Refreshing Marinated Cucumber Salad: The Perfect Easy Summer Side Dish
There’s nothing quite like a crisp, cool salad to complement a warm weather meal, and this marinated cucumber salad fits the bill perfectly. It’s a delightfully light, incredibly refreshing, and surprisingly easy side dish that brings a burst of fresh flavor to any table. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, preparing a simple weeknight dinner, or packing a picnic, this classic cucumber and onion salad is a crowd-pleaser that requires minimal effort and delivers maximum taste.
This recipe transforms humble cucumbers and onions into a vibrant culinary experience through a simple, tangy marinade. The pickling process not only infuses the vegetables with a zesty flavor but also enhances their crisp texture, making every bite a delightful crunch. Forget heavy, creamy salads; this vinegar-based preparation offers a clean, bright, and invigorating profile that truly refreshes the palate.
Beyond its delicious taste, this homemade cucumber salad boasts several health benefits. Cucumbers are known for their high water content, aiding in hydration, and provide essential vitamins and minerals. Onions add a pungent kick and various antioxidants. Combined, they create a low-calorie, healthy side that supports a balanced diet. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy fresh produce, especially when cucumbers are in season and at their peak flavor.
What makes this particular recipe stand out is its simplicity and make-ahead convenience. With just a handful of common ingredients and minimal prep time, you can create a sophisticated side dish that tastes like it took hours. The marinating time is key, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully and the vegetables to absorb the tangy dressing, resulting in a deeper, more satisfying taste. It’s an ideal recipe for those who appreciate fresh ingredients and vibrant flavors without complicated steps.
Why This Easy Marinated Cucumber Salad Will Be Your New Favorite
This particular easy marinated cucumber salad recipe is designed for maximum flavor with minimal fuss. It combines the coolness of cucumber with the gentle bite of onion, all brought together by a perfectly balanced sweet and tangy apple cider vinegar dressing. It’s a straightforward approach to a classic dish that guarantees delicious results every time. Its simplicity means even beginner cooks can achieve impressive results, making it a perfect addition to any recipe repertoire.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability and versatility. While fantastic on its own, it also serves as an excellent base for numerous variations, allowing you to customize it to your personal preferences or what you have on hand. Plus, it’s an excellent make-ahead option, as the flavors only deepen and improve with time in the refrigerator. This makes it a stress-free choice for entertaining or meal prepping for the week.
Recipe
Marinated Cucumber Salad
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Ingredients
- 1 large cucumber, washed and thinly sliced
- ½ small onion, thinly sliced
- 1-½ Tbsp. sugar
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- 1-2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
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Combine the sugar, vinegar, and salt in a bowl or jar. Whisk well until the sugar and salt are fully dissolved, creating your vibrant marinade.
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Add the thinly sliced cucumber and onion to the vinegar mixture. Ensure all vegetables are submerged or thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl or jar and refrigerate for at least 4 hours to allow the flavors to properly meld and the cucumbers to absorb the delicious marinade. For best results, chill overnight.
Notes
- For very large cucumbers, consider slicing them in half lengthwise before proceeding with crosswise thin slices. This helps manage the size and ensures even marination.
- If you prefer a different texture, feel free to chop or dice the cucumber and onion instead of slicing them thinly. This can offer a more substantial bite and a varied visual presentation.
- While apple cider vinegar lends a unique fruity tang, regular white vinegar can be used as a direct substitute without significantly altering the overall profile of this refreshing salad.
- This marinated cucumber salad keeps exceptionally well in the refrigerator for several days, making it an excellent candidate for meal prep. Store in an airtight container for optimal freshness.
- For an extra crisp salad and to prevent excess water, you can pre-salt the cucumber slices. Place sliced cucumbers in a colander, sprinkle with a teaspoon of salt, and let them sit for 30 minutes. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry before adding to the marinade. This draws out excess water, ensuring a less diluted marinade.
Nutrition per serving
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Tips for the Best Marinated Cucumber Salad
- Choose the Right Cucumbers: English cucumbers or Persian cucumbers are excellent choices because they have thinner skins and fewer seeds, resulting in a less watery and more tender salad. If using standard slicing cucumbers, you might want to peel them and scoop out the seeds for a better texture.
- Uniform Slices: Aim for uniformly thin slices of cucumber and onion. A mandoline slicer is ideal for achieving consistent thickness, which ensures that all vegetables marinate evenly and have a similar crisp bite. If using a knife, take your time to slice them as thinly as possible.
- Pre-Salt the Cucumbers: To prevent the salad from becoming watery, an optional but highly recommended step is to pre-salt the cucumber slices. Place them in a colander, sprinkle with a teaspoon of salt, and let them sit for about 30 minutes. The salt draws out excess moisture. Rinse thoroughly under cold water and pat dry before adding to the marinade.
- Onion Selection: Red onion adds a beautiful color and a slightly sharper flavor, while sweet onions (like Vidalia) offer a milder taste. Choose according to your preference. Ensure they are also thinly sliced.
