Adrienne’s Cucumber Salad

Introduction

Craving a light, refreshing side dish that’s perfect for summer picnics or a quick dinner addition? What if you could create a crisp, tangy cucumber salad with just a handful of ingredients in under 20 minutes, plus chilling time? Say hello to Adrienne’s Cucumber Salad! This simple recipe combines thinly sliced cucumbers and onions with a sweet-tangy vinegar dressing, accented by aromatic dill. Ideal for barbecues, potlucks, or pairing with grilled meats, this beginner-friendly dish delivers bright, refreshing flavors with minimal effort. Ready to create some cool, crunchy magic? Let’s grab a bowl and start slicing!

Overview

Adrienne’s Cucumber Salad is a side dish featuring thinly sliced cucumbers and white onion marinated in a dressing of white vinegar, sugar, water, and dried dill. What makes it special? The balance of sweet and tangy flavors, paired with the crisp texture of cucumbers and the subtle warmth of dill, creates a refreshing, versatile salad that complements any meal. This recipe takes about 1 hour 20 minutes (20 minutes prep, 1 hour chilling) and serves 8, making it perfect for gatherings or meal prep.

• Time Requirement: 1 hour 20 minutes (20 minutes prep, 1 hour chilling)
• Difficulty Level: Easy (perfect for beginners)
• Servings: 8 servings (about ¾ cup per serving)

Essential Ingredients

The magic of Adrienne’s Cucumber Salad lies in its minimal, fresh ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need and why each one matters:

For the Salad

• Cucumbers (4, thinly sliced): Provide the crisp, refreshing base of the salad.
• Small White Onion (1, thinly sliced): Adds a sharp, savory contrast to the cucumbers.

For the Dressing

• White Vinegar (1 cup): Delivers a sharp, tangy acidity to the marinade.
• White Sugar (¾ cup): Balances the vinegar with sweetness for a harmonious dressing.
• Water (½ cup): Dilutes the vinegar-sugar mix for a milder, pourable consistency.
• Dried Dill (1 tbsp, or to taste): Infuses the salad with a warm, herbaceous flavor.

Substitutions and Variations

• Cucumbers: Use English or Persian cucumbers for less seeding; peel partially for a smoother texture.
• White Onion: Swap with red onion, green onions, or 1 tsp onion powder for a milder flavor.
• White Vinegar: Replace with apple cider vinegar, rice vinegar, or white wine vinegar for a different tang.
• White Sugar: Use honey, agave, or a sugar-free sweetener (adjust to taste) for dietary needs.
• Dried Dill: Substitute with 2 tbsp fresh dill, dried tarragon, or parsley for varied herbaceousness.
• Vegetarian/Vegan Option: Naturally vegetarian and vegan; ensure sugar is vegan (some brands use bone char).
• Gluten-Free: Naturally gluten-free; ensure vinegar is gluten-free (rarely an issue but check labels).

Optional Additions

• Spices: Add ¼ tsp red pepper flakes or black pepper for a subtle kick.
• Vegetables: Mix in ½ cup thinly sliced radishes, bell peppers, or carrots for extra crunch.
• Herbs: Include 1 tbsp fresh mint or basil for a refreshing twist.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making Adrienne’s Cucumber Salad is quick and simple with a straightforward slicing, boiling, and marinating process. Follow these instructions for perfect results every time:

1. Prepare the Vegetables:
   • Thinly slice 4 cucumbers (about ⅛-inch thick) using a sharp knife, mandoline, or food processor.
   • Thinly slice 1 small white onion into rings or half-moons.
   • Toss cucumbers and onion together in a large, heat-safe bowl and set aside.
   • Tip: Slice uniformly for even marinating; soak onion in cold water for 5 minutes to reduce sharpness if desired.
2. Make the Dressing:
   • In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup white vinegar, ¾ cup white sugar, and ½ cup water.
   • Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally to dissolve sugar, about 3–5 minutes.
   • Remove from heat and let cool slightly for 2–3 minutes.
   • Tip: Stir constantly to prevent sugar from burning; cool slightly to avoid softening cucumbers too much.
3. Combine and Marinate:
   • Pour the warm vinegar dressing over the cucumber-onion mixture in the bowl.
   • Add 1 tbsp dried dill (or to taste) and stir gently to coat all slices evenly.
   • Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to marinate and chill.
   • Tip: Stir after 30 minutes to ensure even flavor absorption; taste and adjust dill if needed.
4. Serve:
   • Stir gently before serving to redistribute dressing, and serve chilled using a slotted spoon to manage liquid.
   • Present in a shallow bowl or on plates as a side dish, garnishing with extra dill or a pinch of black pepper if desired.
   • Pair with grilled chicken, fish, or burgers for a complete meal.
   • Tip: Serve cold for maximum refreshment; drain excess liquid if salad sits longer than 2 hours.

