🥒 Fresh Pickled Cucumber Salad – A Zesty Refrigerator Staple!
This Fresh Pickled Cucumber Salad is one of those recipes that tastes better the longer it sits. Bright, crunchy, and full of tangy flavor, it’s a refreshing side dish or healthy snack you’ll always want on hand. Best part? It lasts up to two months in the fridge (though it usually disappears much faster!).
📝 Ingredients
- 4 medium cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh dill, chopped (optional)
👩🍳 Directions
- Slice the Vegetables: In a large bowl, combine the thinly sliced cucumbers and onions.
- Make the Pickling Brine: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the vinegar, water, sugar, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir occasionally and bring to a light simmer until the sugar fully dissolves.
- Pour and Combine: Carefully pour the hot brine over the cucumber and onion mixture. Stir well to ensure everything is coated.
- Cool and Refrigerate: Let the mixture cool to room temperature, then transfer it to clean glass jars or airtight containers. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, for the best flavor development.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh dill just before serving. Enjoy chilled as a tangy snack, refreshing side, or sandwich topping!
💡 Notes & Tips
- This recipe yields about 2 quarts of pickled cucumber salad.
- For a sweeter version, increase the sugar to 3 tablespoons.
- Use English cucumbers for fewer seeds and a crisper texture.
- Add thinly sliced carrots or radishes for color and crunch.
📦 Storage
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container or sealed mason jars for up to 2 months.
- Freezing: Not recommended – the cucumbers will lose their crisp texture.
📈 Nutritional Information (Per ½ cup serving – Approximate)
- Calories: 25
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Sugar: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Fat: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Sodium: 180mg
🔗 Related Recipes You’ll Love
- Sweet and Spicy Pickled Radishes
- Quick Pickled Onions
- No-Cook Refrigerator Dill Pickles
- Asian Cucumber Salad
- Crispy Chickpea & Pickled Veggie Wraps
🌟 Whether you’re hosting a cookout, prepping meal sides, or looking for a crisp snack, this Fresh Pickled Cucumber Salad is a crowd-pleaser. Easy to make, low in calories, and packed with flavor — it’s a fridge essential you’ll return to again and again!