- Balance the Marinade: The ratio of sugar, vinegar, and salt can be adjusted to your liking. If you prefer a tangier salad, reduce the sugar slightly. For a sweeter profile, add a bit more sugar. Taste and adjust as needed before adding the vegetables.
- Chilling Time is Crucial: While 4 hours is the minimum for the flavors to meld, allowing the salad to marinate overnight in the refrigerator often yields the best results. The cucumbers and onions become more flavorful and tender-crisp.
Variations and Additions to Your Cucumber Salad
This vinegar cucumber salad is a fantastic canvas for creativity. Here are some ideas to customize your marinated cucumber and onion salad:
- Herbs: Fresh dill is a classic addition and pairs wonderfully with cucumbers. Chopped fresh parsley, mint, or chives can also add a delightful aromatic twist. Add herbs just before serving for maximum freshness.
- Spices: A pinch of black pepper, a dash of celery seed, or a touch of red pepper flakes for a subtle heat can elevate the flavor profile.
- Other Vegetables: Incorporate other thinly sliced vegetables like bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange for color), radishes for an extra crunch, or even cherry tomatoes for a burst of sweetness.
- Creamy Version: For a richer, creamier cucumber salad, stir in a dollop of sour cream, Greek yogurt, or mayonnaise into the marinade after the initial marinating period. This creates a delightful contrast to the tangy base.
- Different Vinegars: Experiment with different types of vinegar. White wine vinegar offers a milder acidity, while rice vinegar provides a delicate, slightly sweet tang often found in Asian-inspired cucumber salads.
- Garlic: A finely minced clove of garlic can add a pungent depth to the marinade, particularly if you enjoy bolder flavors.
- Sweetener Alternatives: Instead of granulated sugar, you can use honey, maple syrup, or a sugar substitute to achieve the desired sweetness.
Serving Suggestions for Your Marinated Cucumber Salad
The refreshing nature of this healthy side dish makes it incredibly versatile for pairing with a variety of meals. Here are some popular serving suggestions:
- Grilled Meats: It’s a perfect accompaniment to grilled chicken, pork chops, or steak, cutting through the richness with its tangy freshness.
- Fish and Seafood: Serve alongside baked salmon, grilled shrimp, or pan-seared white fish for a light and balanced meal.
- Sandwiches and Burgers: Add a scoop as a side to your favorite sandwich, wrap, or hamburger for an extra layer of flavor and crunch.
- BBQs and Potlucks: This salad is a staple at summer gatherings. It travels well and holds up beautifully, making it an ideal choice for picnics, potlucks, and outdoor events.
- As a Light Lunch: Enjoy a generous portion on its own for a very light and satisfying lunch, especially on hot days.
- Alongside Hearty Dishes: Its vibrant acidity can balance heavier, richer main courses, offering a refreshing contrast.
Storage Tips for Optimal Freshness
This marinated cucumber salad is fantastic for making ahead, as its flavors continue to develop and meld over time. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It typically stays fresh and delicious for 3-5 days. While it’s still edible after this period, the cucumbers may lose some of their crispness and become softer. It’s not recommended to freeze this salad, as the freezing and thawing process will significantly alter the texture of the cucumbers and onions, making them mushy.
Frequently Asked Questions about Marinated Cucumber Salad
- Do I need to peel the cucumbers?
- It depends on the type of cucumber. English or Persian cucumbers have thin, tender skins that are perfectly fine to eat and often preferred for their texture and nutrients. Regular garden cucumbers, however, tend to have thicker, waxier skins that can be bitter, so peeling them is generally recommended.
- How long does marinated cucumber salad last?
- When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, this salad typically lasts for 3 to 5 days. The cucumbers will soften slightly over time, but the flavor will remain excellent.
- Can I use other types of vinegar?
- Absolutely! While apple cider vinegar provides a distinct fruity tang, white vinegar works perfectly for a sharper, more classic flavor. Rice vinegar offers a milder, slightly sweeter option. Feel free to experiment with what you have on hand or what you prefer.
- Can I make this salad ahead of time for a party?
- Yes, this salad is an excellent make-ahead dish! In fact, it’s often better when prepared a few hours or even a day in advance, as it allows the flavors to deepen and meld. Just ensure it’s kept refrigerated until serving.
- Why is my cucumber salad watery?
- Cucumbers have a very high water content. As they sit in the dressing, they naturally release some of this water, which can dilute the marinade. To minimize this, you can pre-salt your cucumber slices before marinating (as mentioned in the notes), which draws out excess water. Alternatively, some people drain off excess liquid before serving, or simply enjoy the slightly thinner dressing.
Conclusion: Your Go-To Easy Summer Salad
This marinated cucumber salad is more than just a side dish; it’s a testament to how simple ingredients can create something truly spectacular. Its refreshing taste, crisp texture, and easy preparation make it a standout choice for any meal, especially during the warmer months. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or experiment with exciting variations, this healthy and vibrant salad is sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen. Give this easy cucumber and onion salad a try, and let its bright flavors brighten up your next meal!