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American Cucumber Salad 2

Serves 4 to 6 Salad vegetarian, Salads

American Cucumber Salad 2

American Cucumber Salad 2 is a staple on summer tables across the United States, where the crunch of fresh cucumbers marries perfectly with creamy yogurt. This dish is a home-cooked classic, capturing the essence of casual backyard gatherings and weekday family dinners. Passed from one generation of family cooks to another, it's all about instinct—seasoning is done by feel, not by measure, and everything is geared toward generous sharing.

Expect a crisp, refreshing bite with each forkful, the cucumbers offering a cool contrast to the tangy yogurt and aromatic dill. The garlic adds a subtle kick, gently elevated by a sprinkle of fine sea salt. It brings a simple, yet satisfying balance of flavors, making it the perfect companion to grilled meats or a standalone star on a hot day.

Ingredients

  • 2cucumbers
  • 200 gyogurt
  • 1 clovegarlic
  • dill — chopped
  • to tastefine sea salt

Method

  1. Start by washing 2 cucumbers thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt. Peel the cucumbers if you prefer a smoother texture, or leave the skin on for added crunch and nutrients. Slice the cucumbers into thin rounds, about 1/4 inch thick, and place them in a large mixing bowl.
  2. Take 200 g of yogurt and add it to the bowl with the cucumbers. Crush 1 clove of garlic using a garlic press or finely mince it with a knife, then add it to the yogurt and cucumber mixture. The garlic will infuse the yogurt with a subtle pungency that complements the coolness of the cucumbers.
  3. Finely chop a handful of fresh dill, about 2 tablespoons, and add it to the bowl. Dill provides a fresh, aromatic flavor that pairs well with the creamy yogurt and crisp cucumbers.
  4. Sprinkle fine sea salt over the mixture to taste. Start with a small amount, about 1/4 teaspoon, and adjust as needed; the salt will enhance the flavors and draw out moisture from the cucumbers, creating a light dressing.
  5. Drizzle a generous amount of olive oil over the salad, about 2 tablespoons. The oil adds richness and helps bind the flavors together. Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a splash of vinegar for acidity, which brightens the dish.
  6. Gently toss the salad using a large spoon or your hands, ensuring that the cucumbers are evenly coated with the yogurt, dill, and seasoning. Be careful not to break the cucumber slices; they should remain intact and crisp.
  7. Transfer the salad to a serving dish and garnish with a few extra sprigs of dill for presentation. Serve immediately with fresh bread on the side, allowing everyone to enjoy the refreshing and creamy flavors of the salad.
Cover of Authentic American Cuisine
From the cookbook

Authentic American Cuisine

This recipe is from Authentic American Cuisine by Yassine Sbiti — the American volume in the ComidaTime International Cuisines series.

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