Grandma’s Super Simple Cucumber Salad Recipe

My Mom (my kid’s grandma) made a lot of cucumber salad in the summer and it is a super simple cucumber salad recipe. It’s a refreshing and delicious go-to salad for any summer occasion. 

To make this recipe, all you need are some fresh cucumbers, vinegar, salt, and pepper.

The combination of these ingredients creates a tangy dressing that perfectly complements the crispness of the cucumbers.

This salad is perfect for a summer picnic or as a side dish for any meal. It is also a great way to use up any extra cucumbers you may have from your garden.

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About Grandma’s Recipe

Growing up, my mom’s cucumber salad was always a staple at family gatherings and picnics. It was the perfect side dish to accompany any main course and always received compliments from everyone who tried it.

She always added onions and onion salt. I don’t do that.

What makes this recipe so special is its simplicity. With just a few ingredients, my mom was able to create a refreshing and delicious salad that everyone loved. I am sure that the recipe was passed down from her mom and has become a family favorite.

One of the things I love about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your taste preferences. For example, if you like your salad more tangy, you can add more vinegar. If you prefer it sweeter, you can add sugar. It’s all about finding the perfect balance of flavors that you enjoy.

Another great thing about this recipe is how easy it is to make. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you want to whip up something that’s easy and healthy.

Overall, Grandma’s cucumber salad recipe is a classic that will never go out of style. It’s a simple and delicious dish that is perfect for any occasion.

What is Cucumber Salad?

Cucumber salad at its core is a few main ingredients; fresh cucumbers, salt, black pepper, and vinegar.  You can change it up by adding fresh herbs including fresh dill. Adding some sour cream or Greek yogurt will create a creamy version of this crunchy salad. 

Different Types of Cucumbers

There are also different kinds of cucumbers that you can use. 

• English cucumbers
• Persian cucumbers,
• Burpless, seedless cucumbers

I use what I have in my garden and right now I have lots of cucumber. The secret to this recipe is fresh ingredients and very thin slices of cucumber. If you don’t have a cucumber plant then getting them from the farmers market or even the grocery store in the summer will give you a fresh cucumber.

You want to make sure that your cucumber is not soft or has any soft spots. Pass those up in favor of a firm cucumber for your cucumber recipes.

Preparing Easy Cucumber Salad

First cut off the ends of your cucumbers and then instead of slicing I score the cucumber skins with a fork before slicing.

I slice my cucumbers super thin with a sharp knife but you can use a mandoline slicer, if you have one to also get thin slices. 

Once you’ve sliced cucumbers put them on the bottom of a large bowl. Sprinkle the cucumber slices with sea salt and then place a bowl just slightly smaller than your large bowl and put something heavy in the bowl. I have used everything from books to my marble rolling pin to add weight to the bowl.

The purpose of the is to squeeze as much excess water as you can out of the cucumbers. I let the cucumbers sit for 30 minutes to up to a few hours at room temperature. I find the longer they sit the better as it squeezes out more water. Many recipes don’t use the weight method, they just let the cucumbers sit with the salt but I find that it speeds up the process and just tastes better.

Once your cucumbers have sat for a while, you need to drain them. The easiest way to do that is to dump them in a colander or strainer. 

I add vinegar just about to the top of the cucumbers and then add salt and pepper. I like my cucumber salad to be salty and a tangy flavor. This is a salad that you need to let your taste buds create the best flavors that you like. After I add the vinegar to the salad I add an ice cube to crisp up the cucumbers. Then I cover it with plastic wrap and pop it in the refrigerator until it’s time to serve.

Many people add a little sugar to cut the tangy flavor. I’m not one of those people.

Variations and Substituations

When it comes to Grandma’s Simple & Easy Cucumber Salad Recipe, there are many ways to make it your own. Here are a few variations and substitutions that I have tried and enjoyed:

• Use different veggies: While cucumbers are the star of this simple salad, you can add slivered onions. Both white onion and red onion slices work well to make it a little fancier. It also works well with cherry tomatoes, and/or sliced radishes, 
• Switch Up the vinegar: Most recipes call for plain white vinegar but I prefer mine to be tangy and so I use red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar. You can also try rice vinegar or white wine vinegar. They all have their own distinct flavor. 
• Try different herbs: If I have it on hand, I love fresh dill in my salad. You can also use dry dill if that’s what you have available. Fresh basil would be amazing if you’re adding tomatoes to the salad. Parsley or mint might also be a fun addition. 
• Add some heat: If you like spicy you can add some heat by chopping up some jalapeno pepper and adding it to the salad. Or you can add a touch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the dressing. 
• Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe: If you want to make the also popular creamy version, then you could add a tablespoon or so of sour cream or Greek Yogurt to the dressing. 

