Refreshing Cucumber Salad: A Simple Yet Delicious Delight
Cook Time: 4 hours
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
Category: Vegetable
Servings: 4
Description:
This delightful Cucumber Salad recipe has been a cherished part of my life for over two decades, thanks to a wonderful neighbor who shared it with me. It brings back fond memories, and I hope you enjoy it just as much. With the ability to use homegrown cucumbers—an ingredient that truly makes a difference—the salad tastes incredibly fresh and vibrant. Whether you’re making this dish during the summer when cucumbers are at their best, or during colder months, this salad never disappoints. It’s versatile too, and can easily be doubled, making it perfect for larger gatherings. You can even mix it up with a variety of colorful bell peppers—red, yellow, or orange—depending on what you have on hand, and it always turns out wonderfully.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cucumbers | 2 medium |
| Bell Peppers | 1 (any color) |
| Orange | 1 |
| Onion | 2 small |
| Sugar | 1/2 cup |
| Cider Vinegar | 1/2 cup |
| Salt | 1/2 tsp |
| Celery Seed | 1/2 tsp |
Nutritional Information (per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 442.3 kcal |
| Total Fat | 0.5 g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.1 g |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
| Sodium | 1754.4 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 110.3 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.8 g |
| Sugars | 104.4 g |
| Protein | 1.7 g |
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Vegetables:
Begin by washing and slicing the cucumbers and bell peppers. You can use any color of bell pepper you prefer, as it adds a beautiful touch to the salad. Peel and segment the orange, cutting it into small pieces. Thinly slice the onion. Combine all of these prepared vegetables and fruits in a large mixing bowl. -
Dissolve the Sugar:
In a small saucepan, combine the sugar and cider vinegar. Heat the mixture over medium heat until the sugar is completely dissolved into the vinegar. This creates a sweet and tangy dressing that will infuse the vegetables with great flavor. -
Mix the Salad:
Once the sugar is dissolved, pour the warm vinegar mixture over the prepared vegetables. Stir gently to coat the vegetables evenly with the dressing. -
Add Seasoning:
Sprinkle in the salt and celery seed, and stir again to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed throughout the salad. -
Chill:
For the best flavor, cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for several hours. This gives the vegetables time to marinate and absorb the tangy sweetness of the dressing. -
Serve and Enjoy:
After chilling, the salad is ready to be served. The flavors will have melded together, creating a refreshing, crunchy dish perfect for any occasion. It can be doubled for larger crowds or made ahead of time for parties.
Tips for a Perfect Cucumber Salad:
- Cucumbers: While regular cucumbers work perfectly fine, using homegrown cucumbers or those from your local farmer’s market adds a fresh, crisp taste that elevates the dish.
- Bell Peppers: Feel free to experiment with different bell pepper colors. Red, yellow, and orange peppers bring a vibrant touch to the salad, but green bell peppers also work well.
- Make Ahead: This salad can be made a day in advance. The longer it sits in the fridge, the more the flavors develop.
- Adjusting the Sweetness: If you like your salad a little sweeter or tangier, feel free to adjust the amount of sugar or vinegar to suit your taste.
This Cucumber Salad is the perfect addition to any meal. It’s simple to prepare, inexpensive, and packed with fresh flavors. Whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ or need a light side dish for dinner, this salad will surely impress. Enjoy this family favorite from Love With Recipes, where simplicity meets deliciousness.
