This refreshing Cucumber Everything Bagel Salad is a fun twist! Crisp cucumber slices, creamy dressing, and delicious everything bagel seasoning come together for a crunchy delight.
I love serving this as a side dish or even a light lunch. It’s so simple, and it brings a burst of flavor that always makes me smile. Plus, who can resist that everything bagel magic? 🥒✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cucumbers: Large cucumbers add crunch. If they’re not in season, you can use English cucumbers, or pickling cucumbers as great alternatives. Just make sure to peel them if the skin is tough.
Red Onion: Red onions provide a mild flavor and pretty color. For a sweeter option, you can swap in shallots or even green onions. If you prefer less bite, soak them in cold water for 10 minutes before use.
Cream Cheese: Regular cream cheese gives a rich texture. If you’re looking for a lighter choice, Greek yogurt is perfect! It adds creaminess while being lower in calories. You can even mix them for the best of both worlds!
Fresh Dill: Fresh dill adds an aromatic punch. If you don’t have fresh dill, dried dill will work too—use about a tablespoon. Other herbs like parsley or cilantro can also be used if you want to change up the flavor.
Everything Bagel Seasoning: This seasoning mix is key for flavor. If you can’t find it, making your own is easy! Combine sesame seeds, poppy seeds, garlic powder, onion flakes, and salt to mimic the taste.
How Do You Make Sure the Cream Cheese Mixture is Smooth?
Creating a creamy dressing is all about mixing well! Start by softening the cream cheese in the microwave, which makes it easier to blend. Here’s how to get that smooth texture:
- Microwave cream cheese for about 10-15 seconds until it softens.
- In a small bowl, combine it with lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Use a fork or whisk to mix thoroughly until the texture is smooth.
- Add the fresh dill and stir again, ensuring it’s evenly incorporated.
If it’s still too thick, a splash of milk or more lemon juice can help reach your desired consistency. The key is to take your time mixing for the best result!
How to Make Cucumber Everything Bagel Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 3 large cucumbers, sliced into rounds
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
For the Dressing:
- 3/4 cup cream cheese, softened (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
- 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 2 tbsp everything bagel seasoning
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This scrumptious salad will take about 15 minutes to prepare and you’ll want to let it chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. So, in total, plan for about 45 minutes before you serve, giving flavors time to meld!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep the Cucumbers:
Start by washing your cucumbers thoroughly and slicing them into rounds that are about 1/4-inch thick. Once sliced, place them in a large mixing bowl to get ready for the other ingredients.
2. Add the Red Onion:
Now, thinly slice the red onion and add it into the mixing bowl with the cucumbers. The combination of these two ingredients is fresh and crunchy!
3. Make the Creamy Dressing:
In a separate small bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese (or Greek yogurt), lemon juice, salt, and pepper. To soften the cream cheese, you can microwave it for about 10-15 seconds or just mix until it’s pliable. Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
4. Stir in the Dill:
Add the chopped fresh dill into the cream cheese mixture and give it a good stir. This will give your dressing a fresh, herby flavor that complements the salad beautifully.
5. Combine Everything:
Pour the creamy dill dressing over the cucumbers and onions in the mixing bowl. Toss everything gently to ensure all of the vegetables are evenly coated in that delicious dressing.
6. Sprinkle with Seasoning:
Next, sprinkle the everything bagel seasoning generously over your salad. This adds a wonderful savory flavor that ties everything together!
7. Garnish with Dill:
For a final touch, garnish your salad with extra sprigs of fresh dill. This makes it look pretty and adds a burst of flavor.
8. Chill Before Serving:
Cover the salad and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld beautifully, making every bite even more delightful!
9. Serve Cold:
Once chilled, your Cucumber Everything Bagel Salad is ready to serve! It makes for a super refreshing side dish or a light snack that everyone will love.
Enjoy the crunch, the creaminess, and the savory sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning! Happy eating!
Can I Use Different Types of Cucumbers?
Absolutely! While large cucumbers are perfect for this salad, you can also use English cucumbers or pickling cucumbers. Just make sure to peel the skin if it’s too thick, especially with pickling cucumbers.
Can I Make This Salad Vegan?
Yes! For a vegan option, simply substitute the cream cheese with a plant-based cream cheese or use a silken tofu blended until smooth. Greek yogurt can be replaced with a dairy-free yogurt alternative to keep it creamy.
How Long Does This Salad Last in the Fridge?
This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just be aware that the cucumbers may release some water, so give it a quick stir before serving again.
Can I Prepare This Salad in Advance?
Definitely! You can make the salad a few hours ahead of time or even the night before. Just remember to keep it chilled in the fridge; the flavors meld beautifully when allowed to sit! Just add the everything bagel seasoning right before serving for maximum crunch.