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to serving Grandma’s Simple & Easy Cucumber Salad Recipe, there are a few different options to consider. Here are a few serving suggestions that I recommend:

Option 1: As a Side Dish

This cucumber salad is the perfect side dish for a variety of meals. It pairs well with grilled meats, such as chicken, steak, or fish. It’s also a great addition to a summer BBQ or picnic. You can serve it alongside other salads or side dishes, or on its own.

Option 2: As a Topping

Another way to enjoy this cucumber salad is as a topping. You can add it to sandwiches or wraps to give them an extra crunch and burst of flavor. It’s also a great topping for burgers, hot dogs, or tacos. Try adding it to your favorite dish and see how it enhances the flavors.

Option 3: As a Snack

If you’re looking for a healthy snack, this cucumber salad is a great option. You can pack it in a container and take it with you to work or school. It’s also a great snack to have on hand when you’re watching TV or reading a book. The cucumbers are refreshing and the dressing adds just the right amount of flavor.

No matter how you choose to serve this cucumber salad, it’s sure to be a hit. It’s simple, easy to make, and delicious. Give it a try and see for yourself!

Health Benefits of Cucumbers

Cucumber salad is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Here are some of the health benefits of Grandma’s Simple & Easy Cucumber Salad Recipe:

1. Hydrates the body

Cucumbers are 95% water, making them a great way to stay hydrated. Consuming cucumber salad can help replenish lost fluids and prevent dehydration.

2. Provides essential vitamins and minerals

Cucumbers are a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin K, potassium, and magnesium. These nutrients are important for maintaining healthy skin, bones, and muscles.

3. Aids in digestion

Cucumber salad can help improve digestion due to its high fiber content. Fiber helps regulate bowel movements and prevent constipation.

4. Lowers blood pressure

Cucumbers contain compounds that may help lower blood pressure. Eating cucumber salad regularly can be a healthy addition to a blood pressure-lowering diet.

5. Promotes weight loss

Cucumber salad is low in calories and high in water and fiber, making it a great option for those looking to lose weight. Consuming cucumber salad can help you feel full and satisfied without consuming excess calories.

Incorporating Grandma’s Simple & Easy Cucumber Salad Recipe into your diet can provide a range of health benefits. Not only is it delicious, but it is also a nutritious addition to any meal.

Common Mistake

As someone who has made this cucumber salad recipe countless times, I have learned from my mistakes. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

Over-salting

It’s easy to get carried away with the salt when making this salad. However, too much salt can make the salad taste too salty and ruin the overall flavor. I recommend using a light hand when adding salt and tasting as you go. This is also not a dish for anyone on a salt-restricted diet. 

Not draining the cucumbers

Cucumbers have a lot of water in them, which can make the salad watery if not drained properly. 

Not chilling the salad

This salad is best served chilled, so it’s important to let it chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving. If you don’t have time to chill it for that long, you can place it in the freezer for about 15-20 minutes to speed up the process.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll be able to make Grandma’s Simple & Easy Cucumber Salad Recipe perfectly every time.

Conclusion

I hope you enjoyed learning about my Grandma’s Simple & Easy Cucumber Salad Recipe. It’s a great side dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re having a BBQ, a potluck, or just a family dinner, this salad is sure to be a hit.

One of the things I love about this recipe is how simple it is. With just a few ingredients, you can create a delicious and refreshing salad that’s perfect for hot summer days. Plus, it’s a great way to use up any extra cucumbers you have lying around.

Another thing I love about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can easily customize it to suit your taste preferences. For example, if you like things spicy, you can add some red pepper flakes or jalapenos to the mix. Or, if you prefer things sweeter, you can add some honey or sugar to the dressing.

Overall, I highly recommend giving this recipe a try. It’s quick, easy, and delicious, and it’s sure to become a family favorite in no time.

Peace and Love,

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