If you’re looking for an easy cucumber salad vinegar recipe, you’ve come to the right place! This salad is a refreshing way to enjoy cucumbers that everyone will love. It’s a great side dish for any meal.
This recipe solves bland greens at meals, offers a quick, refreshing side, uses pantry staples, cuts prep time, and reduces cooking heat with no fuss.
I’ve faced the struggle of limp cucumbers a few days after cutting them up. But with this recipe, I learned a trick to keep them crisp and flavorful. You won’t have to worry about making a soggy salad!
This salad takes just ten minutes to prepare, and there’s no cooking involved. It uses simple ingredients you’ll probably have on hand, and you can even make it ahead of time. It pairs really well with grilled meats and is a fantastic gluten-free option.
If you want to try something different to go along with your cucumber salad, try this Scallion Pancakes! They’re a fun addition that everyone will enjoy.
Table of contents
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Refreshing Crunch : The crisp texture of fresh cucumbers and onions provides a satisfying crunch that makes every bite enjoyable. It’s a light and refreshing addition to any meal.
- Tangy-Sweet Flavor : The combination of vinegar and sugar creates a tangy yet sweet flavor that elevates the simple ingredients. It really brings out the best in the veggies.
- Convenient Prep : With just 10 minutes of prep time, this salad is super easy to whip up whenever you need a quick side dish. It’s a lifesaver for busy days.
- Stores Well : You can make this salad ahead of time and keep it in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors only get better, but be mindful of cucumber texture.
Easy Cucumber Vinegar Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cool Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Category: salad
- Method: no-cook
- Cuisine: N/A
- Diet: gluten free, vegan
Description
A refreshing and tangy cucumber vinegar salad that is perfect for summer gatherings, easy to make and gluten-free.
Ingredients
- 5 cucumbers, fresh and firm
- 1 red onion, sliced
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 11/2 teaspoon salt
- Optional: Up to 1 cup diced bell peppers for added crunch
Instructions
- Make the Dressing: Start by whisking together the apple cider vinegar, sugar, and salt in a medium-sized bowl. The smell will be tangy and fresh. Adjust the sugar according to your taste preference—do not add too much sugar as you want a good zing!
- Combine the Ingredients: Toss the sliced cucumbers and red onion into the large bowl. Pour the prepared dressing over them. Ensure all the vegetables are evenly coated, paying attention to any clumps.
- Let It Chill: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. For better flavor mingling, leaving it longer is even better. Just do not forget about it, or the cucumbers might soften.
- Drain Before Serving: Before serving, drain any excess liquid that has collected in the bowl. Tilt the bowl gently to allow the juices to flow out, retaining as much dressing as possible for optimal flavor.
- Serve & Enjoy: Scoop the salad into small bowls. If desired, garnish with fresh herbs for a pop of color. This light and refreshing dish pair perfectly with grilled meats or rich meals. Serve fresh for the best taste!
Notes
- Storage Tips: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The cucumbers will soften over time but the dressing will remain flavorful.
- Expert Tips: Peel cucumbers if the skin is tough for a better texture. Adjust the sweetness of the dressing by tasting it and modifying the amount of sugar as desired. If using, consider mixing in diced bell peppers for additional crunch.
- Reheating Instructions: This salad is best served cold and does not require reheating.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair with grilled meats like chicken or pork, serve alongside sandwiches for a fresh crunch, or use as a topping for tacos or wraps.
- Recipe Variations: For a different flavor profile, you can substitute apple cider vinegar with white vinegar, but this may slightly change the taste. Use keto-friendly sweetener instead of sugar; monk fruit or erythritol can be used as a substitute.
- Ingredient Notes: Choose cucumbers that feel firm to the touch. If the cucumber skin feels tough, peeling them can enhance the salad’s texture. If you do not have cucumbers, zucchini can be used as a substitute for a similar texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 66
- Sugar: 13g
- Sodium: 237mg
- Fat: 1g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Ingredient Notes
- Cucumbers: Fresh cucumbers are the star of this salad! Look for ones that feel firm to the touch. If the skin’s too tough, peel them off.
- Red onion: This adds a nice crunch and a bit of bite! You can soak them in water for ten minutes to mellow their sharpness if that’s your thing.
- Apple cider vinegar: It gives that iconic tangy kick! You can swap it with white vinegar if you’re in a pinch, but the flavor might change a bit.
- Sugar: This balances the vinegar’s acidity. Adjust the sweetness based on your taste, use honey or agave if you prefer a natural sweetener!
- Water: It helps to dilute the vinegar mix a bit. Feel free to skip the water if you’re looking for more punch in flavor.
- Salt: It brings out all those fresh flavors! You can use kosher salt, and it really helps in enhancing the taste of the veggies.
Recipe Tips
- If cucumber skin feels tough, peeling them can make for a more enjoyable texture in your salad.
- When sweetening the dressing, a quick taste test can help you decide how much sugar to adjust for your preferences.
- For an extra crunch, consider adding approximately 1 cup of diced bell peppers to the salad.
- If your cucumbers have released too much liquid, draining them before serving can help keep the salad crisp.
- When the onion flavor is too intense, soaking the slices in cold water for 10 minutes can mellow it out nicely.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this salad with grilled meats like chicken or pork for a refreshing complement. Serve alongside sandwiches for added crunch or use as a topping for tacos and wraps.
This salad also works well in summer salads or as a light, chilled side. It can be used in various dishes, enhancing their freshness and flavor.
Add a drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of fresh herbs for extra brightness. A splash of citrus juice also enhances the overall taste and finishes the dish nicely.
Recipe variations
- You can swap cucumbers with zucchini for a unique twist while retaining a similar texture in your salad.
- Add 1 tablespoon of dried dill or ½ teaspoon of garlic powder for an extra flavorful kick.
- Either use red wine vinegar or white wine vinegar to give the salad a slightly different taste profile.
- If you’re serving a larger group, increase the recipe to 10 cucumbers, 2 red onions, and adjust the vinegar, sugar, and water accordingly.
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How to Store?
To keep your easy cucumber salad vinegar fresh, follow these storage tips:
Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Cucumbers will soften but retain flavor.
Freezing: Place in a freezer bag, removing excess air, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
Serving: If salad has excess liquid, drain before serving to maintain crunch. Enjoy with your favorite grilled meats.
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