Grandmas Sweet N Tangy Cucumber Onion Salad
Grandma's Sweet 'n' Tangy Cucumber and Onion Salad Intro
Fancy a bit of summer in a bowl? Remember those garden cucumber salads your gran used to make? This recipe is like that, but maybe even better.
I've tweaked it a bit. Honestly, this cucumber and onion salad is dead easy and tastes amazing.
Why You'll Love This Sweet Onion Salad Recipe
This salad is inspired by those classic Midwestern potlucks. It's that perfect balance of crisp cucumbers and sweet onions. All swimming in a tangy dressing.
We're talking a simple, no-cook side dish. Think burgers, grilled fish, you name it.
This recipe is super easy. We're talking 15 minutes, tops. Plus, it makes 6 servings. The perfect summer side dish for the family!
Benefits of This Garden Cucumber Salad
It's healthy! Cucumbers are mostly water, keeping you hydrated. This is a delicious way to get some extra veggies in.
Plus, a quick cucumber salad like this is perfect for a hot day. No oven required! Seriously, this easy salad recipe is special because it's so simple and tastes incredible.
You know?
Sweet Onion Secrets: The Ingredients
Let's talk ingredients. You'll need cucumbers, obviously. And a sweet onion, like a vidalia onion salad kind. Then, vinegar, sugar, oil, and spices for the dressing.
This isn't just any cucumber salad dressing though. It's my grandma's secret recipe.
Alright, let’s talk about what you'll need to whip up this amazing cucumber and onion salad. Honestly, it’s so straightforward, even my mate Dave, who can barely boil an egg, managed it! This easy salad recipe will be a sure hit!
Ingredients & Equipment Deets
Time to gather your stuff. The secret to a good cucumber and onion salad is using great ingredients. It's a classic summer side dish , everyone loves it!
Main Ingredients
- 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced ( about 500g / 1.1 lbs ). Go for firm ones. Quality cues: No soft spots. Nice dark green colour.
- 1 medium sweet onion (Vidalia or similar), thinly sliced ( about 150g / 5.3 oz ). A Vidalia onion salad is the best! Look for firm onions with a mild smell.
- ½ cup white vinegar ( 120ml / 4 fl oz )
- ¼ cup granulated sugar ( 50g / 1.8 oz )
- 2 tablespoons water ( 30ml / 1 fl oz )
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil ( 15ml / 0.5 fl oz )
- ½ teaspoon salt ( 3g / 0.1 oz )
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper ( 1g / 0.04 oz )
- ¼ teaspoon dried dill ( 1g / 0.04 oz ) (optional)
Seasoning Notes
This is where the magic happens. Don't be scared to play around. The vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper are the base. Dill adds a little somethin' somethin'.
Feeling fancy? Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. The cucumber salad dressing is simple, but effective.
For a cucumber and onion vinegar salad , stick to the white vinegar for that classic taste. A sweet onion salad recipe is always a winner!.
If you don’t have dill, a little dried parsley will do in a pinch.
Equipment Needed
No fancy gadgets needed here, promise!. Keep it simple.
- Large mixing bowl
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mandoline slicer (optional, for uniform slices)
Honestly, a sharp knife is your best friend. A mandoline is handy if you want super even slices. But don't sweat it if you don't have one.
If you're growing your own, it makes a great garden cucumber salad . I remember when I started gardening, I had way too many cucumbers and this quick cucumber salad recipe was my saving grace.
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Grandma's Sweet 'n' Tangy Cucumber & Onion Salad
Honestly, nothing screams summer like a good cucumber and onion salad . It reminds me of family picnics. Remember those? This recipe is inspired by my own Grandma's easy salad recipe , and it's a guaranteed crowd pleaser! The best part? It requires absolutely no cooking.
Prep Like a Pro: Mise en Place Magic
First things first, get everything ready. It's all about that mise en place , darling! Thinly slice 2 large cucumbers and 1 medium sweet onion.
Vidalia onions are really good for this vidalia onion salad , but any sweet onion will do. This is a cucumber onion salad that you don't want to skip.
Have your cucumber salad dressing ingredients at the ready too.
step-by-step: Salad Perfection
- Slice those veggies. A mandoline slicer is your best friend, but a sharp knife works too!
- Toss the cucumber and onion into a large mixing bowl.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup white vinegar , 1/4 cup sugar , 2 tablespoons water , 1 tablespoon vegetable oil , 1/2 teaspoon salt , 1/4 teaspoon black pepper , and 1/4 teaspoon dried dill (optional, I always use it, it tastes better!). Mix until the sugar dissolves.
- Pour that dressing over the cucumber and onion. Mix gently but thoroughly.
- Cover and chill for at least 30 minutes . This lets the flavors meld together like a dream.
Pro Tips for a Brilliant Salad
Don’t skip the chilling step! I know you might be tempted to eat straight away. Trust me, it's worth the wait.
Make this the day before you need it. A make-ahead option like this is awesome. Another thing, taste the dressing and adjust the sugar to your taste.
