If you’re looking for a fast, refreshing side that’s brimming with flavor, this Everything Bagel Cucumber Salad is your new go-to. The crispness of fresh cucumbers combined with the creamy dressing and the punchy everything bagel seasoning creates an irresistible combination that’s both satisfying and light. Perfect for summer picnics, BBQs, or as a quick snack, this salad comes together in just minutes and adds a cooling, savory element to any meal. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable — feel free to toss in other crunchy veggies or herbs to make it your own!
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
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1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
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3 tablespoons mayonnaise
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2 tablespoons sour cream
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1 tablespoon white vinegar
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1 tablespoon everything bagel seasoning
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1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill (optional)
Directions:
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In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, white vinegar, Dijon mustard, and everything bagel seasoning until smooth.
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Add the sliced cucumbers and red onions to the bowl.
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Toss everything gently until the vegetables are evenly coated with the dressing.
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Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
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Garnish with fresh dill if using.
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Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 0 minutes | Total Time: 10 minutes + chilling
Kcal: 120 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
The Story Behind Everything Bagel Cucumber Salad
Everything Bagel Cucumber Salad is a modern twist on classic cucumber salads that have graced tables for generations. Traditionally, cucumber salads are beloved for their cooling, hydrating nature and simple ingredients. But the addition of everything bagel seasoning — a blend of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, onion, and salt — injects bold flavor and irresistible texture.
This fusion was inspired by the popularity of “Everything but the Bagel” seasoning, a cult favorite that first gained attention through bagels and expanded into kitchens everywhere. Creative home cooks and chefs alike discovered it could be sprinkled on just about anything, and this salad is a perfect example of its versatility.
The concept marries the fresh, watery crunch of cucumbers with the salty, savory depth of the seasoning, offering a dish that’s both familiar and delightfully unexpected. It’s a reminder that sometimes the best innovations come from simply reimagining the classics.
Nutritional Benefits of Everything Bagel Cucumber Salad
Cucumbers are low in calories but high in valuable nutrients, including vitamin K, potassium, and antioxidants. Their high water content (about 95%) makes them one of the best foods for hydration, especially important in the summer months. Cucumbers are also known to aid in digestion and promote weight loss due to their fiber content.
Meanwhile, everything bagel seasoning brings a unique nutritional bonus. Sesame seeds and poppy seeds are rich in healthy fats, fiber, calcium, and magnesium. Garlic and onion powders not only enhance flavor but also offer potential immune-boosting benefits.
Combined with a light, creamy dressing made with sour cream, mayo, and a dash of vinegar for tang, this salad becomes a well-rounded, health-conscious dish that doesn’t sacrifice taste for nutrition.
Why This Recipe Stands Out
One of the standout aspects of this recipe is its simplicity. In just 10 minutes and with minimal ingredients, you can create a flavorful dish that feels elevated and gourmet. The balance between creamy, tangy, crunchy, and savory elements ensures every bite is dynamic and satisfying.
Unlike heavy, mayo-laden salads, the Everything Bagel Cucumber Salad remains refreshing and light. It’s incredibly versatile: it pairs well with grilled meats at a BBQ, sandwiches for a picnic, or can be enjoyed solo as a quick, healthy snack.
Additionally, the recipe is easily adaptable. You can swap out ingredients to fit dietary preferences — using Greek yogurt for a lighter option, or even making it vegan by choosing plant-based mayonnaise and sour cream.
Perfect Occasions for Serving Everything Bagel Cucumber Salad
This salad shines in multiple settings. It’s a perfect summer side dish for BBQs, where heavy, hot dishes can feel overwhelming. Its cool, creamy profile refreshes the palate between bites of grilled meats or spicy foods.
It’s also ideal for potlucks and picnics because it’s easy to transport, requires no reheating, and remains delicious even after sitting out for a little while.
Even during colder months, its bold flavor profile makes it a fun, unexpected addition to holiday spreads, offering a lighter, vibrant option among heavier casseroles and roasts.
Tips to Make the Best Everything Bagel Cucumber Salad
- Use Fresh Cucumbers: Opt for firm, seedless cucumbers like English cucumbers for the best texture and less wateriness.
- Slice Thinly: Thin, even slices ensure that the dressing coats every piece beautifully.
- Let It Chill: Letting the salad chill for at least 30 minutes allows the flavors to meld and the seasoning to infuse into the cucumbers.
- Adjust Seasoning: Depending on your brand of everything bagel seasoning, salt levels can vary. Taste before adding extra salt.
- Add a Pop of Freshness: Fresh dill is optional but highly recommended. Its herbal brightness pairs perfectly with the other flavors.
Variations and Customizations
While the classic recipe is fantastic as-is, it also serves as a great base for customization:
- Add cherry tomatoes for a pop of color and sweetness.
- Include avocado slices for creaminess and healthy fats.
- Toss in crumbled feta for a Mediterranean twist.
- Spice it up with a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.
- Swap the dressing to a yogurt-based one for a tangier, lighter feel.
These small changes can tailor the salad to different occasions, seasons, and personal tastes while keeping the spirit of the dish intact.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Everything Bagel Cucumber Salad is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Keep in mind that the cucumbers will continue to release water over time, making the salad a little more liquidy.
For best results, consider prepping the cucumbers and dressing separately if you need to make it ahead, then combine just before serving. This method preserves maximum crunch and freshness.
A Star Ingredient: Everything Bagel Seasoning
The magic ingredient in this salad is undoubtedly the everything bagel seasoning. Originally designed to top New York-style bagels, this savory blend has found a second life enhancing eggs, avocado toast, chicken, and now salads.
Its complex flavor — garlicky, oniony, salty, nutty — turns basic recipes into crave-worthy dishes. For home cooks, having a jar of everything bagel seasoning in the pantry is like holding a secret weapon: a little sprinkle can elevate so many simple meals into something special.
Conclusion
Everything Bagel Cucumber Salad is the kind of recipe that once you make it, you’ll want to add it to your permanent rotation. It’s easy, fast, inexpensive, and impressive.
Whether you’re looking for a healthy side dish, a unique salad to bring to a gathering, or just a new way to enjoy cucumbers, this recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort.
Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser — kids love the creamy dressing, adults appreciate the bold seasoning, and everyone will come back for seconds.
Adding this dish to your table is like adding a breath of fresh air: simple, wholesome, and packed with flavor.