This Fresh Everything Bagel Cucumber Salad is a crunchy delight! Full of refreshing cucumbers, cream cheese, and a sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning, it’s super tasty and easy to make.
It’s perfect for a light lunch or a snack. I often make it when I want something quick but fancy! Plus, it’s a great way to enjoy that bagel flavor without the carbs. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cucumbers: Fresh cucumbers are key for this salad. I like using English cucumbers because they’re less bitter and have fewer seeds. You can also use regular cucumbers, just peel them if you prefer a milder taste.
Cream Cheese: The cream cheese gives that signature bagel flavor. If you’re looking for a lighter option, try a reduced-fat cream cheese or vegan cream cheese instead. Greek yogurt is also a tasty substitute for extra tang.
Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: I usually opt for Greek yogurt for added protein. If dairy is an issue, coconut yogurt can work well, but pick a plain, unsweetened version.
Everything Bagel Seasoning: This adds that essential flavor! If you don’t have this blend, you can mix sesame seeds, poppy seeds, garlic powder, onion flakes, and salt for a homemade version.
How Do I Make This Salad Creamy and Flavorful?
Getting the right creaminess is essential for this salad. Start by mixing the cream cheese, sour cream (or yogurt), and lemon juice until smooth. Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature to blend easily.
- When adding the cucumbers, try to slice them thinly. This helps them soak up the creamy dressing.
- Gently toss everything together to keep the cucumbers from getting mushy.
- Give it time in the fridge! Chilling for at least 20 minutes allows all the flavors to mingle.
Trust me, these little details make a world of difference in your salad’s taste and texture! Enjoy your refreshing dip!”
Fresh Everything Bagel Cucumber Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
For the Dressing:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (optional)
- 2 teaspoons everything bagel seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful salad takes about 10 minutes to prepare, plus an additional 20 minutes to chill in the refrigerator. A quick and easy recipe that still packs a punch of flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dressing:
In a medium bowl, add the softened cream cheese, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), mayonnaise, lemon juice, and garlic powder. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix everything together until the dressing is smooth and creamy. This will be the luscious base for your salad!
2. Combine the Cucumbers and Green Onions:
Add the thinly sliced cucumbers and chopped green onions directly into the dressing mixture. These will provide that refreshing crunch and vibrant flavor to your salad.
3. Add the Everything Bagel Seasoning:
Sprinkle the everything bagel seasoning over the cucumber and dressing mixture. This will add that signature bagel flavor that makes this salad unique and delicious!
4. Toss Gently:
Using a large spoon, gently toss the cucumbers and dressing until everything is well coated. Be careful not to crush the cucumbers; you want them to stay crisp!
5. Taste and Adjust Seasoning:
Give the salad a taste! If you’d like, add more salt, pepper, or everything bagel seasoning to suit your preference. It’s all about making it perfect for your taste buds!
6. Chill the Salad:
Cover the salad and place it in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes. Chilling allows all those flavors to mingle and intensify, making the salad even tastier.
7. Garnish and Serve:
Before serving, give the salad a good stir and garnish with extra dill or a light sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning on top. Serve it chilled and enjoy the refreshing crunch!
This Fresh Everything Bagel Cucumber Salad is a perfect side dish or light lunch, bringing the delicious flavor of everything bagels without the carbs. Enjoy every crunchy bite!
Can I Use Different Types of Cucumbers?
Absolutely! While English cucumbers are a great choice for their mild flavor and fewer seeds, you can also use regular cucumbers. Just make sure to peel them if you prefer a less bitter taste.
How Can I Make This Recipe Lighter?
If you’re looking to lighten up the salad, consider using non-fat Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese and mayonnaise. You can also skip the mayonnaise altogether and just use the yogurt and sour cream for a creamy dressing!
What Should I Do with Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The salad may soften as it sits, but it will still taste delicious! Just give it a good stir before serving again.
Can I Prepare This Salad in Advance?
Yes! You can make the salad a few hours in advance. Just keep it chilled in the refrigerator until serving. For the best flavor, I recommend adding the everything bagel seasoning shortly before serving so it stays fresh and crunchy!
