Marinated Cucumber Salad

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🥒 Marinated Cucumber Salad: The Ultimate Crisp & Tangy Side Dish

When summer hits or you’re craving something light yet flavorful, nothing satisfies quite like a Marinated Cucumber Salad. It’s cool, crunchy, tangy, and incredibly refreshing—a classic dish that feels as modern as it does nostalgic. Perfect as a side for grilled meats, sandwiches, or served as a standalone snack, this salad is proof that simple ingredients can create unforgettable flavor.

What makes this dish irresistible? It’s the balance of crisp cucumbers, sharp onions, and a sweet-tangy marinade that brings it all together. It’s also incredibly easy to make, ideal for meal prep, picnics, potlucks, or just a healthy fridge snack on a hot day.

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🧂 Ingredients & Their Role

Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building the dish’s flavor profile:

2 large English cucumbers – These have fewer seeds, thinner skin, and stay crunchy. They’re the star of the salad.

1/2 medium red onion, thinly sliced – Adds a bold, slightly spicy bite and beautiful color contrast.

1/4 cup white vinegar – Provides a bright acidity that infuses the cucumbers with tangy depth.

2 tablespoons granulated sugar – Balances the acidity with subtle sweetness, making the flavors pop.

1 tablespoon olive oil – Smooths out the vinegar’s sharpness, giving the marinade body.

1 teaspoon salt – Draws out excess moisture from the cucumbers and enhances all the flavors.

1/4 teaspoon black pepper – Adds a mild, earthy kick.

1 garlic clove, minced (optional) – Infuses a hint of pungent aroma that deepens the marinade.

Fresh dill or parsley, chopped (optional) – Provides herbal freshness and color, perfect for garnish.

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🥣 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Slice the Cucumbers

Use a sharp knife or mandoline to slice the cucumbers thinly (about 1/8 inch thick). Thinner slices allow better absorption of the marinade while keeping a crisp texture.

2. Add the Red Onion

Thinly slice the red onion and mix it with the cucumbers in a large bowl. This combination creates the perfect crunchy-sweet-savory base.

3. Make the Marinade

In a small bowl or mason jar, whisk together the vinegar, sugar, olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic (if using). Stir until the sugar is fully dissolved.

4. Combine and Toss

Pour the marinade over the cucumber and onion mixture. Toss gently to ensure everything is evenly coated.

5. Marinate in the Fridge

Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours. The longer it sits, the more the flavors deepen and the cucumbers absorb the delicious tang.

6. Garnish and Serve

Before serving, toss again and sprinkle with fresh dill or parsley if desired.

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💚 Why This Recipe is Loved

Quick and easy – Just 10 minutes of prep time.

Make-ahead friendly – Tastes even better the next day.

Naturally low in calories – Healthy, hydrating, and guilt-free.

Versatile – Works as a side dish, topping, or salad bowl ingredient.

Budget-friendly – Made with pantry staples and seasonal veggies.

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🔥 Pro Tips for Perfection

Use seedless cucumbers (like English or Persian) for the best texture.

Taste the marinade before pouring – adjust sugar or vinegar to your liking.

For extra crunch, lightly salt and drain the cucumbers for 15 minutes before marinating.

Add a kick with red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeño for a spicy version.

Double the recipe – this salad disappears fast, especially at barbecues!

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🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Complete your meal with these perfect pairings:

Grilled meats – Especially chicken, steak, or fish.

Falafel wraps or gyros – Adds refreshing crunch.

Asian rice bowls or poke bowls – A zesty contrast to rich sauces.

Charcuterie boards – Use it as a palate-cleansing bite.

Sandwiches and burgers – Layer inside for an acidic punch.

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✅ Final Thoughts: Simple, Delicious, and Made to Impress

This Marinated Cucumber Salad is the ultimate example of how simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavor. It’s cool, crisp, sweet, and tangy all at once—versatile enough for a weekday meal and elegant enough for a dinner party.

Whether you’re preparing for a summer cookout or just want a fast, healthy side dish, this recipe is a guaranteed hit. Bookmark it, share it, and make it your go-to cucumber salad—because once you taste it, you’ll crave it again and again.

Try it today and experience how something so simple can b

e so incredibly delicious.

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Would you like a printable version or a spicy Korean-inspired twist on this salad next?