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Fresh Pickled Cucumber Salad

Fresh Pickled Cucumber Salad
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Fresh Pickled Cucumber Salad is a crisp, tangy, and refreshing side dish featuring thinly sliced cucumbers soaked in a zesty, slightly sweet pickling brine. Ready in under 30 minutes, this salad adds brightness and crunch to grilled meats, sandwiches, or can be enjoyed on its own. Customizable with herbs and spice levels, it’s a healthy, low-calorie option perfect for any meal or occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 2–3 thin-skinned cucumbers (English or Kirby), thinly sliced
  • 1 cup white vinegar
  • 1 cup water
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons fresh or dried dill, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cucumbers: Wash and thinly slice your cucumbers, ideally using a mandoline for even slices. Thin slices absorb the pickling liquid rapidly and maintain a perfect crunch.
  2. Make the Pickling Brine: In a bowl, whisk together white vinegar, water, sugar, salt, and red pepper flakes until the sugar and salt dissolve completely, creating a balanced tangy-sweet brine.
  3. Combine Cucumbers and Herbs: Place the sliced cucumbers in a clean jar or bowl. Add freshly chopped dill and minced garlic to the cucumbers for that classic pickle flavor.
  4. Pour the Brine and Marinate: Pour the brine over the cucumbers and herbs until everything is fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour, but ideally let it sit overnight for maximum flavor infusion.
  5. Serve and Enjoy: Once marinated, the fresh pickled cucumber salad is ready to eat! Give it a quick stir before serving to distribute the brine and herbs evenly.

Notes

  • Choose fresh cucumbers for the crispiest salad.
  • Slice cucumbers evenly for uniform pickling and texture.
  • Always refrigerate to let flavors meld and maintain crispness.
  • Adjust vinegar-to-water ratio to balance acidity to your preference.
  • Use a glass container to avoid reactions during pickling.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
  • Do not freeze, as cucumbers become mushy after thawing.
  • Best served cold or at room temperature; no reheating needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: fresh pickled cucumber salad, cucumber salad, pickled cucumbers, quick cucumber salad, easy side dish, healthy cucumber salad, tangy cucumber salad

Find it online: https://recipesemilly.com/fresh-pickled-cucumber-salad/