There is something truly delightful about the fresh, crisp crunch of cucumbers combined with the savory, nutty punch of everything bagel seasoning. This Cucumber Everything Bagel Salad Recipe is an absolute favorite for warm days when you want a light but flavorful dish that feels like a celebration of simple, fresh ingredients. Creamy Greek yogurt and mayonnaise bring a luscious texture that perfectly coats each slice, while lemon juice and dill add bright, herby notes that keep every bite refreshing. It’s a salad that feels both familiar and exciting, easy enough for a quick lunch yet special enough to impress at brunch or a picnic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating this vibrant salad, and don’t let its simplicity fool you—each component plays a key part in building layers of flavor and texture that keep you coming back for more.
- 2 large cucumbers thinly sliced: Choose English or Persian cucumbers for crispness and to avoid too many seeds.
- 1/2 red onion thinly sliced: Adds a gentle sharpness and color contrast that wakes up your palate.
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt: Provides a creamy, tangy base that lightens up the salad without heaviness.
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise: Adds richness and smoothness, balancing the yogurt’s tartness.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: A bright splash that awakens all the flavors with fresh acidity.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Gives a subtle kick and depth of flavor in the dressing.
- 1 tablespoon everything bagel seasoning plus extra for topping: The star ingredient that brings crunch and savory magic.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill: Lends a lovely herbaceous note that complements cucumbers perfectly.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to enhance and balance every bite.
- Optional: sliced radishes or halved cherry tomatoes: For a pop of color and added freshness if you like.
How to Make Cucumber Everything Bagel Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
Start by whisking together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, everything bagel seasoning, chopped dill, salt, and black pepper until you have a smooth, creamy dressing. This combination of ingredients brings together tanginess, richness, and a beautiful herby crunch that will coat the cucumbers perfectly.
Step 2: Slice the Vegetables
Thinly slice the cucumbers and red onion to create a salad that’s refreshing and easy to enjoy. The thin slices are key—they allow the dressing to cling beautifully, and you get a perfect ratio of crisp vegetable to creamy dressing in every forkful.
Step 3: Toss and Chill
Gently add the sliced cucumbers and red onion to the dressing, tossing everything carefully to ensure every slice is well coated without bruising. Pop the bowl into the fridge for 10 to 15 minutes so the flavors meld together and the salad chills—this brief wait time makes all the difference!
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Right before serving, sprinkle a bit more everything bagel seasoning on top for that extra crunch and visual appeal. Add fresh dill or optional radishes and cherry tomatoes if you want to brighten the plate even more. Serve cold to fully enjoy the crisp refreshing textures.
How to Serve Cucumber Everything Bagel Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling extra everything bagel seasoning on top right before serving is a game changer—it adds a delightful crunch and deepens the flavor. Fresh dill sprigs also make a pretty, fragrant garnish. If you love some extra veggies, colorful radishes or cherry tomatoes bring a cheerful pop.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or salmon, making it a perfect light meal for warmer days. You could also serve it as a refreshing counterpoint on a brunch table alongside bagels, smoked salmon, or scrambled eggs.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the salad in individual clear cups layered with additional herbs on top for eye-catching appeal at parties. Or turn it into a refreshing wrap filling with some fresh greens and your choice of protein—an easy way to enjoy this salad on the go.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Cucumber Everything Bagel Salad Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps well for up to 2 days, though it’s best eaten fresh to enjoy that crisp texture. Give it a gentle stir before serving if the dressing has settled.
Freezing
Because cucumbers become watery and lose their crunch when frozen, freezing this salad is not recommended. The creamy dressing and fresh veggies are best enjoyed fresh for their full texture and flavor.
Reheating
No reheating is necessary or recommended for this salad. It’s always best served cold and fresh to preserve the crispness of the cucumbers and the vibrant flavors of the dressing.
FAQs
Can I use regular mayonnaise instead of Greek yogurt?
Yes, but combining Greek yogurt with a bit of mayonnaise balances creaminess and tang, keeping the salad light yet rich. Using only mayonnaise might make the salad heavier and less refreshing.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Absolutely! The Cucumber Everything Bagel Salad Recipe uses everything bagel seasoning, which is typically gluten-free, but double-check your seasoning’s label just to be safe. Otherwise, the salad itself contains no gluten ingredients.
Can I add more vegetables to this salad?
Definitely! Sliced radishes and cherry tomatoes are excellent optional additions for color and flavor. You can also try adding finely chopped bell peppers or shredded carrots for extra crunch and vibrancy.
How long does the salad keep its freshness?
Best enjoyed within 1 to 2 days when refrigerated. The cucumbers stay crisp for a short time, so you want to eat it fresh to get that perfect texture.
Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dressing a day ahead and keep it sealed in the fridge. Just mix it with the cucumbers and onions right before serving to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Cucumber Everything Bagel Salad Recipe is such a wonderful way to enjoy fresh summer flavors with minimal effort. It brings the perfect harmony of creamy, crunchy, tangy, and savory notes all in one bowl, and I can’t wait for you to try it. Whether as a quick lunch, a side dish at your next cookout, or a colorful addition to brunch, this salad is sure to become one of your go-to favorites!
Print
Cucumber Everything Bagel Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten Free
Description
This refreshing Cucumber Everything Bagel Salad combines crisp cucumbers and tangy red onions tossed in a creamy Greek yogurt and mayonnaise dressing, infused with lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and flavorful everything bagel seasoning. Perfectly garnished with fresh dill and optional colorful radishes or cherry tomatoes, this no-cook salad is a delightful and easy summer side dish or brunch addition.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- Optional: sliced radishes or halved cherry tomatoes for color
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, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, everything bagel seasoning, chopped fresh dill, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Toss the Salad: Add the thinly sliced cucumbers and red onion to the dressing. Gently toss everything together to ensure the vegetables are evenly coated with the creamy dressing.
- Chill to Meld Flavors: Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator for 10 to 15 minutes. This chilling step allows the flavors to deepen and meld together beautifully.
- Serve and Garnish: Before serving, sprinkle additional everything bagel seasoning over the salad for an extra burst of flavor. Garnish with more fresh dill and optional radishes or cherry tomatoes to add vibrant color. Serve cold and enjoy!
Notes
- Use English or Persian cucumbers for the best texture and fewer seeds.
- For a tangier flavor, add a splash of white wine vinegar to the dressing.
- This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, salmon, or as part of a brunch spread.
