Zesty Dill Pickle Cucumber Salad a Right Proper Summer Treat

Recipe Introduction

Ever get that craving for something crisp and tangy? Honestly, this pickled cucumber salad hits the spot every time! It’s the kind of recipe that makes you go, "Oh my gosh, where has this been all my life?"

Quick Hook

This tangy cucumber salad is super easy. The brine gives it that extra zing. It’s like a dill pickle, but in salad form.

Brief Overview

This vinegar cucumber salad recipe has roots in classic German cucumber salad recipes and Eastern European cucumber salad traditions. It’s a simple, no-fuss dish that takes about 50 minutes.

This includes 20 minutes of prep and 30 minutes of chilling. This recipe makes four servings.

Main Benefits

One of the best things about this cucumber salad recipe ? It’s incredibly hydrating, especially on a hot day. Imagine serving this as a refreshing salad side dish at your next barbecue.

It’s a guaranteed crowd pleaser! What makes this recipe special is the balance of tangy, sweet, and savory flavors.

Thinking of the Ingredients

Now, let's get down to what you'll need.

Ingredients & Equipment

Alright, let's dive into what you need to make this cracking pickled cucumber salad . Honestly, it’s so simple. You'll wonder why you haven’t been making it all your life.

Main Ingredients: Cucumber is Key!

• 2 large cucumbers (about 500g/1.1lbs ): English or Persian cucumbers work best, thinly sliced.
• 1/2 medium red onion (about 75g/2.6oz ): thinly sliced.
• 1/4 cup fresh dill (about 10g ): chopped, and don't be shy!
• 1/2 cup white vinegar ( 120ml/4 fl oz )
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar ( 50g/1.7oz )
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt ( 5g )
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper ( 2.5g )
• 1/4 cup water ( 60ml/2 fl oz )

For the cucumbers, go for firm ones. Quality matters! You want a nice crunch in your tangy cucumber salad , not a soggy mess.

The red onion should be firm and not sprouting, for that classic cucumber red onion dill salad combo.

Seasoning Sensations: From Dill to Vinegar

Dill and vinegar are the stars here. The dill gives it that classic flavour, while the vinegar brings the zing. You know? It's the perfect balance.

For a German cucumber salad vibe, add a pinch of caraway seeds! If you're feeling adventurous, a tiny bit of Dijon mustard in the dressing can add a lovely depth.

If you don't have white vinegar, apple cider vinegar works too. But it will change the flavour a bit. So be warned! You could try a bit of honey instead of sugar for a natural sweetener!

This vinegar cucumber salad dressing is designed to bring out the best. It's really the core of what makes this pickled cucumber salad so special.

Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple

• Large mixing bowl
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons

You don't need fancy equipment to make this refreshing salad side dish . A sharp knife is your best friend. A mandoline slicer is handy if you want super uniform slices.

But a knife works just fine. If you don't have a whisk, a fork will do the trick. This cucumber salad recipe is all about simplicity.

Zesty Dill Pickle Cucumber Salad: A Right Proper Summer Treat

Honestly, who needs complicated summer salad recipes ? This pickled cucumber salad is so easy, it's practically foolproof. Think of it as a tangy cucumber salad with a serious kick! I remember the first time I made a cucumber salad recipe like this, I was terrified of messing it up.

But trust me, you can't. Let's dive in and make something amazing!

Prep Steps: The Key to Salad Success

First things first, mise en place, darling! Thinly slice your 2 large cucumbers, and 1/2 red onion. Chop up 1/4 cup of fresh dill.

Honestly, fresh dill is what makes this dill pickle salad sing. Do you hate slicing onions? I sure do! Wear goggles.

Yes, really! It'll save you tears.

Safety first, folks. Keep your fingers out of the way when slicing. A sharp knife is a safe knife it does the work for you! Now, time saving tip: prep your dressing while the cucumbers chill.

That's efficient, innit?

step-by-step: From Veggies to Yummy

1. Whip up the Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of white vinegar, 1/4 cup of sugar, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of pepper, and 1/4 cup of water. Whisk until the sugar dissolves.
2. Slice the Veggies: Thinly slice 2 large cucumbers and 1/2 red onion.
3. Combine: Add sliced cucumber, red onion, and 1/4 cup dill to a bowl.
4. Dress: Pour the dressing over the salad.
5. Chill: Toss and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes .

Pro Tips for the Perfect Salad

Pro tip number one: A mandoline is your friend, if you want all the slices uniformed. Next up, here’s a trick my grandma taught me: Salt your cucumbers before you dress them.

Salt them and wait 15 minutes . This helps them stay crisp.

Common mistake? Overdressing! Add just enough dressing to coat the cucumbers. Also, always use fresh dill! Seriously, dried dill just won't cut it here.

make-ahead? Absolutely! This vinegar cucumber salad tastes even better the next day. Flavors meld into something wonderful. This is one of those great refreshing salad side dish options that will quickly become a family favorite! It's perfect alongside grilled sausages.

Consider it the ultimate German cucumber salad with a hint of that great Eastern European cucumber salad flair.

Recipe Notes: Making the Best Pickled Cucumber Salad

This pickled cucumber salad recipe is super simple, but a few tips can elevate it from good to amazing . I have been making this recipe for ages, and these are my go-to tricks.

Ready to get started on this tangy cucumber salad ?

Serving it Up Right: Plating and Pairings

Presentation matters, right? For a simple, rustic look, pile the cucumber red onion dill salad high in a pretty bowl.

Garnish with extra fresh dill sprigs. You know, make it look like you put some effort in, even if you didn't, lol.

For sides, think summery. This refreshing salad side dish goes great with grilled sausages or burgers. Honestly, it's also banging with some crispy fried chicken.

Or, keep it light with some smoked salmon and rye bread for a Scandinavian vibe.

Storage Savvy: Keeping it Fresh

This vinegar cucumber salad is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers will keep in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Keep it in an airtight container. The cucumbers might lose a little crispness, but the flavour will still be on point.

I don't recommend freezing this dill pickle salad . It's just not the same after thawing. The cucumbers get all watery and sad.

Reheating isn't really a thing here, just serve it cold straight from the fridge.

Mix it Up: Variations for Every Taste

Fancy a twist on this cucumber salad recipe ? For a creamy version, stir in a tablespoon or two of sour cream or Greek yogurt into the dressing.

It adds a lovely richness. For a vegan option, double check your white vinegar is vegan friendly. Also, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing if you're feeling spicy.

Want to make it seasonal? In summer, use garden fresh cucumbers and dill. In winter, you can still make this, just look for the best cucumbers you can find.

Maybe use some dried dill if the fresh stuff is looking sad.

Nutrition Nuggets: A Healthy Treat

Each serving of this German cucumber salad clocks in at around 75 calories, making it a guilt free side. It's low in fat, with about 1 gram of protein, and around 18 grams of carbs.

It's a good source of hydration, thanks to all those cucumbers! Plus, cucumbers are packed with vitamins and minerals.

So, go on, give this Eastern European cucumber salad a go! It's easy, delicious, and a guaranteed crowd pleaser. Plus, it's a fantastic addition to your collection of summer salad recipes .

You've got this!