Assembly

Assembling Adrienne’s Cucumber Salad is all about creating a crisp, flavorful dish with refreshing appeal for a side that’s as light as it is delicious. Here’s how to make it look and taste incredible:

• Layer Thoughtfully: Toss cucumbers and onions evenly with dressing to ensure every slice is tangy and flavorful.
• Preparation Tips:
  • Use a mandoline for ultra-thin, consistent cucumber slices; watch fingers for safety.
  • Slice onions as thinly as possible to blend seamlessly with cucumbers; a food processor can speed up prep.
  • Chill for at least 1 hour to soften vegetables slightly and meld flavors, but serve within 24 hours for peak crispness.
• Presentation Tips:
  • Serve in a chilled glass or ceramic bowl to highlight the translucent cucumbers and vibrant dressing.
  • Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh dill, parsley, or a lemon slice for a bright, inviting look.
  • Pair with iced tea, lemonade, or a light white wine for a complete dining experience, perfect for picnics, barbecues, or family dinners.
  • Arrange slices in a shallow dish or fan pattern to showcase their delicate texture, offering a slotted spoon to manage the dressing.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Adrienne’s Cucumber Salad is perfect for preparing ahead and stores well with these tips to maintain its quality:

• Make-Ahead:
  • Prepare the salad up to 1 day in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate; stir gently before serving to refresh.
  • Slice cucumbers and onions up to 4 hours ahead, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and add dressing closer to serving.
  • Tip: Add dressing no more than 24 hours before serving to maintain cucumber crispness; prepare dressing separately up to 3 days ahead if needed.
• Storage:
  • Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; stir before serving to redistribute dressing.
  • Tip: Cucumbers release water over time, so drain excess liquid if needed; discard after 2 days as texture softens significantly.
• Freezing:
  • Freezing is not recommended, as cucumbers become mushy and watery when thawed.
  • If needed, freeze only the dressing for up to 1 month; thaw in the fridge and mix with fresh vegetables.
  • Tip: Prepare fresh cucumbers and onions instead of freezing the salad to preserve crunch and flavor.

Recipe Variations

Adrienne’s Cucumber Salad is versatile and fun to customize. Here are some creative twists to try:

• Spicy Cucumber Salad: Add ½ tsp red pepper flakes or 1 thinly sliced jalapeño to the dressing for a fiery kick.
• Creamy Cucumber Salad: Mix in ¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt after cooling the dressing for a creamy twist.
• Asian-Inspired Cucumber Salad: Replace white vinegar with rice vinegar, reduce sugar to ¼ cup, and add 1 tsp sesame oil and 1 tbsp soy sauce.
• Vegan Cucumber Salad: Naturally vegan; ensure sugar is vegan (avoid bone-char-processed brands).
• Low-Carb Cucumber Salad: Reduce sugar to ¼ cup or use a keto sweetener like erythritol; add ½ cup sliced radishes for extra crunch.
• Herb-Infused Salad: Swap dried dill with 2 tbsp fresh dill, mint, or cilantro for a fresher flavor.

Safety and Tips

Preparing this cucumber salad requires minimal effort but some care for a safe and successful result:

• Handle Ingredients Safely: Rinse cucumbers and onion thoroughly to remove dirt; use a clean cutting board to avoid cross-contamination.
• Prep Safely: Use a sharp knife or mandoline for thin slices, keeping fingers clear; handle hot dressing carefully to avoid burns.
• Store Safely: Refrigerate promptly after mixing to prevent bacterial growth, especially in warm weather.
• Clean Up Spills: Wipe vinegar or dressing spills immediately with a damp cloth, and wash bowls and saucepan in hot, soapy water to remove residue.

Nutritional Information

Per serving (based on 8 servings, about ¾ cup each):

• Calories: ~100 kcal
• Protein: ~1 g
• Fat: ~0 g
• Carbohydrates: ~25 g
• Sugar: ~22 g
• Fiber: ~1 g Note: Values are approximate and vary based on ingredient brands, cucumber size, and sugar amount. Using less sugar or a sugar-free sweetener may reduce calories and carbs.

Conclusion

You’re now ready to create Adrienne’s Cucumber Salad that’s as refreshing as it is simple! This 1-hour 20-minute recipe is perfect for picnics, barbecues, or anytime you crave a light, tangy side dish. With its crisp cucumbers, zesty dressing, and aromatic dill, this salad is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Feel free to tweak the herbs, sweetness, or add-ins to make it your own. Slice those cucumbers, boil that dressing, and enjoy every cool, crunchy bite. Happy cooking, and savor the cucumber salad bliss!

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FAQs

1. Can I use English cucumbers instead of regular?
Yes! English cucumbers are less seedy and have thinner skin, so peeling is optional; use 3–4 depending on size.

2. Is this salad very sweet?
The ¾ cup sugar makes it moderately sweet, balanced by vinegar. Reduce to ½ cup or use a sugar-free sweetener for less sweetness.

3. Can I make this vegan?
Yes! The recipe is naturally vegan; ensure sugar is vegan (check for bone-char processing).

4. Why is my salad watery?
Cucumbers release water during marinating. Slice thinly, drain excess liquid before serving, or pat cucumbers dry before mixing.

5. Can I serve this immediately?
It’s best chilled for 1 hour to meld flavors, but you can serve after 15 minutes of marinating if time is short.

6. How do I slice cucumbers thinly?
Use a mandoline, sharp knife, or food processor with a slicing attachment; aim for ⅛-inch slices for best texture.

7. Can I prep this for a potluck?
Yes! Make up to 1 day ahead, refrigerate, and stir before serving; keep chilled during transport with ice packs.

8. What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days; drain excess liquid and stir before serving. Do not freeze.