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This Creamy Low Carb Cucumber Salad recipe is made with fresh cucumbers, radishes, red onions, and fresh herbs, for a keto-friendly side dish that the whole family will love. It's light, creamy, and very easy to make. It is the perfect salad for picnics, potlucks, or summer grilling.
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Hey there, folks! My birthday is just around the corner, and I'm thrilled to be hosting a big BBQ bash. However, I wanted to whip up a low-carb side dish that didn't involve my beloved cauliflower.
You see, Kevin, my better half, hasn't been the biggest fan of cauliflower lately, and I can't help but wonder why. Nevertheless, being the head chef in our household, I have the final say in the kitchen. Hence, brace yourselves for a wave of cauliflower-free recipes!
But today, I decided to surprise Kevin with a dish that won't trigger his cauliflower alarm: Creamy Low Carb Cucumber Salad.
This low carb cucumber salad recipe is a breath of fresh air, packed with crisp cucumbers, radishes, red onions, and an array of fresh herbs. Not only is it a keto-friendly delight, but it's also incredibly light, creamy, and a breeze to make. Picture yourself relishing this tangy creation at picnics, potlucks, or alongside your sizzling summer grills. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
Why Cucumbers?
When it comes to low-carb ingredients, cucumbers are an absolute winner. Not only are they low in calories, but they're also bursting with essential vitamins and minerals. A single 11-ounce (300-gram) unpeeled cucumber contains a mere 45 calories, zero grams of fat, 11 grams of carbs, and 2 grams of protein. With notable amounts of vitamin C, vitamin K, magnesium, potassium, manganese, and fiber, cucumbers are a nutrient powerhouse that won't break your macros. Plus, don't forget to relish the seeds—those little guys are brimming with nutrients too!
Maximizing Nutrient Content:
To make the most of cucumbers' nutritional value, it's best to eat them unpeeled. Peeling them reduces the fiber content, as well as certain vitamins and minerals. In this recipe, I personally prefer using English cucumbers due to their thinner skin and smaller seeds. However, feel free to use any cucumber variety that tickles your taste buds.
The Perfect Crunch:
If you're like me and enjoy a little "bite" in your salad, the addition of radishes and red onions will be right up your alley. These two ingredients contribute a delightful crunch and a touch of extra flavor. However, if you're not a fan, you can always omit them. But trust me, giving them a chance might just strike the perfect balance in this creamy ensemble. Even my daughter, who despises radishes, surprisingly approves of their presence in this salad. That's definitely a win!
Radish: The Versatile Keto Veggie:
Apart from cucumbers, radishes are another keto-friendly vegetable that I love incorporating into my recipes. They work wonders as a potato substitute, like in my Ultimate Keto Instant Pot Beef Stew. And guess what? Nobody even notices the difference! In fact, it has become Kevin's all-time favorite among all the beef stew variations I've created. Now that's a compliment worth celebrating!
Perfect for BBQs and Picnics:
Now, let's talk about the perfect occasion for this Creamy Low Carb Cucumber Salad—BBQs and picnics! Picture yourself indulging in the cool, creamy, and tangy flavors that harmonize flawlessly with juicy burgers, succulent BBQ chicken, finger-licking ribs, and more. Oh, and here's a pro tip: If you want to further reduce the carb content, you
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🥘Creamy Low Carb Cucumber Salad Ingredients
These are the ingredients necessary to make Creamy Low Carb Cucumber Salad.
- Cucumber - I use English cucumber but you can use whatever cucumber you prefer.
- Red Onion - I use red onion in this recipe because they offer a mild and slightly sweet flavor compared to other onion varieties.
- Radish - radish offers a nice crunch and a little spice but you can omit if you do not like them.
A detailed list with measurements and instructions can be found on the printable recipe card at the bottom of the page.
🔪Creamy Low Carb Cucumber Salad Instructions
This is a basic breakdown of the steps involved in making Creamy Low Carb Cucumber Salad. You will find the full directions in the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
Combine the sour cream, white vinegar, Better than Stevia liquid, garlic paste, pink salt, and cracked black pepper.
Pour the dressing over the veggies and toss to combine.
Stir in the dill and chives. Taste and season with additional salt and/or pepper if desired.
Refrigerate for 1 hour before serving.
Hint: to enhance the preparation process of this recipe is to use a mandoline slicer when slicing the vegetables. A mandoline slicer ensures uniform and precise slices, saving you time and effort in the kitchen. However, it's important to exercise caution while using a mandoline slicer. Make sure to use the safety guard or wear a metal glove to protect your hands, and always work at a slow and steady pace. The mandoline slicer will significantly reduce chopping time and help you achieve consistently thin slices, resulting in a beautifully presented salad.
Substitutions
- Cucumber - If you cannot find English cucumbers, you can easily substitute them with regular cucumbers. However, keep in mind that English cucumbers have slightly thinner skin and smaller seeds, which may affect the texture and appearance of the salad. Nonetheless, regular cucumbers will still work well in this recipe, providing a refreshing crunch and maintaining the overall deliciousness of the dish.
