Description
This Fresh Pickled Cucumber Salad is a crisp, tangy side dish perfect for summer meals or as a refreshing topping for sandwiches. Featuring thinly sliced cucumbers and red onions marinated in a sweet and tangy vinegar-based pickling liquid with fresh dill and optional spice, this salad offers vibrant flavors and a delightful crunch in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 2 large English cucumbers (or 4 Persian cucumbers), thinly sliced
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
Pickling Liquid
- 1/2 cup white vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Seasonings
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tsp dried dill)
- Optional: 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes for a spicy kick
Instructions
- Slice Vegetables: Thinly slice the cucumbers and red onion using a sharp knife or a mandoline for even thickness. Place all the sliced vegetables into a large mixing bowl.
- Prepare Pickling Liquid: In a small saucepan, combine the vinegar, water, granulated sugar, salt, and black pepper. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring continuously until the sugar and salt have completely dissolved, which takes about 2-3 minutes. Remove the pan from heat and let the liquid cool slightly. Alternatively, use cold water to prepare a no-cook version.
- Combine Ingredients: Pour the warm pickling liquid evenly over the cucumbers and onions in the bowl. Add the chopped fresh dill or dried dill along with the optional red pepper flakes if you want a bit of spice. Toss everything gently to coat all the vegetables thoroughly with the liquid and seasonings.
- Refrigerate: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. For the best taste and texture, let it chill for 1 to 2 hours.
- Serve: Before serving, stir the salad to redistribute the pickling liquid and herbs. Enjoy this fresh, tangy cucumber salad cold as a crisp side dish or use it as a flavorful topping for sandwiches.
Notes
- English cucumbers can be substituted with Persian cucumbers if preferred.
- For a no-cook version, use cold water and skip heating the pickling liquid.
- Adjust sugar and salt levels to taste depending on the desired sweetness and saltiness.
- Letting the salad chill longer enhances the pickled flavor.
- Red pepper flakes add a pleasant heat but can be omitted if you prefer a milder salad.
