Description
A refreshing and simple side dish of cucumbers and onions marinated in a tangy vinegar dressing. Perfect for summer picnics, barbecues, or as a crisp accompaniment to your favorite meals.
Ingredients
Scale
Vinegar Mixture
- 1/3 cup distilled white vinegar or white wine vinegar
- 1/4 cup very warm water
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
- 1 teaspoon table salt (or 1 teaspoon Kosher salt)
Main Ingredients
- 2 large cucumbers (or 1 large English cucumber, about 2 cups sliced)
- 1/2 cup sweet onion slivers (about half of a small onion)
- Freshly ground black pepper (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the vinegar mixture: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the vinegar, very warm water, sugar (if using), and salt until the sugar and salt dissolve completely, creating a balanced tangy-sweet brine.
- Prepare the cucumbers: Peel the cucumbers if they have a thick skin. For large cucumbers, remove the seeds to avoid excess moisture and bitterness. If using English cucumbers, peeling and seeding are not necessary due to their thin skin and mild flavor.
- Slice and combine: Slice the cucumbers into 1/8 to 1/4-inch thick pieces. Add the sliced cucumbers and the sweet onion slivers directly into the vinegar mixture. Gently stir to coat all pieces evenly.
- Marinate: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the cucumbers and onions to soak up the flavors. The longer they marinate, the more intensely flavored they become.
- Serve: Use a slotted spoon to serve the marinated cucumbers and onions. Optionally, sprinkle freshly ground black pepper over the top to add a mild spice and enhance the flavor.
Notes
- Using white wine vinegar offers a milder flavor compared to distilled white vinegar.
- Peeling and seeding large cucumbers helps minimize bitterness and excess water in the dish.
- The sugar is optional; adjust to taste if you prefer a sweeter or more acidic pickle.
- Marinate longer than 2 hours for more pronounced flavors, up to overnight.
- This side dish pairs well with grilled meats and sandwiches.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Marinating
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 25
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 380 mg
- Fat: 0.1 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.1 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 0.5 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: cucumber salad, marinated cucumbers, quick pickle, cucumber and onion salad, summer side dish