This sweet onion salad recipe is more than just a side dish. It's a taste of summer. This cucumber and onion vinegar salad is that summer side dish that you will want to share with your friends.
It’s a simple, beautiful and refreshing way to use up your garden cucumber salad . If you want a quick cucumber salad , this is your recipe.
Enjoy every bite.
Okay, let's chat about this cucumber and onion salad ! Honestly, it's one of those recipes that just screams summer.
It’s like sunshine in a bowl! You know?, I've been making this for years, tweaking it here and there. The secret? Good quality ingredients! And not being afraid to experiment a little.
Recipe Rundown: The Nitty Gritty
Serving It Up Right!
This easy salad recipe is super versatile. Plating it nicely makes all the difference. Think a pretty bowl, maybe some fresh dill sprinkled on top.
This salad just begs to be served alongside some proper BBQ! It’s brilliant with grilled chicken or even just a simple sausage.
For drinks? A glass of ice-cold lemonade or even a light beer would be spot on. It is a very good summer side dish , trust me!
Keeping it Fresh: Storage Tips
Leftovers? If you're lucky enough to have any, pop them in an airtight container. It'll keep in the fridge for up to three days.
Honestly, the flavors get even better overnight! Freezing? Not recommended. The cucumbers go a bit soggy, and nobody wants that.
When you're ready to eat, just give it a good stir.
Remixing the Magic: Variations on a Theme
Fancy a change? For a dairy-free option, leave out the sour cream. Simple as that! If you are on a diet, why not using stevia in place of sugar? It works a treat.
I am also a big fan of adding a pinch of chili flakes. Give this vidalia onion salad a cheeky little kick! Seasonal swaps? In autumn, use shallots instead of regular onions for a slightly milder flavour.
Nutrition Nuggets: Quick & Easy
Alright, let's talk about the good stuff. This cucumber and onion vinegar salad is low in calories and packed with vitamins! It's mostly water, so it’s super hydrating, which is great in this summer heat.
Plus, the vinegar and onions can give your digestion a little boost. Each serving contains about 60 calories . Isn’t that amazing?
So there you have it! Grandma's sweet 'n' tangy cucumber and onion salad . It’s more than just a recipe. It's a hug in a bowl, a taste of summer, and a reminder of simple pleasures.
Get in the kitchen and give it a go! You won't regret it. Honestly, even I messed it up a few times, but now I can do it with my eyes closed! It's also worth making a quick cucumber salad because they are amazing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this cucumber and onion salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, making this cucumber and onion salad a few hours or even a day in advance allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Just keep it covered in the fridge. Bear in mind that the cucumbers might release some liquid, so you may want to drain a little before serving if it looks too watery nobody likes a soggy bottom!
What kind of onion is best for cucumber and onion salad? I don't want it to be too strong!
Great question! A sweet onion, like Vidalia or Walla Walla, is your best bet. These varieties have a milder flavor and won't overpower the other ingredients. If you only have regular onions on hand, you can soak them in cold water for about 10 minutes before adding them to the salad.
This helps to mellow out their sharpness a classic trick up any cook's sleeve.
I'm watching my sugar intake. Can I reduce or substitute the sugar in this cucumber and onion salad recipe?
Definitely! You can certainly reduce the amount of sugar or use a sugar substitute like honey or maple syrup. Start with a smaller amount, maybe a tablespoon, and taste as you go until you reach your desired level of sweetness.
Remember that honey and maple syrup have distinct flavors, so they will alter the overall taste slightly. You could even try a sugar-free sweetener like Stevia or Erythritol, using the equivalent amount according to the product's instructions.
How long does cucumber and onion salad last in the fridge?
This salad is best enjoyed within 2-3 days of making it, stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. As the cucumbers sit, they will release more moisture, which can affect the texture. It's still perfectly safe to eat after a couple of days, but it might not be as crisp as it was when freshly made.
A good shake-up before serving can help redistribute the dressing!
Can I add other vegetables to my cucumber and onion salad?
Of course! Cucumber and onion salad is a great base for experimentation. Consider adding thinly sliced bell peppers (red or yellow for a pop of color), cherry tomatoes halved, or even some fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or mint.
Just be mindful of the overall balance of flavors you want the cucumber and onion to still shine through! If you're feeling particularly adventurous, a sprinkle of feta cheese adds a lovely salty tang.
Is there a trick to making sure the cucumber doesn't make the salad watery?
Yes, a little salting goes a long way! After slicing the cucumbers, place them in a colander and sprinkle them with salt. Let them sit for about 15-20 minutes. This will draw out excess moisture. Rinse the cucumbers well and pat them dry with paper towels before adding them to the salad.
This simple step helps maintain a lovely crispness and prevents a soggy salad nobody wants that!
Grandmas Sweet N Tangy Cucumber Onion Salad
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 60 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 3g |
| Carbs | 8g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 6g |
| Sodium | 150mg |
