Let’s be real—sometimes salads feel like the “responsible choice” rather than the exciting one. But this Cucumber Everything Bagel Salad? Oh, it’s the salad that steals the show at every cookout, picnic, and backyard dinner. Think crisp cucumbers, tangy sour cream, zippy vinegar, and that irresistible crunch of everything bagel seasoning. Yes, the same seasoning that makes your morning bagel sing now turns a humble cucumber salad recipe into something people actually crave.

This dish is the definition of cool, creamy, and refreshing. Perfect for summer days when the heat is high, the grill is fired up, and you need something light but flavor-packed to balance out the burgers and ribs. It’s got the tang of a classic sour cream cucumber salad with a bold, savory twist from the bagel seasoning.

Best part? It comes together in minutes, looks like you put in way more effort than you did, and makes you the hero of the potluck. Honestly, if salads had personality types, this one would be the fun, witty friend everyone invites to the party.

Why You’ll Love This Cucumber Everything Bagel Salad

Crunchy meets creamy. Every bite balances freshness with rich sour cream dressing.
Crowd-pleasing flavor. Everything bagel seasoning makes it taste gourmet with zero fuss.
Quick to make. A few simple ingredients, and you’re good to go.
Perfectly refreshing. Ideal for summer BBQs, picnics, or just a Tuesday night dinner.

Ingredients

2 English cucumbers, thinly sliced (peeled and deseeded if desired)
1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
½ cup sour cream
3 tablespoons everything bagel seasoning
2 teaspoons white vinegar
½ teaspoon black pepper, plus more to taste
½ cup thinly sliced red onion

How to Make Cucumber Everything Bagel Salad

Place sliced cucumbers in a colander over the sink or a bowl. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon salt, toss, and let rest 30–60 minutes to release water.
Rinse cucumbers with cool water, then press out extra liquid with clean hands or pat dry with paper towels.
In a mixing bowl, stir together sour cream, everything bagel seasoning, white vinegar, and black pepper.
Add cucumbers and red onion to the bowl, tossing until well coated.
Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt or pepper.
Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving so the flavors meld together.

Tips for the Best Cucumber Salad Recipe

Drain well. Nobody likes a watery salad. Taking the time to salt and press cucumbers makes all the difference.
Adjust the tang. If you like it sharper, add an extra splash of vinegar or squeeze of lemon juice.
Switch it up. Not a fan of sour cream? Greek yogurt works beautifully too.
Make it heartier. Toss in cherry tomatoes, avocado, or even crumbled feta for a more filling side dish.

A Story from My Kitchen

This salad actually started as a happy accident. I was prepping my go-to sour cream cucumber salad for a summer BBQ when I realized I was out of dill. Panic moment, right? A quick scan of the pantry revealed a jar of everything bagel seasoning staring back at me. Out of curiosity (and desperation), I stirred some in.

The result? A salad that disappeared faster than the burgers. Friends went back for seconds, then thirds, asking, “What’s in this?” It became an instant staple in my summer rotation. Now, I can’t imagine cucumber salad without that savory, garlicky, oniony crunch sprinkled throughout. Sometimes the best recipes really are born out of pantry improvisation!

What to Serve with Cucumber Everything Bagel Salad

This refreshing summer salad is the perfect sidekick to grilled meats—think chicken skewers, juicy burgers, or smoky ribs. It’s also great alongside lighter mains like salmon, roasted veggies, or sandwiches.

For potlucks and picnics, serve it next to potato salad, pasta salad, or even corn on the cob for a true summer spread. And if you’re keeping it simple at home, pair it with a toasted bagel and lox—it doubles down on the everything bagel theme in the best way possible.

How to Store

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Because cucumbers release water as they sit, you might notice some extra liquid at the bottom—just give it a quick stir before serving.

For make-ahead prep, slice and salt the cucumbers up to a day in advance. Keep them wrapped in paper towels in the fridge, then toss them with the dressing just before serving. This keeps your salad crisp and creamy, not soggy.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Just prep the cucumbers and dressing separately, then mix right before serving.

Can I use regular cucumbers instead of English?

You can, but English cucumbers have fewer seeds and thinner skin, which keeps the salad from being watery. If using regular, peel and deseed first.

What if I don’t have everything bagel seasoning?

Mix sesame seeds, dried onion, dried garlic, poppy seeds, and a pinch of salt. Homemade works just as well!

Can I make it dairy-free?

Definitely—swap sour cream for a plant-based alternative like cashew cream or coconut yogurt.

The Final Scoop

This Cucumber Everything Bagel Salad proves that salads don’t have to be boring. It’s creamy, crunchy, tangy, and packed with flavor—all while being light and refreshing enough for summer. Whether you’re hosting friends, heading to a picnic, or just need a quick side to perk up dinner, this everything bagel seasoning salad is the answer.

So grab those cucumbers, sprinkle on the magic, and let this refreshing summer salad be your new warm-weather favorite.

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