Just like Mom used to make it, kinda
On Monday I re-posted the first cucumber salad recipe I shared on Think Tasty. In the introduction I referenced today’s salad as new. In all fairness, this isn’t a new recipe at all. It’s just new to Think Tasty. My mom made a version of this when I was a kid, so it definitely has been around for a while. (I’ll let you determine how long that while is.)
The one difference between my mom’s and mine is the absence of oil. There’s no need for it. The flavors of the onion, cucumber, and vinegar are sharp enough on their own. The elimination of oil makes it not only healthier but also slightly lighter.
While I mentioned that the Creamy Cucumber Salad is my favorite of the two, this one isn’t far behind. Not only does it provide a sense of nostalgia, it also delivers the full flavor of ripe cucumber. Sure, on their own cucumbers may be kind of bland, but tossed with some seasonings, cucumbers come to life.
Right now, we need a side dish like this, as we are in the dog days of summer. It’s hot and humid. Even with the AC running, the idea of a steaming bowl of anything is disheartening. This recipe comes to the rescue. There’s no cooking involved (except heating the water a little to dissolve the sugar). Plus, it takes very little time to assemble. Stick it in the fridge overnight or while you’re at work, and you have an ice cold side salad when it’s dinnertime.
This salad also is easy on the grocery list. Stop at a local farmstand (or go to your backyard garden, if you’re so lucky), and get a couple cucumbers. You’re good to go- assuming you keep vinegar, sugar, and onion on hand. If you don’t, it may be time to reevaluate your pantry. These really are staples.
Not that you’ve got a salad hanging out in the fridge- what do you serve it with? You will need something heartier, this is a light salad. How about throwing a couple hamburgers on the grill? Make it a create your own sub/wrap night? Prepare pulled pork in the crockpot? Any of these work, especially since none of them are going to warm up your kitchen.
If you haven’t had this salad recently (or ever), it’s time for a little salad throwback.
- 2 cucumbers
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 1/4 cup diced yellow onion
- Salt & pepper
- Peel cucumbers.
- Cut in half lengthwise, and then cut into 1/2 inch crescents.
- Transfer to a medium-sized bowl.
- In a 2-cup measuring cup, combine water and sugar.
- Heat on high in microwave for 30-60 seconds until sugar dissolves upon stirring.
- Add vinegar and onion.
- Cool completely.
- Pour vinegar mixture over cucumber slices, and season with salt and pepper.
- Stir well.
- Cover and refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours.