- Red Onion - If you don't have red onions on hand or prefer a milder flavor, you can substitute them with sweet onions or shallots. Sweet onions offer a mild and slightly sweet taste that complements the other ingredients in the salad. Shallots, on the other hand, have a more delicate and subtle flavor. Both options will provide a flavorful addition to the creamy low carb cucumber salad while offering a different taste profile. Feel free to choose the option that best suits your preferences and enjoy the unique twist it brings to the dish.
- Radish - If you're looking for a substitution for red radishes you can consider using daikon radish or jicama. Daikon radish is a large, white radish with a milder flavor compared to red radishes. It adds a crisp and slightly peppery taste to the salad, similar to red radishes but with less intensity. Jicama, on the other hand, is a root vegetable with a mild, slightly sweet flavor and a crunchy texture. It can provide a refreshing and unique twist to the salad, adding a subtle sweetness.
📖Variations
- Vegan - You can replace the sour cream with vegan mayo to make the recipe vegan-friendly. Use an equal amount of vegan mayo as a substitute for the sour cream, and adjust the seasoning according to taste.
- Spicy - If you enjoy spice, incorporate some red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or diced jalapeños into the salad for a spicy kick. Adjust the amount according to your preference and heat tolerance.
- Nut or Seed Crunch - Add some texture to the salad by sprinkling toasted nuts or seeds on top. Chopped almonds, walnuts, sunflower seeds, or pumpkin seeds can provide a delightful crunch.
Remember, these variations are meant to inspire your creativity and suit your taste preferences. Feel free to mix and match ingredients to create a creamy cucumber salad that is uniquely yours!
🍽Equipment
This is the equipment you will need to make Creamy Low Carb Cucumber Salad.
Storage
Store any leftover Creamy Low Carb Cucumber Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Good for 2-3 days.
These ingredients don't stand up well to freezing.
💭Top tip
This salad should be enjoyed within a few hours of preparation to maintain its crispness and optimal texture. Cucumbers have a high water content and may release liquid over time, which can lead to a slightly softer texture.
FAQ about Creamy Low Carb Cucumber Salad
Yes, you can prepare this salad ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. However, it is recommended to consume it within a few hours for the best texture and freshness.
Yes, you can use regular cucumbers in this recipe. Just make sure to peel them and remove the seeds before slicing them for a similar result.
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with additional herbs and spices to customize the flavor profile. Fresh basil, mint, or even a sprinkle of paprika can add an extra layer of taste to the salad.
Leftover salad can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. However, note that the cucumbers may release moisture and become slightly softer over time.
More Low Carb Salad Recipes
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
- Dill Pickle Coleslaw
- Deviled Egg Cauliflower Salad
- Mixed Berry Salad
- Monster Wedge Salad
- Caprese Zucchini Noodle Salad
- Curried Cabbage Coconut Salad
Creamy Low Carb Cucumber Salad
Ingredients
- 4 cups (2 medium) English cucumber thinly sliced
- 6 to 9 (1 bunch) radishes thinly sliced
- 1/2 red onion thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp + 1/2 tsp pink salt divided
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tbsp white vinegar
- 3 to 5 drops Better Stevia (to taste)
- 1 tsp garlic paste
- 1/2 tsp cracked black pepper
- 3 tbsp fresh dill finely chopped
- 3 tbsp fresh chives finely chopped
Instructions
- Place the cucumber, radishes, and onion in a colander and sprinkle with 1 tablespoon of the salt. Toss to combine. Cover and let sit 30 minutes. Toss again to allow the accumulated liquid to drain. This will ensure your salad does not become watery.
- Combine the remaining ingredients, except for the herbs, in a small bowl.
- Shake the colander to drain and transfer to a salad bowl.
- Pour the dressing over the veggies and toss to combine.
- Stir in the dill and chives. Taste and season with additional salt and/or pepper if desired.
- Refrigerate for 1 hour before serving.
Disclaimer
Most of my recipes are low-carb (or keto) and gluten-free, but some are not. Please verify that a recipe fits your needs before using it. Recommended and linked products are not guaranteed to be gluten-free. Recipes may contain errors, so please use your common sense when following them. Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and is approximate only. We cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information given for any recipe on this site. Erythritol carbs will not be included as it has a glycemic index of 0 (meaning it does not spike blood sugar) and it’s not metabolized. Net carbs are the total carbs minus fiber.
Nutrition
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Unknown
Is it one tablespoon of salt or one teaspoon of salt on the cucs to start? I did one tablespoon as the directions say but the ingredients say 1 1/2 TEASPOONS ....it was quite salty...next time I will try just a teaspoon!
Carol McIntosh
I had the same question. The salt quantity in the actual directions ( 1 Tbsp ) is a LOT more than called for in the ingredients ( 1/2 tsp )!! Which is correct? My instincts tell me less is best, but inquiring minds want to know.
bobbiskozykitchen
The 1 tbsp of salt that you are referring to is the salt to draw the moisture out of the cucumbers. I will change the ingredients list to reflect that salt so it is not confusing.
Lisa Matthews
I've had this before and it's perfect for summer. It's creamy and the cucumbers really stand out, and other ingredients add hints of tastes that make it so complimentary for summer, and refreshing! Keep the recipe if you make it. I come back again and again, but every summer I think about this and how good it was the summer before. It's really easy to make and makes a great side that usually has no leftovers...
bobbiskozykitchen
Thank you SO much Lisa! I am so happy you and your family/friends enjoy this recipe as much as mine do!!