Are you craving a light, refreshing side dish that's bursting with flavor? Look no further! This Luby's copycat cucumber salad recipe is incredibly easy to make, requires minimal ingredients, and is the perfect complement to any barbecue, picnic, or weeknight dinner. It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, bringing a burst of cool, crisp deliciousness to your table. This healthy meal addition is also perfect for those seeking quick dinner ideas or simple homemade cooking solutions.
Ingredients: A Simple List for a Delicious Salad
This recipe uses readily available ingredients, making it a perfect choice for a quick and easy weeknight meal.
- 4 large cucumbers, peeled, seeded, and thinly sliced (about 4 cups)
- 1/2 cup finely chopped white onion
- 1/2 cup white vinegar
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions: A Step-by-Step Guide to Cucumber Salad Perfection
This recipe is so simple, even beginner cooks can master it!
-
Prep the Cucumbers: Peel the cucumbers, slice them in half lengthwise, and remove the seeds using a spoon. Thinly slice the cucumbers. The thinner the slices, the better they’ll absorb the dressing.
-
Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, gently combine the sliced cucumbers and chopped white onion.
-
Whisk the Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together the white vinegar, vegetable oil, sugar, salt, and pepper until the sugar is fully dissolved.
-
Dress the Salad: Pour the dressing over the cucumber and onion mixture. Toss gently to ensure all the slices are coated evenly.
-
Chill and Serve: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. The longer it sits, the better it tastes! Serve chilled and enjoy!
Tips and Tricks for the Best Cucumber Salad
-
Choose the Right Cucumbers: English cucumbers are ideal for this recipe due to their thinner skin and fewer seeds. However, any variety will work. Just be sure to remove the seeds for a less watery salad.
-
Don't Over-Salt: Start with less salt than the recipe calls for and taste before adding more. You can always add more, but you can't take it away!
-
Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter salad, add a tablespoon or two more sugar. Conversely, for a less sweet salad, reduce the sugar slightly.
-
Add Some Herbs: For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of fresh dill or parsley to the salad.
Variations: Making it Your Own
-
Spicy Cucumber Salad: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing for a little kick.
-
Creamy Cucumber Salad: Substitute mayonnaise for half of the vegetable oil for a richer, creamier dressing.
-
Dill Cucumber Salad: Add 2 tablespoons of fresh dill to enhance the refreshing flavor profile.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate)
This recipe provides a refreshing and healthy option as part of a balanced diet. Nutritional information will vary based on the exact ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 100-150
- Fat: Around 5-8g
- Carbohydrates: Roughly 10-15g
- Protein: Around 1g
This easy and delicious Luby's copycat cucumber salad is a perfect side dish for any occasion. It's a simple recipe that yields big on flavor, making it a staple in our household. Enjoy!