Sweet Tangy Pickled Cucumber Salad
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Fancy something refreshing? Do you need a simple, zesty side? This pickled cucumber salad is about to become your new best friend! Honestly, it is bursting with flavour.
Think tangy, sweet, and oh-so-crisp!
Brief Overview
This cucumber salad recipe has roots in classic German Gurkensalat , so it's legit! It's a ridiculously easy side. The total time is about 1 hour 15 minutes, which includes an hour to chill.
It makes about 6 servings.
Main Benefits
This salad is light and refreshing. It is also low-calorie making it guilt free. The sweet and sour cucumber salad is perfect for summer BBQs.
The flavours meld together beautifully. It's also a brilliant way to use those English cucumber recipes !
You know, I remember the first time I tried something like this. I was at a mate's BBQ. I thought, "Cucumber salad? Really?" But, oh my gosh, it was so good!
Ready to find out more? It's a total game changer! Let's have a look at what goes into our refrigerator cucumber salad .
This recipe takes it to the next level! Here is what you need:
Let's Talk About Ingredients
Essential Ingredients
- Two large English cucumbers
- Half a red onion
- Fresh dill
Pickling Brine Stars
- Half a cup of white vinegar
- Quarter cup of granulated sugar
- Two tablespoons of water
- One teaspoon of salt
- Half a teaspoon of black pepper
- Quarter teaspoon of celery seed
Why This Recipe Works
The magic is in the pickling brine . The vinegar cucumber salad tanginess is incredible. The dill adds a fresh, herbal note. And the slight sweetness? That ties it all together.
I once messed up and added too much vinegar. It was way too tart! The key is to taste and adjust.
This is your quick pickled cucumbers adventure. It will make the best ever summer salad recipes .
Ingredients & Equipment for the Perfect Pickled Cucumber Salad
Right, let's dive into what you'll need to make this fantastic pickled cucumber salad . Honestly, it's all pretty basic stuff, nothing too cheffy, I promise! Think easy summer salad recipes.
This recipe is inspired by the German Gurkensalat .
Main Ingredients
Here's a list of what you'll need. Don't worry, it's not a novel!
- English cucumbers : 2 large (about 1.5 lbs or 680g ), thinly sliced. Make sure they're firm to the touch, not squishy. That means they're fresh!
- Red onion: ½ medium, thinly sliced.
- Fresh dill: 1 tablespoon , chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried). Fresh is always better, you know ?
- White vinegar: ½ cup ( 120 ml ).
- Granulated sugar: ¼ cup ( 50g ).
- Water: 2 tablespoons .
- Salt: 1 teaspoon .
- Black pepper: ½ teaspoon , freshly ground.
- Celery seed: ¼ teaspoon (optional, but trust me, it's worth it).
If you prefer a sweet and sour cucumber salad , adjust the sugar and vinegar. Remember, taste as you go! That way you get the exact recipe that you wanted.
Seasoning Notes
It's all about getting that balance right. The celery seed adds this background flavour that makes it special. Don't have celery seed? No worries.
A tiny pinch of mustard powder can work in a pinch. Dill cucumber salad is yummy too! For vinegar cucumber salad , you can try apple cider vinegar.
Equipment Needed
You don't need a fancy kitchen for this.
- Large bowl: For mixing all the ingredients.
- Small saucepan: Optional, for dissolving the sugar. You can just whisk it really well, if you want.
- Sharp knife or mandoline: For slicing cucumbers. Trust me, a mandoline makes life easier.
- Whisk: For mixing the pickling brine.
- Airtight container: For storing your refrigerator cucumber salad .
And that's it! This cucumber salad recipe is so easy to make and requires minimal kit. Ready to transform some cucumbers into a quick pickled cucumbers sensation? Let's do this.
I love making this, because every time I eat it makes me feel like is summer all the time.
Sweet & Tangy Pickled Cucumber Salad: Your New Summer Obsession
Alright, you lot! Ever get tired of the same old soggy salads? Honestly, I was so over them. That’s why I started messing around with cucumber salad recipes , and boy, did I strike gold! Forget limp lettuce; this pickled cucumber salad is crisp, refreshing, and totally addictive.
Think classic Gurkensalat , but with my own little twist.
Prep Like a Pro: Essential Mise en Place
First things first, let’s get organised. Essential mise en place is where it’s at. Thinly slice 2 large English cucumbers and ½ a red onion.
Chop up 1 tablespoon of fresh dill. I'm telling you, fresh dill is worth it!. I once tried to rush this step and ended up with chunks of cucumber.
Trust me, thin slices are the way to go.
step-by-step: Pickling Perfection
Ready to get pickling? Here's how we make this magic happen:
- Slice your cukes and red onion, add your dill.
- Whisk together ½ cup white vinegar, ¼ cup sugar, 2 tablespoons water, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper , and ¼ teaspoon celery seed (don’t skip this!). If you want to be super fancy, gently heat it to help the sugar dissolve, but whisking works fine too.
