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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 combining thinly sliced cucumbers with a perfectly balanced pickling brine. Easy to prepare and versatile in flavor, this salad adds a burst of bright acidity and delightful crunch to any meal, making it ideal for BBQs, casual dinners, or a zesty snack.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad Ingredients

  • 4 cups thinly sliced fresh cucumbers (preferably thin-skinned, crisp varieties)
  • 2 garlic cloves, smashed
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill weed (or 1 tablespoon dried dill)

Pickling Brine

  • 1 cup white vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cucumbers: Thinly slice the fresh cucumbers using a mandoline or a sharp knife to ensure even, uniform pieces. This helps the cucumbers pickle evenly and maintain a consistent crunch throughout the salad.
  2. Mix the Pickling Brine: In a bowl, whisk together the white vinegar, sugar, salt, and red pepper flakes (if using) until the sugar and salt completely dissolve, creating a sharp and balanced brine.
  3. Layer and Add Garlic and Dill: Place the cucumber slices into a glass jar or bowl. Evenly distribute the smashed garlic cloves and fresh dill over the cucumbers to infuse their flavors into the brine.
  4. Pour Brine Over Cucumbers: Slowly pour the prepared pickling brine over the cucumber mixture, making sure all slices are fully submerged to maximize flavor absorption and even pickling.
  5. Chill and Marinate: Cover the container and refrigerate for at least one hour, preferably overnight, to allow the cucumbers to soak up the tangy flavors while retaining their crisp texture.

Notes

  • Use fresh, firm cucumbers without blemishes for the best crunch and flavor.
  • Slice cucumbers thinly and evenly for faster pickling and better texture.
  • Refrigerate the salad for several hours to deepen the flavor.
  • Adjust sugar and vinegar quantities to balance acidity and sweetness to your liking.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator; they keep fresh and crunchy for up to 4 days.
  • Freezing is not recommended as cucumbers will become mushy upon thawing.
  • This salad is best served cold or at room temperature; reheating is unnecessary and may affect texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: pickled cucumber salad, cucumber salad, easy salad, quick side dish, pickling, fresh cucumber, healthy salad, low calorie side

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