Southern Cucumber Salad is a refreshing and tangy way to enjoy the crisp flavors of fresh cucumbers. This dish features thinly sliced cucumbers mixed with onions and a simple yet flavorful dressing, creating a delightful and light treat.
To prepare, simply combine fresh cucumbers with red onions and a tangy vinegar-based dressing, then let it marinate to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully. The result is a cool and crunchy salad that’s perfect for hot summer days or as a side dish to your favorite Southern meals.
Perfect for picnics, barbecues, or as a light lunch, the Southern Cucumber Salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. Enjoy this elegant and easy-to-make dish that is sure to impress your guests with its crisp flavors and vibrant colors.
Southern Cucumber Salad
Ingredients
- 1/8 tsp Crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 Thinly sliced medium-sized cucumbers
- 1/8 tsp Black pepper
- 2 tsp Kosher salt
- 2 tsp White granulated sugar
- 1/2 Sliced red onion
- 1/4 cup Red wine vinegar
Instructions
- Place the sliced cucumbers in a colander set over a bowl.
- Sprinkle with kosher salt and stir to coat evenly.
- Let them sit for 15-30 minutes to drain excess liquid.
- Pat the cucumber slices dry with a paper towel or clean kitchen towel and transfer them to a large bowl.
- Add the red onion, red wine vinegar, sugar, black pepper, and crushed red pepper to the bowl with the cucumbers.
- Stir until everything is well combined.
- Cover the salad and refrigerate for 1 hour before serving.
Nutrition Facts:
| Nutrition | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 39 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 9 g |
| Protein | 1 g |
| Vitamin A | 177 IU |
| Vitamin C | 5 mg |
| Iron | 1 mg |
| Sugar | 5 g |
| Calcium | 29 mg |
What Foods Should Not Be Paired With Cucumbers?
Cucumbers and tomatoes are two examples of foods that should not be eaten together. Although they are often paired in salads, their digestive processes differ significantly. Cucumbers are high in water content and are easily digested, whereas tomatoes are acidic and require more digestive effort. Consuming them together can lead to discomfort and potential digestive issues.
How To Fix Watery Cucumber Salad?
To prevent cucumber salad from becoming watery, the standard recommendation is to salt the cucumbers. This helps draw out excess moisture before assembling the salad.
What Makes Cucumber Salad Tastier?
Enhance the flavor of cucumbers by marinating them. Slice the cucumbers and place them in a bowl with a mixture of vinegar, lemon juice, olive oil, and your preferred herbs and spices. This will infuse them with a burst of flavor.