Classic Cucumber Salad
This classic cucumber salad recipe is so simple and easy to prepare with just a handful of ingredients. You may just have in your pantry. It’s refreshing and fresh tasting. Also, just the right amount of tang and sweetness. It’s classic recipe that’s been enjoyed for many years all around the world. Hope you enjoy and make this often, it’s sure to be a hit like it is in my family.
From what I have read about this classic cucumber salad is, it originated in Southern Germany.
It’s called Gurkensalat in Germany.
Basically, it’s made with the same ingredients in my version.
Other parts of Germany serve Gurkensalat that’s made creamy. Usually sour cream is the base.
There is one of those cucumber salads right hear on my blog as well. I call it Easy Creamy Cucumber Salad. It’s just as delicious as this sweet and tangy recipe, just made with a creamy dressing.
You decide which you prefer. My family and I really enjoy both. Well, not at the same time, although these could be served at the same meal. Ha ha. But, we like these two cucumber salads served separately.
Also, I read that a strong cup of coffee and fresh cucumbers were a favorite breakfast of Ulysses S Grant the 18th president of the United States. This cucumber salad I’m posting is very similar to one he enjoyed during the day or with meals.
I think cucumbers are so refreshing and work great in this cool, refreshing salad. Why not try both the creamy recipe and this one too. You might have a hard time choosing which one you like best.
Classic Cucumber Salad
Yields: 8 – 1/2 cup servings
The cucumbers used in this recipe are…
For this recipe and others, the best type would be an English, Hot House, or Burpless. These varieties have a soft skin and you don’t need to peel them to eat. They are long and thin. The inside has very little or no seeds at all. You’ll will see them wrapped in plastic at the markets. But, you should still rinse the outside of the cucumber like you would with other fruits and vegetables but, since the skin is so tender and sweet, don’t need to peel them. These can find them in any supermarkets, grocery stores, farmers markets, and fruit and vegetable stands
Recipe note: Field cucumbers you see in markets, have a thick, shiny skin which is usually waxed and really would not be suggested in this salad. If you do decide to use a field cucumber you must rinse, seed, and peel them.
What you’ll need to make this refreshing classic cucumber salad…
Ingredients:
- 2 Hot House, English, or Burpless cucumbers sliced thinly
- 3/4 to 1 teaspoon kosher or sea salt
- 1 medium red onion sliced thinly
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, you can also use a sugar substitute, just use a little less than a half cup
- 1/2 cup cold water
- 2 1/2 tablespoons fresh dill chopped finely
- 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper, this is optional
Here’s the easy way to make this delicious cucumber salad…
Directions:
- Place the sliced cucumbers in a large bowl and toss with the salt.
- Let sweat for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
- Drain the liquid from the cucumbers. Now, press gently on the sliced cucumbers to let even more water out.
- Prepare the dressing in a pot over medium to high heat. Stir together the vinegar, water, and granulated sugar. This can take anywhere from 3 to 6 minutes. The liquid will be clear and sugar dissolved completely
- Cool dressing slightly and pour over the cucumbers and onions and toss gently.
- Sprinkle on the fresh dill and toss very gently to combine.
- Cover and refrigerate for about an hour to allow flavors to combine.
- Serve cold from the fridge or at room temperature.
Here’s a couple more delicious recipes to check out…
print recipe below
Classic Cucumber Salad
This easy-peasy cucumber salad is refreshing and oh so delicious. Enjoy!
Ingredients
- 2 Hot House, English, or Burpless cucumbers sliced thinly
- 3/4 to 1 tsp kosher or sea salt
- 1 medium red onion sliced thinly
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup cold water
- 2 1/2 tbsp fresh dill chopped finely
- 1/8 tsp ground black pepper, this is optional
Instructions
-
Place the sliced cucumbers in a large bowl and toss with the salt. Let sweat for 30 minutes to 1 hour. Drain the liquid from the cucumbers. Now, press gently on the sliced cucumbers to let even more water out. Prepare the dressing in a pot over medium to high heat. Stir together the vinegar, water, and granulated sugar. This can take anywhere from 3 to 6 minutes. The liquid will be clear and sugar dissolved completely Cool dressing slightly and pour over the cucumbers and onions and toss gently. Sprinkle on the fresh dill and toss very gently to combine. Cover and refrigerate for about an hour to allow flavors to combine. Serve cold from the fridge or at room temperature.
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