Grandma’s Super Simple Cucumber Salad Recipe
My Mom (my kid’s grandma) made a lot of cucumber salad in the summer and it is a super simple cucumber salad recipe. It’s a refreshing and delicious go-to salad for any summer occasion.
To make this recipe, all you need are some fresh cucumbers, vinegar, salt, and pepper.
The combination of these ingredients creates a tangy dressing that perfectly complements the crispness of the cucumbers.
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This salad is perfect for a summer picnic or as a side dish for any meal. It is also a great way to use up any extra cucumbers you may have from your garden.
Cucumber Salad
Equipment
- 2 glass bowls
- 1 sharp knife
- 1 Cutting Board
- Measuring Cup
- measuring spoons
Ingredients
- 4 cups thinly sliced cucumbers
- 1 tbsp Redmonds Real Salt
- 2 cups red wine vinegar
- 1 small onion sliced into rings and then halfed optional
- 1 tsp onion powder
- salt & pepper to taste
- 1 ice cube
Instructions
- Cut off the ends of the cucumbers and then score the skins with a fork. If you don't want the skins, you can peel them.
- Slice the cucumber really thin and put into a large bowl.
- Add the salt and then cover the first filled bowl with a second bowl and weigh it down.
- Let this sit for anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours at room temperature to press out the juices from the cucumbers.
- Drain the cucumbers
- Add the vinegar and then adjust the salt if necessary and add pepper. At this point, you can add the onions and the onion powder. I don't do this but my Mom always did.
- Add an ice cube to crisp up the cucumber, cover, and refrigerate for at least one hour before serving.
Video
Notes
About Grandma’s Recipe
Growing up, my mom’s cucumber salad was always a staple at family gatherings and picnics. It was the perfect side dish to accompany any main course and always received compliments from everyone who tried it.
She always added onions and onion salt. I don’t do that.
What makes this recipe so special is its simplicity. With just a few ingredients, my mom was able to create a refreshing and delicious salad that everyone loved. I am sure that the recipe was passed down from her mom and has become a family favorite.
One of the things I love about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your taste preferences. For example, if you like your salad more tangy, you can add more vinegar. If you prefer it sweeter, you can add sugar. It’s all about finding the perfect balance of flavors that you enjoy.
Another great thing about this recipe is how easy it is to make. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you want to whip up something that’s easy and healthy.
Overall, Grandma’s cucumber salad recipe is a classic that will never go out of style. It’s a simple and delicious dish that is perfect for any occasion.
What is Cucumber Salad?
Cucumber salad at its core is a few main ingredients; fresh cucumbers, salt, black pepper, and vinegar. You can change it up by adding fresh herbs including fresh dill. Adding some sour cream or Greek yogurt will create a creamy version of this crunchy salad.
Different Types of Cucumbers
There are also different kinds of cucumbers that you can use.
- English cucumbers
- Persian cucumbers,
- Burpless, seedless cucumbers
I use what I have in my garden and right now I have lots of cucumber. The secret to this recipe is fresh ingredients and very thin slices of cucumber. If you don’t have a cucumber plant then getting them from the farmers market or even the grocery store in the summer will give you a fresh cucumber.
You want to make sure that your cucumber is not soft or has any soft spots. Pass those up in favor of a firm cucumber for your cucumber recipes.
Variations and Substituations
When it comes to Grandma’s Simple & Easy Cucumber Salad Recipe, there are many ways to make it your own. Here are a few variations and substitutions that I have tried and enjoyed:
- Use different veggies: While cucumbers are the star of this simple salad, you can add slivered onions. Both white onion and red onion slices work well to make it a little fancier. It also works well with cherry tomatoes, and/or sliced radishes,
- Switch Up the Vinegar: Most recipes call for plain white vinegar but I prefer mine to be tangy so I use red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar. You can also try rice vinegar or white wine vinegar. They all have their own distinct flavor.
- Sweeten Grandma’s Super Simple Cucumber Salad Recipe: A refreshing twist on a classic dish. Enjoy this quick and tasty vegetarian recipe bursting with fresh flavors!
- Try different herbs: If I have it on hand, I love fresh dill in my salad. You can also use dry dill if that’s what you have available. Fresh basil would be amazing if you’re adding tomatoes to the salad. Parsley or mint might also be a fun addition.
- Add some heat: If you like spicy you can add some heat by chopping up some jalapeno pepper and adding it to the salad. Or you can add a touch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the dressing.
- Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe: If you want to make the also popular creamy version, then you could add a tablespoon or so of sour cream or Greek Yogurt to the dressing.
Common Mistake
As someone who has made this cucumber salad recipe countless times, I have learned from my mistakes. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
Over-salting
It’s easy to get carried away with the salt when making this salad. However, too much salt can make the salad taste too salty and ruin the overall flavor. I recommend using a light hand when adding salt and tasting as you go. This is also not a dish for anyone on a salt-restricted diet.
Not draining the cucumbers
Cucumbers have a lot of water in them, which can make the salad watery if not drained properly.
Not chilling the salad
This salad is best served chilled, so it’s important to let it chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving. If you don’t have time to chill it for that long, you can place it in the freezer for about 15-20 minutes to speed up the process.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll be able to make Grandma’s Simple & Easy Cucumber Salad Recipe perfectly every time.
Conclusion
I hope you enjoyed learning about my Grandma’s Simple & Easy Cucumber Salad Recipe. It’s a great side dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re having a BBQ, a potluck, or just a family dinner, this salad is sure to be a hit.
One of the things I love about this recipe is how simple it is. With just a few ingredients, you can create a delicious and refreshing salad that’s perfect for hot summer days. Plus, it’s a great way to use up any extra cucumbers you have lying around.
Another thing I love about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can easily customize it to suit your taste preferences. For example, if you like things spicy, you can add some red pepper flakes or jalapenos to the mix. Or, if you prefer things sweeter, you can add some honey or sugar to the dressing.
Overall, I highly recommend giving this recipe a try. It’s quick, easy, and delicious, and it’s sure to become a family favorite in no time.
Enjoy,
Meet Me
Created by Lynn Vogeler, Small House Kitchen is a celebration of the joy found in mostly from-scratch cooking and the magic that happens when great ingredients meet limitless imagination. In our small house, we turn simple ingredients into extraordinary meals with big flavors.
You can find out about all of my other passions; decorating, entertaining, organizing, and gardening over at livinglargeinasmallhouse.com
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