Sweet and Sour Cucumbers with Fresh Dill
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 (approximately)
Recipe Category: Low Protein, Low Cholesterol, Healthy
Keywords: Low Cholesterol, Healthy, Free of Dairy, Gluten-Free, Quick and Easy, < 30 Mins
Description:
This vibrant and refreshing Sweet and Sour Cucumber dish, delicately infused with fresh dill, makes the perfect side or light snack. The combination of crisp cucumber slices, tangy vinegar, a touch of sugar, and aromatic dill creates a delightful contrast of flavors. It’s quick to prepare, and the ingredients come together harmoniously in just 30 minutes. The best part is, you can prepare this dish in advance, refrigerating it for up to two hours before serving for the flavors to meld together. A mandoline or V-slicer helps achieve ultra-thin cucumber slices, ensuring the cucumbers absorb the dressing beautifully.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| English cucumbers | 2 | Thinly sliced |
| Kosher salt | 1 tsp | To draw moisture from cucumbers |
| Distilled white vinegar | 1/2 cup | Provides the tangy flavor |
| Fresh dill | 1/4 cup | Chopped or roughly torn |
| Sugar | 3 tbsp | Adds sweetness to balance the tartness |
| Fresh ground black pepper | 1/2 tsp | Adds a hint of spice |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 43.6 kcal |
| Fat | 0.1 g |
| Saturated Fat | 0 g |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
| Sodium | 1165.5 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 10.1 g |
| Fiber | 0.6 g |
| Sugar | 8 g |
| Protein | 0.7 g |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Cucumbers:
Begin by thinly slicing the English cucumbers. If you have a mandoline or V-slicer, this will help create uniformly thin slices, making the dish come together effortlessly. Once sliced, transfer the cucumber slices into a colander. -
Salt the Cucumbers:
Sprinkle the cucumber slices with kosher salt, tossing them gently to ensure they’re evenly coated. Let the cucumbers stand for 15 minutes. During this time, the salt will draw out excess moisture from the cucumbers, making them more flavorful and helping the dressing to adhere better. -
Prepare the Dressing:
While the cucumbers rest, prepare the dressing. In a large bowl, combine the distilled white vinegar, chopped fresh dill, sugar, and fresh ground black pepper. Stir the ingredients together until the sugar dissolves completely, creating a tangy, sweet mixture. -
Drain and Dry the Cucumbers:
After 15 minutes, drain the cucumbers well. Use a paper towel to gently pat them dry, removing any excess moisture. This will ensure the cucumbers don’t become too watery when combined with the dressing. -
Toss the Cucumbers with Dressing:
Add the drained cucumbers to the prepared dressing. Stir well to coat the cucumber slices with the tangy, sweet dressing, ensuring every slice is beautifully covered. -
Chill and Serve:
Cover the bowl and refrigerate the cucumbers for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. You can also refrigerate the dish for up to two hours for an even deeper flavor infusion. Serve chilled for a refreshing side or light snack.
Tips and Variations:
- Make it Spicy: For an added kick, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing.
- Add Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter taste, increase the sugar by 1 tablespoon.
- Serving Suggestion: These cucumbers pair wonderfully with grilled meats, seafood, or as part of a refreshing salad.
Enjoy this easy, healthy, and refreshing Sweet and Sour Cucumber dish with a fresh twist of dill, perfect for any occasion!
