If you're looking for a light and refreshing summer side dish, I'd like to introduce you to hot weather's best friend - marinated cucumbers and onions.
Why you'll love this recipe.
My grandma used to make these cucumbers marinated in vinegar and they're a summer staple around here. The cool and crisp cucumber are the perfect match for summertime.
We also enjoy this cold asparagus salad and this Mediterranean cucumbers and tomato salad at backyard bbqs this time fo year!
I'm pretty sure they've graced our red and white checkered tablecloth and picnic table at a family reunion more than once.
It's a healthy, refreshing side dish that pairs well with anything you throw on the grill all summer long.
Ingredients
Why white onion? I'm so glad you asked!
White onion is a little more pungent than, say, a yellow onion. But it works in this recipe because they hold up to the strong acidity of the vinegar.
How to Make Marinated Cucumbers and Onions
Before we start, keep in mind we'll need to give this dish a few hours to chill in the fridge.
Step 1: Trim the ends of cucumbers. Peel all or a portion of cucumber skin, then thinly slice and put into a medium size bowl.
Step 2: Add the sliced onion.
Step 3: In a small bowl, combine vinegar, olive oil, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Whisk to combine. Pour marinade over cucumbers.
Step 4: Refrigerate for several hours before serving.
Variations
Even though I love the white onions in here, and I love this recipe with only a few ingredients, I have some ideas to change things up a bit!
- Add grape, cherry or sliced tomatoes to the mix and allow to marinade
- Everything is betta' with feta! Add some crumbled feta cheese. Yum!
- Black or kalamata olives add a nice brininess and color contrast
- Switch up your onion and use red or purple onion. Heck, if you have a yellow onion you can use that, too!
- Add some fresh herbs like flat leaf parsley or mint.
How to store leftovers
These will keep in the fridge, covered for a few days. Any longer than that and they're not going to be the crisp salad you crave.
Basically, my suggestion is to eat them and eat them often! Easy enough, right??
These marinated cucumbers are a great low carb side dish for Air Fryer Italian Sausage and Peppers!
Other Summer Side Dishes
Quick Marinated Cucumbers and Onions
Ingredients
- 6 cucumbers sliced thin
- 1 white onion sliced
- 1 Tablespoon white vinegar
- 2 teaspoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Trim the ends of cucumbers. Peel all or a portion of cucumber skin, then thinly slice and put into a medium size bowl.
- Add the sliced onion.
- In a small bowl, combine vinegar, olive oil, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Whisk to combine. Pour marinade over cucumbers and refrigerate for several hours before serving.
Notes
- Add grape, cherry or sliced tomatoes to the mix and allow to marinade
- Everything is betta' with feta! Add some crumbled feta cheese. Yum!
- Black or kalamata olives add a nice brininess and color contrast
- Switch up your onion and use red or purple onion. Heck, if you have a yellow onion you can use that, too!
- Add some fresh herbs like flat leaf parsley or mint.
Nutrition
Peter
Very nice I always put tomato and lightly cooked mussels in as well leave about a week before eating.