Cold Cucumber Salad is a delightful blend of crisp cucumbers, sweet onions, and bell peppers, all marinated in a tangy-sweet vinegar dressing. The use of Kirby or Persian cucumbers adds an extra crunch and mild flavor, making each bite refreshing and satisfying.
This salad is not only a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes. The vibrant colors of the vegetables, combined with the glossy sheen of the dressing, make it an appealing addition to any meal. Whether served as a side dish at a summer barbecue or as a light lunch, this Cold Cucumber Salad is sure to impress guests and family alike.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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1 teaspoon salt
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1 cup white vinegar
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1 1/2 cups sugar
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1 teaspoon celery seed
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1/4 cup vegetable oil
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5 cups cucumber slices (about 3 Persian or Kirby cucumbers)
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1 medium sweet onion, thinly sliced into rings
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1 large yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
Directions:
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In a medium saucepan, bring the salt, vinegar, sugar, celery seed, and vegetable oil to a boil. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
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In a large bowl, toss the sliced cucumbers, onions, and peppers with the cooled liquid mixture. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to overnight. Serve cold.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 5 minutes | Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
Kcal: 323 kcal | Servings: 4 to 6 servings
Cold Cucumber Salad: A Refreshing and Flavorful Side Dish for Any Occasion
When the temperatures soar and you’re craving something light, cool, and full of flavor, a Cold Cucumber Salad is the perfect solution. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, looking for a quick and easy side dish, or simply need a refreshing snack, this salad is a winner. Trisha Yearwood’s Cold Cucumber Salad combines fresh cucumbers with sweet onions and bell peppers, all marinated in a tangy-sweet vinegar dressing, creating a perfect balance of flavors that everyone will love.
Why Choose Cold Cucumber Salad?
Cold Cucumber Salad is a delightful choice for any summer gathering or meal. Cucumbers are naturally refreshing, with a high water content that helps hydrate the body, making them ideal for hot days. Paired with the crisp texture of thinly sliced onions and the slight sweetness of bell peppers, this salad offers a light, flavorful dish that doesn’t weigh you down. The simple yet flavorful dressing, made with vinegar and sugar, brings everything together for a tangy, savory bite that’s both satisfying and energizing.
1. Nutritional Benefits of Cucumbers
Cucumbers are not only delicious but also packed with health benefits. They are low in calories but high in important vitamins and minerals, including vitamin K, vitamin C, and potassium. They are also a great source of antioxidants, which help protect the body from oxidative stress and inflammation. Additionally, cucumbers are mostly water about 95% which helps keep you hydrated and supports healthy digestion. Their high water content also makes them an excellent choice for those looking to manage their weight or stay full without consuming excessive calories.
The skin of cucumbers is where many of the vitamins and fiber are concentrated, so it’s a good idea to leave the skin on for maximum nutritional value. The mild, refreshing flavor of cucumbers pairs well with many different ingredients, and when combined with the tangy dressing in this Cold Cucumber Salad, the result is a satisfying, healthy, and refreshing side dish.
2. The Benefits of Marinating Vegetables
While the ingredients in Cold Cucumber Salad may seem simple, the real magic happens during the marination process. Marinating cucumbers and other vegetables in a vinegar-based dressing enhances their flavor, softens their texture, and allows the vegetables to soak up the tangy-sweet flavors. Vinegar is also known for its ability to help balance the body’s pH levels, making it a healthy addition to many recipes.
This Cold Cucumber Salad benefits from a vinegar-based dressing made with white vinegar, sugar, and a touch of celery seed for added flavor. The dressing is slightly sweet but also tangy, which pairs perfectly with the mildness of the cucumbers and the sweetness of the bell peppers. The marinating process allows the flavors to develop and meld together, creating a salad that tastes even better after sitting in the refrigerator for a few hours.
3. A Versatile Side Dish
One of the best things about Cold Cucumber Salad is its versatility. It can be served alongside almost any main dish, from grilled meats to vegetarian options, making it an excellent accompaniment to any meal. The coolness of the salad pairs well with heavier or spicier dishes, providing a refreshing contrast that helps balance the meal.
Cold Cucumber Salad also works well for various occasions. It’s a fantastic side dish for summer barbecues, picnics, or outdoor gatherings, where guests can help themselves to a cool, refreshing option. It also makes a great addition to a light lunch or dinner when you’re craving something healthy and easy to prepare. Whether you serve it at a casual gathering or as a part of a more formal meal, this salad will be a crowd-pleaser every time.
4. Customizing Cold Cucumber Salad
Though the basic recipe for Cold Cucumber Salad is delicious on its own, it is also easy to customize to suit your taste preferences or dietary restrictions. You can add a variety of vegetables to the salad, depending on what you have on hand or what’s in season. For example, you might choose to include ripe tomatoes, radishes, or even avocado to give the salad an extra layer of flavor and texture.
For those who enjoy a bit of spice, consider adding some fresh jalapeños or chili flakes to the salad for a kick. You could also experiment with different herbs, such as dill or parsley, to give the salad an herbaceous boost. If you’re looking for a vegan version of this salad, rest assured that it already meets the requirements, as it contains no animal-based ingredients. For a gluten-free version, simply ensure that any additional seasonings or condiments used are certified gluten-free.
5. Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
Cold Cucumber Salad is an excellent make-ahead dish. In fact, it tastes even better after the vegetables have had time to marinate in the dressing. To prepare it in advance, simply follow the recipe, and refrigerate the salad for at least a couple of hours before serving. If you’re making it the night before, give it a gentle stir just before serving to redistribute the dressing.
This salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. As it sits, the vegetables will continue to soften and absorb more of the dressing, which only enhances the flavor. However, it’s important to note that after a few days, the cucumbers may start to release more water, which could dilute the dressing. To prevent this, you can drain off excess liquid before serving if needed.
Serving Suggestions
Cold Cucumber Salad pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. Here are a few ideas for meals that complement this refreshing side dish:
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Grilled Chicken or Steak: The cool, crisp salad balances out the richness of grilled meats, making it a perfect side dish for barbecue or cookout meals.
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Fish Tacos: The tangy, fresh flavor of Cold Cucumber Salad works wonderfully as a topping for fish tacos or alongside a fish fillet.
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Vegetarian Dishes: This salad is also an excellent companion for vegetarian meals, such as roasted vegetable bowls, grain salads, or quinoa dishes.
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Sandwiches or Wraps: Cold Cucumber Salad can be served as a refreshing side with sandwiches or wraps, providing a nice contrast to heavier fillings.
Conclusion:
Trisha Yearwood’s Cold Cucumber Salad is the perfect addition to any meal, offering a refreshing and light option that’s full of flavor. The combination of crisp cucumbers, sweet onions, and bell peppers, all soaked in a tangy-sweet vinegar dressing, creates a dish that’s both simple and satisfying. Not only is this salad delicious and easy to make, but it’s also versatile enough to customize with your favorite ingredients.
Whether you’re preparing a casual meal for your family or hosting a summer barbecue, Cold Cucumber Salad is a crowd-pleasing side dish that will always be in demand. With its ability to be made ahead, its refreshing flavor, and its nutritional benefits, this salad is sure to become a staple in your summer meal rotation. Give it a try, and you’ll see why this simple salad is so loved by so many.