Get ready to transport yourself to grandma's kitchen with this mouthwatering classic that's about to become your new favorite side dish! These cucumbers and onions aren't just a simple salad - they're a crisp, tangy time machine of flavor that will have your family begging for seconds. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you'll create a refreshing summer staple that's both incredibly easy and devastatingly delicious.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 large cucumbers, sliced
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup vinegar
- 1/4 cup sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash the cucumbers thoroughly under cool running water to remove any dirt or debris.
- Using a sharp knife, carefully slice the cucumbers into thin, uniform rounds approximately 1/8 inch thick. For best results, use a mandoline slicer if available to ensure consistent slice thickness.
- Peel the onion and cut off both ends. Slice the onion thinly, creating translucent half-moon or ring-shaped pieces that will mix well with the cucumber slices.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers and onions, gently tossing them together to distribute evenly.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the vinegar and sugar until the sugar completely dissolves, creating a sweet and tangy dressing.
- Pour the vinegar and sugar mixture over the cucumber and onion slices, making sure all pieces are well-coated.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, gently stirring to ensure even distribution of seasoning.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer to a sealed container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together. For best results, let marinate for 1-2 hours before serving.
- Before serving, stir the cucumber and onion mixture and taste, adjusting seasoning if needed. Serve chilled as a refreshing side dish.
Tips
- Use a mandoline slicer for ultra-thin, uniform cucumber and onion slices to ensure even marinating and a professional look.
- For the best flavor, let the dish marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving. This allows the vinegar and sugar to fully penetrate the vegetables.
- Choose firm, fresh cucumbers for the crispest texture. English or Persian cucumbers work exceptionally well in this recipe.
- Adjust the sugar and vinegar ratio to suit your taste preferences - some like it sweeter, others tangier.
- For a lighter version, you can substitute part of the sugar with a zero-calorie sweetener or reduce the amount of sugar.
- This dish tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make it in advance for picnics or potlucks!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 35kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 1g
Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
