Hamdi Saidani This Pioneer Woman Cucumber Salad Recipe is a refreshing and easy recipe, which is made with thinly sliced cucumbers and red onion. It’s the perfect summer side dish, ready in about 40 minutes.
Pioneer Woman Cucumber Salad Recipe Ingredients
- 2 lb. cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 5 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar
- 1 Tbsp. granulated sugar
- 4 tsp. kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp. ground black pepper
- 2 Tbsp. fresh dill or chives, chopped
How To Make Pioneer Woman Cucumber Salad Recipe
- Marinate the vegetables: In a medium bowl, combine the thinly sliced cucumbers, red onion, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together gently to combine. Let the mixture stand at room temperature for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the vegetables to marinate.
- Add herbs and serve: Just before serving, stir in the freshly chopped dill or chives.
Recipe Tips
- What are the best cucumbers for this salad? English or Persian cucumbers are excellent choices because they have thin skin and fewer seeds, which means you don’t have to peel or de-seed them.
- How can I make the salad less watery? Cucumbers release a lot of water. For a crunchier salad, you can salt the sliced cucumbers in a colander for 20-30 minutes before making the salad. This draws out excess moisture. Just be sure to rinse the salt off and pat them dry before adding the other ingredients.
- Can I make a creamy cucumber salad? Absolutely. For a creamy version, reduce the vinegar slightly and stir in a few tablespoons of sour cream, plain yogurt, or mayonnaise at the end.
- How long does it need to marinate? A minimum of 30 minutes is recommended to let the cucumbers and onions absorb the tangy dressing. For even more flavor, you can let it marinate in the refrigerator for a couple of hours.
What To Serve With Cucumber Salad
This crisp and tangy salad is a perfect counterpoint to rich and savory dishes.
- Grilled Chicken or Fish
- BBQ Pulled Pork or Ribs
- Hamburgers and Hot Dogs
- A hearty steak dinner
How To Store Cucumber Salad
- Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be aware that the cucumbers will continue to soften and release water, so it’s best enjoyed within the first day or two.
Cucumber Salad Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 55 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 1550mg (Note: much of the salt is in the brine, which is often not consumed)
- Sugar: 7g
Nutrition information is estimated and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of vinegar?
Yes, while apple cider vinegar gives it a classic tang, you could also use white wine vinegar, rice vinegar, or even plain white distilled vinegar.
Do I have to use fresh dill?
Fresh dill provides the best, brightest flavor for this salad. If you must use dried, use about 2 teaspoons of dried dill weed, but the taste will be different.
Why did my cucumber salad get so watery?
Cucumbers are over 95% water. The salt in the dressing draws this water out through a process called osmosis. This is a natural and expected result, creating the light, briny dressing the salad is known for.
Try More Pioneer Woman Recipes:
- Pioneer Woman Cranberry Salad Recipe
- Pioneer Woman Caesar Salad Recipe
- Pioneer Woman Buttermilk Salad Dressing Recipe
Pioneer Woman Cucumber Salad Recipe
Description
A crisp, tangy, and incredibly refreshing cucumber and onion salad marinated in a simple sweet and sour vinaigrette with fresh dill.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine sliced cucumbers, onion, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Toss gently to combine all the ingredients.
- Let the mixture stand for 30 minutes to marinate.
- Stir in the fresh chopped dill or chives just before serving.
Notes
- u003cliu003eFor best results, use thin-skinned, seedless cucumbers like English or Persian varieties.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eThe 30-minute marinating time is essential for the flavors to develop properly.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eThis salad will release water as it sits; this is normal and creates the light, flavorful dressing.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eThe salad is best served chilled on the day it is made for maximum crunch.u003c/liu003e
