Description
This Easy and Refreshing Cucumbers and Onions in Vinegar recipe is a quick, tangy salad perfect for a light side dish or snack. With thinly sliced cucumbers and sweet onions tossed in a balanced vinegar dressing enhanced by a splash of apple cider vinegar and a hint of heat from red pepper flakes, it’s a crisp and flavorful dish you’ll crave. Ready in just 10 minutes with no cooking required, this versatile salad can be refrigerated to deepen its flavors and garnished with fresh herbs for a burst of color and freshness.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 2 medium cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 1 medium sweet onion, thinly sliced
Dressing
- 1 cup white vinegar
- ½ cup water
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- A splash of apple cider vinegar for added depth
- A pinch of red pepper flakes for heat
Garnish
- Fresh dill or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables: Wash and dry the cucumbers thoroughly. Slice them thinly into rounds, peeling if you prefer. Thinly slice the sweet onion to ensure even marinating and crisp texture.
- Make the dressing: In a large bowl, combine the white vinegar, water, granulated sugar, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Whisk thoroughly until the sugar and salt dissolve completely, creating a balanced tangy-sweet dressing.
- Toss cucumbers and onions: Add the thinly sliced cucumbers and onions into the bowl with the dressing. Toss everything gently but thoroughly to coat the vegetables evenly with the flavorful vinegar mixture.
- Marinate: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. For a more intense flavor, you can marinate it overnight, which also softens the vegetables slightly while keeping them crisp.
- Serve and garnish: Before serving, toss the salad once more to redistribute the dressing. Garnish with fresh dill or parsley for an aromatic finish. Serve chilled or at room temperature as a refreshing side dish or snack.
Notes
- You can peel the cucumbers if you prefer a less bitter taste and smoother texture, although the peel adds extra nutrition and color.
- Adjust the amount of sugar based on your preference for sweetness.
- For more spice, increase the pinch of red pepper flakes or add freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- This salad tastes even better after sitting in the refrigerator overnight as flavors develop fully.
- Use fresh herbs such as dill or parsley for garnish to add freshness and color.
- Serve as a side dish to grilled meats, sandwiches, or as a light snack.
