Cucumber Everything Bagel Salad Recipe
If you’re longing for a salad that’s crunchy, creamy, and packed with iconic flavor, look no further than Cucumber Everything Bagel Salad. This dish takes the irresistible charm of an everything bagel—the garlicky, oniony, seedy goodness—and layers it with crisp cucumbers, vibrant herbs, and a tangy, luscious dressing. It’s a playful update on the classic cucumber salad, with a fresh twist that screams summer but is welcome any time of year. Whether at a backyard barbecue, simple lunch, or special brunch spread, this easy recipe lands as an instant favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s talk about the lineup! Each ingredient adds something special—whether it’s crunch, creaminess, or that burst of herby brightness. Don’t skip any if you can help it; their balance is what makes Cucumber Everything Bagel Salad shine.
- Cucumbers: Thinly sliced for maximum crunch and refreshing bite; English or Persian cucumbers work best for fewer seeds and perfect texture.
- Red onion: Brings a touch of sharpness and gorgeous purple color—slice it thin for a pleasant, gentle flavor.
- Plain Greek yogurt: Makes the dressing creamy and light with a subtle tanginess that keeps the salad bright.
- Mayonnaise: Adds silky richness and helps the dressing cling to every bit of veggie goodness.
- Lemon juice: Provides the essential fresh pop and zing that lifts up the other flavors.
- Dijon mustard: A hint of sharpness and depth; just a teaspoon energizes the whole dish.
- Everything bagel seasoning: The hero! This mix brings together sesame, poppy seeds, garlic, and onion for that signature flavor kick.
- Fresh dill: Chopped dill folds in a cool, herbaceous note and classic pairing with cucumber.
- Salt and black pepper: Fine-tunes and enhances all the savory flavors—taste as you go!
- Optional add-ins (radishes or cherry tomatoes): For extra crunch and color, slice up radishes or halve some cherry tomatoes to scatter on top.
How to Make Cucumber Everything Bagel Salad
Step 1: Mix Up the Creamy Dressing
Grab a roomy bowl because you’ll need space for tossing. Start by whisking together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, everything bagel seasoning, chopped dill, and a little salt and pepper. The dressing should be smooth, speckled with herbs and seeds, and taste zippy enough to wake up your taste buds. If you like things a bit tangier, sneak in a splash of white wine vinegar.
Step 2: Toss the Veggies
Drop in the sliced cucumbers and red onion. With clean hands or a spatula, gently turn everything in the bowl so all the veggies are coated in that dreamy dressing. At this point, sneak a taste to check the seasoning—add a pinch more salt or pepper if it needs a boost. The cucumbers will start to soak up all those savory and tangy flavors right away.
Step 3: Chill for Flavor Magic
Pop the bowl into the fridge for 10–15 minutes. This short rest lets the flavors marry, and the cucumbers stay crisp. The cooling time is just enough to slice up any garnishes or finish prepping your main dish. Trust me, the flavor after a chill is worth the wait.
Step 4: Finish and Garnish
Right before serving, give the salad a gentle stir. Sprinkle extra everything bagel seasoning over the top for a crave-worthy crunch and a sprinkle of freshness from more dill. Add your optional radishes or cherry tomatoes for a bright pop of color and a little extra zip—these additions look beautiful and taste fantastic.
How to Serve Cucumber Everything Bagel Salad
Garnishes
Garnishing is where you can have a little fun. A generous sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning on top is non-negotiable for the best crunch and flavor. Don’t forget a handful of freshly chopped dill for that classic deli salad vibe, and for bonus points, scatter sliced radishes or juicy cherry tomatoes over the salad. Each of these elements makes Cucumber Everything Bagel Salad look as exciting as it tastes.
Side Dishes
Cucumber Everything Bagel Salad is a total team player when it comes to the menu. It’s fantastic alongside grilled chicken, pan-seared salmon, or anything smoky from the grill. For brunch, tuck it next to scrambled eggs, smoked salmon, or a hearty breakfast quiche. The cooling, creamy salad balances out richer dishes, making every plate refreshing and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want this salad to be the star, scoop it into pretty individual bowls, pile it on top of crusty toast points, or even serve it over a bed of spring greens for a colorful lunch. For parties, mini cucumber cups or crisp lettuce leaves make unexpected (and edible!) serving vessels. However you present it, Cucumber Everything Bagel Salad is guaranteed to catch eyes and spark conversation at any table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (though it tends to disappear quickly), store Cucumber Everything Bagel Salad in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay crisp and tasty for up to two days. Give it a quick stir before serving again, as the dressing might loosen as the cucumbers release moisture.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for this salad. Because cucumbers are high in water, they tend to become mushy and lose their lovely crunch once thawed. Enjoy Cucumber Everything Bagel Salad fresh for the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
No reheating required—this is a strictly cold salad. Simply enjoy it straight from the refrigerator. If you’d like, bring it out a few minutes before serving so it’s perfectly chilled but not icy cold. That’s when the flavors shine their brightest.
FAQs
Can I make Cucumber Everything Bagel Salad dairy-free?
Absolutely! Swap in your favorite unsweetened dairy-free yogurt and mayonnaise alternatives. The result will be just as creamy and satisfying, and you’ll still get all the everything bagel inspiration you crave.
What’s the best type Salad
English or Persian cucumbers are ideal since they have thin skins, fewer seeds, and a wonderfully crisp texture. Regular garden cucumbers can work too—just peel them and consider scooping out some of the seeds if they seem watery.
How far ahead can I prepare this salad?
You can make Cucumber Everything Bagel Salad about a day ahead if you wish. Just chop and store the veggies and dressing separately, then toss together shortly before serving for the crispest results. If already mixed, it will still be tasty for up to 24 hours.
Can I use store-bought everything bagel seasoning?
Yes! Store-bought everything bagel seasoning is convenient, delicious, and works beautifully here. But if you’d like to make your own, mix up sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, dried onion, and a pinch of flaky salt.
Is this salad gluten-free?
It certainly is, provided your everything bagel seasoning is gluten-free (most are, but double check if you have dietary concerns). This makes Cucumber Everything Bagel Salad a perfect choice for gluten-free guests at any potluck or family meal.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Cucumber Everything Bagel Salad enough—it’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to whip up again and again. Fresh, simple, boldly flavorful, and so much fun, it brings new life to the humble cucumber. I hope you’ll give it a try and make it part of your regular rotation. You might just find yourself craving “just one more bite” every time!
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Cucumber Everything Bagel Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Description
This Cucumber Everything Bagel Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish that combines the crispness of cucumbers with the savory goodness of everything bagel seasoning. Creamy and tangy, this salad is perfect for summer gatherings or as a light side for any meal.
Ingredients
Cucumber Salad:
- 2 large cucumbers thinly sliced
- 1/2 red onion thinly sliced
Dressing:
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon everything bagel seasoning plus extra for topping
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional:
- sliced radishes or halved cherry tomatoes for color
Instructions
- Dressing Preparation: In a large bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, everything bagel seasoning, dill, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Salad Assembly: Add sliced cucumbers and red onion to the dressing, toss gently to coat. Chill in the fridge for 10–15 minutes.
- Serving: Before serving, sprinkle with extra everything bagel seasoning and garnish with dill or optional add-ins like radishes or cherry tomatoes. Serve cold.
Notes
- Use English or Persian cucumbers for the best texture and fewer seeds.
- For a tangier version, add a splash of white wine vinegar.
- This salad pairs well with grilled chicken, salmon, or as part of a brunch spread.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 260 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
