Fresh Pickled Cucumber Salad
🥒 Description
Fresh Pickled Cucumber Salad is a crisp, tangy, and refreshing dish made with crunchy cucumbers lightly pickled in a sweet-and-sour brine. Perfect as a side for BBQs, sandwiches, or weeknight dinners — it’s easy to make, keeps well in the fridge, and adds a burst of flavor to any meal.
📋 Ingredients for Fresh Pickled Cucumber Salad
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3–4 medium cucumbers, thinly sliced
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½ small red onion, thinly sliced
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2 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped (or 1 tsp dried dill)
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½ cup white vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
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2 tbsp rice vinegar (optional, for mildness)
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3 tbsp granulated sugar or honey
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1 tsp salt
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½ tsp black pepper
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¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)
👩🍳 Instructions
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Prep Veggies
Wash and thinly slice cucumbers and red onion (use a mandoline if you have one). Add to a bowl. -
Make Brine
In a small saucepan, combine white vinegar, rice vinegar, sugar, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Heat just until sugar dissolves (no need to boil). Let cool slightly. -
Toss & Chill
Pour the brine over cucumbers and onions. Add chopped dill. Toss gently until evenly coated. -
Marinate
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (best after 2–3 hours). Stir before serving. -
Serve
Use slotted spoon to serve as-is or over greens. Enjoy chilled!
📌 Notes
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Slice cucumbers as thin as possible for quick pickling.
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English or Persian cucumbers are ideal (fewer seeds).
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Sugar/honey can be adjusted depending on how sweet or tangy you like.
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Salad keeps in fridge for up to 4 days.
💡 Tips
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Add sliced radishes or carrots for color.
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For extra crunch, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds or crushed peanuts before serving.
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Want it creamy? Stir in a spoonful of Greek yogurt or sour cream right before serving.
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Use a glass jar for pickling — it absorbs less odor than plastic.
👨👩👧 Servings
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Makes 4–6 side-dish servings.
🔍 Nutritional Info (per serving, approx.)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 50 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 9 g |
| Protein | 1 g |
| Fat | 0 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sodium | 280 mg |
| Sugar | 7 g |
🌿 Benefits
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Hydrating: Cucumbers are 95% water.
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Low calorie: Great for weight management.
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Rich in antioxidants: Dill and onions add anti-inflammatory properties.
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Digestive aid: Vinegar brine may help with gut health.
❓ Q & A
Q: Can I use apple cider vinegar instead of white vinegar?
A: Yes! Apple cider vinegar gives a slightly sweeter, fruitier flavor.
Q: How long does this salad last?
A: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days.
Q: Can I make it sugar-free?
A: Absolutely — replace sugar with a sugar-free substitute or use less honey.
Q: Do I need to peel the cucumbers?
A: No, but you can peel stripes if the skins are thick or waxy.
