Why Make This Recipe
Grandma’s Cucumber Salad is a delightful dish that is fresh and light. It combines crunchy vegetables with a tangy dressing, making it perfect for summer gatherings or a simple family dinner. This salad is not only easy to prepare but also a great way to use up extra cucumbers. The balance of flavors and the simplicity of the recipe will remind many of traditional home cooking, making it a comforting addition to any meal.
How to Make Grandma’s Cucumber Salad
Making Grandma’s Cucumber Salad is straightforward. All you need are a few fresh ingredients and some time to let the flavors blend. The cooling effect of the cucumbers and the sharpness of the onion and bell pepper, mixed with the sweet and sour dressing, creates a delicious side dish that pairs well with grilled meats or sandwiches.
Ingredients:
- 2 English cucumbers
- 1/4 small onion (sliced thin)
- 1/4 green bell pepper (sliced thin)
- 1 clove garlic (smashed)
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 2/3 cup cold water
- 4 tablespoons sugar
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
Directions:
- Peel the cucumbers and slice them very thin.
- Place the sliced cucumbers into a bowl with the onion, bell pepper, and garlic.
- In a liquid measuring cup, stir together the remaining ingredients to make the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the vegetables and stir to combine.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, or overnight, before serving.
How to Serve Grandma’s Cucumber Salad
Grandma’s Cucumber Salad can be served chilled as a refreshing side dish. It goes well with many main dishes, like grilled chicken, burgers, or even fish. Consider adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs, like dill or parsley, on top just before serving to enhance its flavor and appearance.
How to Store Grandma’s Cucumber Salad
Store any leftover cucumber salad in an airtight container in the fridge. It can last for about 3 to 5 days. However, the cucumbers may soften over time, so it’s best eaten fresh. If you anticipate having leftovers, consider serving smaller portions.
Tips to Make Grandma’s Cucumber Salad
- For an extra crunch, you can also add diced radishes or cherry tomatoes.
- If you like a bit of heat, try adding sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing.
- Experiment with other vinegars, like apple cider vinegar, for a different flavor.
Variation
You can create a variation of this salad by adding some proteins. For example, try including shrimp or chicken to transform it into a light meal. A nice addition of feta cheese can also add a wonderful salty bite.
FAQs
1. Can I use regular cucumbers instead of English cucumbers?
Yes, you can use regular cucumbers, but they may need to be peeled as they tend to be more bitter.
2. Is it necessary to refrigerate the salad overnight?
While it’s not strictly necessary, refrigerating overnight allows the flavors to meld together, enhancing the taste.
3. Can I add other ingredients to the salad?
Absolutely! Feel free to include ingredients like olives, celery, or even avocado for added flavor and texture.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Grandma’s Cucumber Salad is a simple yet flavorful dish suitable for any occasion. It’s a great way to enjoy fresh vegetables, and it can easily be modified to suit your taste. For more inspiration on cucumber dishes, check out this recipe by Lauren’s Latest.
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Grandma’s Cucumber Salad
- Total Time: 360 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and light salad that combines crunchy cucumbers with a tangy dressing, perfect for summer gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 English cucumbers
- 1/4 small onion (sliced thin)
- 1/4 green bell pepper (sliced thin)
- 1 clove garlic (smashed)
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 2/3 cup cold water
- 4 tablespoons sugar
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Peel the cucumbers and slice them very thin.
- Place the sliced cucumbers into a bowl with the onion, bell pepper, and garlic.
- In a liquid measuring cup, stir together the remaining ingredients to make the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the vegetables and stir to combine.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 360 minutes, or overnight, before serving.
Notes
For extra crunch, consider adding diced radishes or cherry tomatoes. Feel free to experiment with different types of vinegar.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Refrigeration
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: cucumber salad, summer salad, refreshing side dish