cucumbers and adjust the salt, pepper, or lemon to your preference.
- For the freshest flavor, add any delicate fresh herbs right before serving, not before chilling.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. This salad does not freeze or reheat well and is best served cold. Stir gently before serving again, as some liquid may separate.
FAQ
Can I use a different sweetener?
Yes, you can substitute the erythritol with an equal amount of another keto-friendly granular sweetener like monk fruit or allulose.
Why is my salad watery?
Cucumbers naturally release water. Salting and draining them before dressing (as noted in the variations) solves this. Also, ensure you are serving the salad chilled and within the recommended storage time.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, replace the sour cream with an equal amount of dairy-free yogurt or additional keto mayonnaise, though the tanginess will be slightly different.
What can I use instead of shallot?
A quarter cup of very thinly sliced red onion is a great substitute for shallot, offering a similar mild sharpness.
Is there a substitute for lemon zest?
The zest adds a powerful bright flavor, but you can omit it if necessary. Consider adding a tiny extra splash of lemon juice to compensate.
Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely. Simply double all ingredients. Use a very large bowl for mixing to ensure everything is coated evenly.
