| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 0 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 107 | 0g | 0g | 26g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 22g | 1g | 1g | 0.4g |
I absolutely adore this Classic Cucumber Salad recipe. This simple vegetable dish takes me back to my parent’s Nigerian kitchen, where pickled vegetables were always a staple. The intricate dance between sour, sweet, and a touch of spice is one that is deeply familiar to me, though the inclusion of cucumbers and dill give it an American twist that reminds me just as much of my hometown, Atlanta.
This salad carries with it not only a flood of personal memories but also a host of health benefits that builds on my commitment to sharing recipes that nourish the body as much as they do the soul. The cucumbers, the hero of the dish, are low in calories but high in many important vitamins and minerals like Vitamin K, magnesium and potassium. Meanwhile, the apple cider vinegar dressing offers potential benefits including improved digestion and blood sugar levels.
How to Serve Classic Cucumber Salad
The beauty of this Classic Cucumber Salad lies in its versatility. It is a perfect accompaniment to a barbecued meal on hot summer days. You could have it along with some grilled chicken or add it as a topping to your pulled pork sandwich. If you’re going for a fully West-African twist, try it alongside your Jollof rice and watch how it brightens up the plate and tantalises your palate.
Sparking Joy with Simple Ingredients
What captivates me the most about this recipe is that it’s made from ingredients you can find in any kitchen. It reminds me of the culinary alchemy my parents and their parents before them managed between accessibility and incredibly robust, sophisticated flavors. This harmony between simplicity and complexity illustrates the beautiful confluence of my Nigerian heritage and my Southern upbringing, a fusion at the heart rising in popularity and reshaping the culinary world.
Whether it’s a family get-together or an evening of self-care, this Classic Cucumber Salad, with its contrast of crunch, sweetness, and tangy edge, knows how to make every meal special while keeping you nourished and your taste-buds delighted.
What You’ll Need
- 3 large cucumbers
- 1 medium sweet onion
- 1 1/2 cups apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
Method
Step One
Start by slicing the 3 large cucumbers and 1 medium sweet onion thinly. It is best to use a mandolin slicer if you have one on hand, as it ensures the vegetables are all the same thickness.
Step Two
Once the cucumbers and onions are thinly sliced, place them in a large mixing bowl. Set this aside for the time being.
Step Three
In a different bowl, combine the 1 1/2 cups of apple cider vinegar, 1 cup of granulated sugar, 1/2 cup of water, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Stir these ingredients until all the sugar has completely dissolved in the mixture.
Step Four
Pour the vinegar mixture over the sliced cucumbers and onions. Ensure all of the vegetables are submerged in the dressing by lightly mixing together with a spoon.
Step Five
Last but not least, sprinkle the 2 tablespoons of freshly chopped dill over top. Let the salad marinate in the fridge for at least an hour before serving to allow the cucumbers and onion to properly absorb all the flavors.
Step Six
After the salad has had time to marinate, give it a gentle stir to evenly distribute the dill and serve. Enjoy your refreshing, tangy, sweet Classic Cucumber Salad!