- Pour that lovely brine over your cucumbers and onions.
- Toss gently to coat everything.
- Cover and chill for at least 1 hour . I usually go for 4 hours for maximum flavour.
Pro Tips: From Good to Amazing
Want to take your vinegar cucumber salad to the next level? This is where the fun begins!.
- Taste as you go. Before chilling, give that brine a little taste. Too sour? Add more sugar. Not tangy enough? A splash more vinegar.
- Avoid soggy cukes by not over chilling.
- For extra crispy cucumbers, try salting them for about 15 minutes, then rinse and pat dry.
Why This Pickled Cucumber Salad Rocks
This sweet and sour cucumber salad isn't just tasty; it's versatile. Throw it on the side of a BBQ, enjoy it with a sandwich, or even eat it straight from the bowl I won't judge!.
It’s also a fantastic way to use up those summer cucumbers and create some magic quick pickled cucumbers . Trust me, this summer salad recipe is a game changer.
Plus, it's a great refrigerator cucumber salad , ready when you need it. The best part? Everyone will think you slaved away in the kitchen.
Recipe Notes
Right, so you're about to make this amazing pickled cucumber salad . Ace! Before you get stuck in, let's have a chat about some bits and bobs that'll help you nail it.
Honestly, these are my secrets to making sure this cucumber salad recipe is a total winner every time.
Ace Serving Suggestions
Fancy it up a bit, yeah? Presentation matters, even for a humble vinegar cucumber salad . Try piling it high in a nice bowl.
A scattering of extra fresh dill always looks posh. Goes great with grilled chicken, burgers, or even fish and chips.
For drinks, a crisp white wine or even just some lemonade does the trick!
Sorted Storage Tips
Listen up: this refrigerator cucumber salad is even better the next day, after the flavours have properly mingled. Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
Freezing? Nah, don't even think about it. Cucumbers go all soggy. You want it crisp, innit?
Cracking Variations
Got dietary needs? No sweat! For a vegan version, just make sure your sugar is vegan friendly. Want a low-carb Gurkensalat ? Use a sugar substitute.
Seasonally, you could chuck in some radishes or bell peppers in the summer for extra crunch. Remember to taste and adjust the pickling brine accordingly.
Nutritional Nitty Gritty
Alright, so roughly, each serving's about 60 calories. You get a bit of vitamins from the cucumbers. It's mostly water, so it's hydrating.
It's a nice, light side dish. Keeps you feeling good. That's all that matters, right?
So there you have it. All the little tips and tricks to make your sweet and sour cucumber salad the best it can be.
You got this! Now go forth and make some quick pickled cucumbers that Mary Berry herself would be proud of.
And don't forget to have fun with it. Get the family to get hands-on, perfect for summer salad recipes and to create your own English cucumber recipes !
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does pickled cucumber salad last in the fridge? I don't want it to go off like a dodgy kebab!
This pickled cucumber salad is best enjoyed within 2-3 days. The cucumbers will start to lose their crispness after that, though it will still be safe to eat. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain its freshness.
If you've added any dairy-free alternatives such as sour cream this shelf life can reduce, so consume it within a day.
Can I make this pickled cucumber salad ahead of time? I'm having a BBQ on Saturday and want to prep early.
Absolutely! Making the pickled cucumber salad ahead of time is a great idea. In fact, it tastes even better after the flavours have had a chance to meld together in the fridge. I wouldn't recommend making it more than 24 hours in advance though, to prevent the cucumbers from becoming too soft.
What's the best way to get super thin cucumber slices for this pickled cucumber salad? Should I channel my inner ninja?
While ninja skills are always impressive, a mandoline is your best bet for achieving those perfectly thin cucumber slices! If you don't have one, a very sharp knife and a steady hand will do the trick. Thin, even slices ensure the cucumbers pickle evenly and have a lovely texture.
My pickled cucumber salad turned out too sweet (or too sour!). How can I adjust it?
Taste is a personal thing, like whether you prefer tea with milk first or milk last! If it's too sweet, add a splash more vinegar to balance it out. If it's too sour, a pinch more sugar will do the trick. Always taste and adjust the brine before adding it to the cucumbers.
Is this pickled cucumber salad healthy? What's the nutritional lowdown?
Yes, this pickled cucumber salad can be a healthy addition to your diet! It's low in calories and fat, and cucumbers are hydrating. The sugar content is something to be mindful of, so you can reduce the sugar in the brine if desired.
Remember, as stated in the recipe, each serving is approximately 60 calories, with 14g of carbohydrates and 12g of sugar!
I want to spice things up, any variations to the recipe for pickled cucumber salad?
Why not add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the pickling brine for a touch of heat, or try an Asian inspired twist by using rice wine vinegar, grated ginger and a splash of soy sauce! You could also try apple cider vinegar for a sweeter more subtle flavour.
Sweet Tangy Pickled Cucumber Salad
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 60 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 0g |
| Fiber | 1g |
