Cool, creamy, and packed with zesty everything bagel flavor, this cucumber salad is a fresh take on a classic side dish. The combination of crisp cucumber slices and tangy red onion dressed in a seasoned sour cream blend makes every bite refreshing and flavorful. It’s ideal for hot summer days, offering a hydrating crunch and savory kick that balances out grilled mains or sandwiches with ease.
What really sets this salad apart is the use of everything bagel seasoning. The sesame seeds, dried garlic, onion flakes, and poppy seeds create a bold and familiar flavor profile that elevates the simple cucumber into something gourmet. Whether served at a picnic, brunch, or a casual weeknight dinner, this salad comes together in just minutes and delivers big on flavor and presentation.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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4 cups thinly sliced English cucumbers
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1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
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1/2 cup sour cream
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1 tablespoon mayonnaise
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1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
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1 teaspoon lemon juice
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1 1/2 tablespoons everything bagel seasoning
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1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
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Salt and black pepper to taste
Directions:
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In a large bowl, whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, vinegar, lemon juice, and everything bagel seasoning.
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Add the sliced cucumbers and red onions to the bowl. Toss to coat evenly in the dressing.
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Sprinkle with chopped fresh dill and season with salt and pepper as needed.
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Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
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Stir again before serving and garnish with extra everything bagel seasoning and dill if desired.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 0 minutes | Total Time: 10 minutes
Kcal: 120 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
The Everything Bagel Cucumber Salad is more than just a side dish—it’s a culinary celebration of flavor, texture, and simplicity. Inspired by the wildly popular everything bagel seasoning blend, this chilled salad transforms humble ingredients like cucumber and red onion into a refreshing, savory masterpiece. It’s the kind of dish that surprises with how much flavor it delivers using just a handful of pantry staples. Whether served alongside grilled meats at a summer BBQ or as a cooling companion to spicy mains, this salad stands out for both its ease and taste.
A Culinary Mashup of Two Beloved Staples
At the heart of this recipe is the everything bagel seasoning—a blend that includes sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, dried onion, and sea salt. Originally crafted to add flavor and crunch to bagels, this seasoning has since made its way into countless dishes, and with good reason. Its umami-rich profile brings an irresistible depth to recipes, and in this case, it pairs exceptionally well with the light crispness of cucumbers and the zing of red onion. Combining this iconic seasoning with a creamy, tangy dressing results in a fusion of deli-style flair and backyard freshness.
Why This Recipe Works So Well
What makes this salad such a standout is the balance of flavors and textures. The cucumbers provide a hydrating crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creaminess of sour cream and mayo. The red onions contribute sharpness, while the everything seasoning introduces a toasty, savory complexity. The lemon juice and vinegar brighten the entire dish, ensuring it doesn’t feel too heavy, even with the creamy base.
Beyond taste, it’s also incredibly versatile. This salad can be served as a light lunch, a BBQ side, or even a flavorful topping for sandwiches and wraps. It’s gluten-free and vegetarian, and with a few swaps—like using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream—it can easily be adapted to fit low-fat or higher-protein diets. For those following a keto or low-carb lifestyle, this salad is a dream: satisfying, flavorful, and nutrient-rich without excess carbohydrates.
Perfect for Every Occasion
Another reason this recipe shines is its adaptability to various events and dietary preferences. Hosting a brunch? Serve this salad in mini cups for an elegant, bite-sized appetizer. Planning a picnic or potluck? It travels well and doesn’t require reheating, making it perfect for outdoor dining. Want a quick weekday lunch? Pair it with a piece of grilled chicken or salmon for a complete, satisfying meal.
This dish also comes together in under 10 minutes, making it a practical choice for busy home cooks who want to serve something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. The ingredient list is short and accessible—most of which you probably already have in your kitchen—yet the result tastes like something you’d find in a trendy deli or upscale bistro.
Seasonal, Fresh, and Customizable
Cucumbers are a staple in summer produce, making this recipe seasonally appropriate and wallet-friendly during warmer months. Their high water content not only makes them hydrating but also helps keep the body cool and refreshed. Red onions add both color and a hint of spice, while fresh dill lends a garden-fresh aroma that complements the creamy dressing beautifully.
Feel free to make it your own: add cherry tomatoes for a burst of sweetness, toss in some crumbled feta for a Mediterranean touch, or replace the sour cream with plant-based yogurt for a dairy-free version. You can even sprinkle in crushed pistachios or sunflower seeds if you’re craving extra crunch.
Health Benefits in Every Bite
Despite its indulgent flavor, this salad is packed with health benefits. Cucumbers are rich in antioxidants, including vitamin C and beta-carotene. They also contain silica, which supports joint health and glowing skin. Red onions are full of quercetin, a plant pigment with anti-inflammatory properties, and fresh dill contributes antibacterial compounds and a delicate flavor that soothes digestion.
The dressing, though creamy, can be made healthier by substituting sour cream with Greek yogurt or using light mayonnaise. Everything bagel seasoning, while bold in taste, adds minimal calories while enhancing satisfaction—so you can enjoy big flavor without compromising on health goals.
Why It Belongs in Your Recipe Collection
There’s something timeless about recipes that require minimal effort but yield maximum flavor, and this salad is one of them. It’s the kind of dish that people ask the recipe for at potlucks, the one that disappears first from the buffet table. It’s reliable, unfussy, and yet it tastes as though you spent much more time preparing it.
Best of all, it doesn’t need to be limited to summer. Thanks to its ingredients being available year-round, you can enjoy this dish even during colder months when you’re craving something light yet satisfying. It’s just as comforting served alongside hot soups in winter as it is next to grilled fare in the summertime.
A Delicious Way to Elevate Everyday Meals
Incorporating this Everything Bagel Cucumber Salad into your weekly meal rotation is a simple way to bring freshness, nutrition, and flair to your table. Serve it as a cooling counterpoint to spicy dishes, offer it as a palate cleanser between heavier courses, or enjoy it solo as a midday snack—it’s truly a multitasking marvel in the world of salads.
Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned home chef, this recipe is one to bookmark. With its universal appeal, speedy prep time, and crave-worthy flavor, this salad has all the hallmarks of a modern classic. So go ahead—grab a cucumber, a dollop of sour cream, and a shake of that beloved everything seasoning, and treat yourself to something that’s as simple as it is sensational.
Conclusion
The Everything Bagel Cucumber Salad is a refreshing, flavorful, and effortlessly elegant dish that proves simple ingredients can deliver gourmet-level results. With its perfect balance of crunch, creaminess, and savory seasoning, it’s a salad that appeals to all palates and fits seamlessly into any meal—whether it’s a light lunch, a cookout side, or a holiday spread. Easy to prepare, endlessly customizable, and packed with nutritional benefits, this salad isn’t just a recipe—it’s a kitchen staple you’ll turn to again and again. Let it elevate your table with bold flavors and crisp freshness, one cool and satisfying bite at a time.