This Cucumber, Cheese, and Egg Salad is a refreshing and nutritious dish that’s perfect for a quick lunch, side dish, or even a light dinner. With crunchy cucumbers, creamy cheese, protein-rich eggs, and a tangy sour cream dressing, this salad offers a satisfying blend of textures and flavors. It’s easy to make, takes little time, and can be prepared in advance, making it an ideal option for busy days or family gatherings. The addition of dill and garlic gives it a fresh, aromatic touch that enhances the overall taste. Here’s how to make this simple, delicious salad.
Ingredients
- 2 cucumbers, sliced into thin strips or small cubes
- 150 g (5.3 oz) cheese (use your favorite type, such as cheddar, gouda, or mozzarella), cut into small strips or cubes
- 4 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
- 100 g (3.5 oz) canned corn, drained
- Dill, chopped (to taste)
- 3 tbsp (45 g) sour cream
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Ingredients
Begin by preparing the individual ingredients for the salad:
- Cucumbers: Wash the 2 cucumbers thoroughly. Slice them into thin strips or small cubes, depending on your preference. If you prefer, you can peel the cucumbers before slicing, but keeping the peel adds a bit of extra crunch and nutrients.
- Cheese: Take 150 g (5.3 oz) of cheese and cut it into small cubes or strips. You can use any cheese you like, but mild cheeses like gouda, mozzarella, or cheddar work best for this salad, as they complement the other flavors without overpowering them.
- Eggs: Hard-boil 4 eggs and allow them to cool before chopping them into small pieces. The eggs add a creamy, protein-rich component to the salad.
- Corn: Drain 100 g (3.5 oz) of canned corn. Make sure the corn is well-drained to avoid adding excess moisture to the salad.
- Garlic and Dill: Mince 2 cloves of garlic and chop a small handful of dill to taste. Dill adds a bright, herby flavor that pairs well with cucumbers and eggs, while garlic gives a slight kick.
2. Mix the Salad
In a large salad bowl, combine the prepared cucumbers, cheese cubes, chopped eggs, and drained corn. Add the chopped dill and minced garlic. Toss gently to ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the bowl.
3. Make the Dressing
For the dressing, take a small bowl and mix 3 tbsp (45 g) of sour cream with salt and black pepper to taste. The sour cream provides a creamy, tangy base for the dressing, which enhances the freshness of the cucumbers and complements the richness of the eggs and cheese. If you like a little more tang, you can substitute part of the sour cream with Greek yogurt or add a squeeze of lemon juice.
4. Combine and Toss
Pour the sour cream dressing over the salad ingredients in the large bowl. Using a large spoon or spatula, gently toss the salad until all the ingredients are well coated in the dressing. Be careful not to overmix, as you want to maintain the texture of the cucumbers, cheese, and eggs.
5. Chill and Serve
Once the salad is assembled, place it in the refrigerator for about 15–20 minutes to chill. This resting time allows the flavors to meld together, giving the salad a more cohesive and balanced taste.
Serve the salad cold as a refreshing side dish or a light main course. It pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, sandwiches, or can be enjoyed on its own as a healthy meal.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Serving Size: 1 portion (makes 4 servings)
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Protein: 12 g
- Fat: 14 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sugar: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 215 mg
- Sodium: 200 mg
Final Thoughts
This Cucumber, Cheese, and Egg Salad is a perfect combination of fresh, creamy, and savory flavors that will satisfy your hunger while keeping things light. It’s a great salad for picnics, barbecues, or a simple weekday lunch. With minimal ingredients and easy steps, it’s a recipe you can whip up quickly and customize to your liking—try adding other veggies like cherry tomatoes or bell peppers, or switching up the herbs for parsley or chives. Enjoy this nutritious and flavorful dish any time of the day!
