Name: Pickled Cucumber Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-484345H8M12S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 medium cucumbers, thinly sliced; 1 small onion, thinly sliced; 1 cup white vinegar; 1/2 cup water; 2 tablespoons sugar; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); Fresh dill, chopped (optional)

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If you’re craving a refreshing dish that bursts with flavor, look no further. This Pickled Cucumber Salad is not only tangy and crisp, but it’s also incredibly easy to whip up. Trust me, this one’s a game-changer! It’s like a little bite of sunshine in every forkful. Whether you’re serving it at a casual BBQ, a family dinner, or even as a snack on its own, it’s guaranteed to be the hit of the meal. You’ll love the tang, the crunch, and the way it adds a zesty kick to anything it’s paired with.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:

Versatile: Perfect for busy weeknights or as a standout dish at gatherings. Imagine coming home after a long day, knowing you can whip up something delicious and comforting in no time. Or envision serving this at a party, where guests ask for the recipe before the night ends.

Budget-Friendly: Uses ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. No need for exotic items; this dish proves that simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavors. It’s perfect for when you’re trying to stick to a budget but still want something hearty and satisfying.

Quick and Easy: Straightforward steps that even beginners can follow. If you’re someone who usually avoids complex recipes, this one is for you. It’s designed to be foolproof, so you can enjoy cooking without stress.

Customizable: Easy to tweak with different flavors to suit your preferences. For example, if you love bold flavors, add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika. Prefer something milder? You can adjust the seasoning to make it kid-friendly.

Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.

Ingredients

Here’s what you need to bring this tangy delight to life:

Cucumbers: The star of the show. Crisp and cool, these cucumbers provide the perfect crunch to balance out the tangy vinegar.

Red Onion: Adds a bit of sweetness and a mild bite. It’s a nice contrast to the vinegar and the cucumber’s freshness.

Vinegar: The tangy base that really brings the salad to life. You can use white or apple cider vinegar, depending on the flavor profile you’re after.

Sugar: To balance out the tanginess and add just the right touch of sweetness.

Salt: Enhances all the flavors and helps the cucumbers stay crisp.

Dill: This herb adds that fresh, grassy flavor that just screams “pickled.”

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:

Prep Your Cucumbers: Start by thinly slicing the cucumbers and red onion. A mandolin slicer can be super helpful here, but a sharp knife works just fine.

Combine Vinegar Mixture: In a bowl, whisk together vinegar, sugar, salt, and dill. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed—this is your opportunity to make it just right for your tastebuds.

Toss It All Together: Add the cucumbers and red onion to the vinegar mixture. Toss everything together gently so the cucumbers get evenly coated with the pickling liquid.

Let It Marinate: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. The longer it sits, the more the flavors develop, so feel free to let it chill for a few hours if you’ve got the time.

Serve and Enjoy: Once it’s had time to marinate, give it one last toss and serve chilled. You can enjoy it as a side dish, a topping for burgers, or even as a snack on its own. It’s a fresh, flavorful bite that will instantly brighten up your day.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 35

Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

How to Serve Pickled Cucumber Salad

This Pickled Cucumber Salad pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:

Fresh Salads: Pair it with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast to the dish’s tangy flavors.

Grilled Meats: It’s the perfect complement to burgers, grilled chicken, or BBQ pork.

Tacos or Wraps: Use this salad as a crunchy topping for tacos or wraps for that extra zing.

As a Snack: Sometimes, it’s just perfect on its own. Serve it with some pita chips or crackers for a light snack.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:

Prep Ahead: Make it the night before! The flavors deepen as it sits, so it’s a great make-ahead dish.

Spice It Up: Feel free to add some red pepper flakes for a little heat, or switch up the herbs with some thyme or parsley.

Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It stays fresh and crunchy, so you can enjoy it throughout the week.

Make a Double Batch: This salad disappears quickly, so you might want to double the recipe. It’s the kind of dish everyone goes back for seconds of.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of vinegar?
A1: Yes! Apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar can be substituted for a slightly different flavor, depending on your taste.

Q2: How long should I let the cucumbers marinate?
A2: At least 30 minutes for a quick pickle, but longer marination (a few hours) will give you a stronger flavor.

Q3: Can I add other vegetables to the salad?
A3: Absolutely! Carrots, radishes, or bell peppers would make a delicious addition.

Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Q5: Can I freeze this salad?
A5: Pickled vegetables don’t freeze well, so I’d recommend keeping it in the fridge for a few days.

Q6: Can I double the recipe?
A6: Yes! Just adjust the ingredients accordingly and make sure your bowl is large enough to fit everything.

Q7: Can I use sweetener instead of sugar?
A7: Yes, you can use stevia or monk fruit for a lower-sugar version, but it might alter the taste slightly.

Q8: What’s the best way to serve it?
A8: Serve it chilled on its own, as a side, or as a topping for grilled meats or tacos.

Q9: Can I make it spicy?
A9: Definitely! A pinch of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce can give it a nice kick.

Q10: Can I prepare this in advance?
A10: Yes! It’s a great make-ahead dish. Just let the flavors marinate for a few hours or overnight.

Conclusion

This Pickled Cucumber Salad is one of those dishes that’ll quickly become a go-to in your kitchen. It’s light, refreshing, and packed with flavor—perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting friends or enjoying a quiet meal at home, this salad will elevate your dining experience. So, what are you waiting for? Get chopping, and let the tangy goodness begin!

Air Fryer Paper Liners

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Vegetable Chopper

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Magic Bullet Blender

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ingredients

Instructions

Nutrition Facts

How to Serve Pickled Cucumber Salad

Additional Tips

FAQ Section

Conclusion

Pickled Cucumber Salad

Description

Ingredients

Instructions

Notes

Nutrition