Cucumber Salad in a Jar is a crisp, tangy, and refreshing dish that’s perfect for picnics, barbecues, or as a side dish for any meal. This easy-to-make salad combines fresh cucumbers, onions, and red peppers with a flavorful brine. It’s ideal for meal prepping and can be stored in the refrigerator for quick and healthy snacking.
Ingredients:
- 7 large dill pickling cucumbers, unpeeled and sliced thin
- 1 1/2 cups sliced onions
- 1 1/2 cups sliced red peppers
- 1 tbsp salt
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 2 cups sugar (or stevia for a sugar-free version)
- 1 tsp celery seed
- 1 tsp mustard seed
Instructions:
- Prepare the Vegetables:
- Cucumbers: Wash the cucumbers thoroughly and slice them thinly. You can use a mandoline slicer for uniform slices. Place the sliced cucumbers in a large mixing bowl.
- Onions: Peel and slice the onions thinly. Add the sliced onions to the bowl with the cucumbers.
- Red Peppers: Wash, core, and slice the red peppers into thin strips. Add the sliced peppers to the bowl with the other vegetables.
- Mix the Vegetables with Salt:
- Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of salt over the sliced vegetables. Toss them gently to ensure the salt is evenly distributed. Let the mixture sit for about 30 minutes to allow the salt to draw out excess moisture from the vegetables.
- Prepare the Brine:
- In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of white vinegar and 2 cups of sugar (or stevia). Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring until the sugar or stevia is completely dissolved.
- Add 1 teaspoon of celery seed and 1 teaspoon of mustard seed to the vinegar mixture. Bring the brine to a gentle boil, then remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly.
- Combine Vegetables and Brine:
- After the vegetables have sat for 30 minutes, drain any excess liquid from the bowl. Pat the vegetables dry with a paper towel to remove any remaining moisture.
- Transfer the vegetables to a large jar or several smaller jars, packing them tightly.
- Add the Brine:
- Pour the prepared brine over the vegetables in the jar(s). Make sure the vegetables are completely submerged in the brine. If necessary, gently press down on the vegetables to remove any air pockets.
- Seal and Refrigerate:
- Seal the jar(s) with a lid and refrigerate for at least 24 hours before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the vegetables to become fully pickled. The cucumber salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Tips for Success:
- Uniform Slices: Use a mandoline slicer to ensure all the vegetables are sliced uniformly. This helps them pickle evenly.
- Salting Vegetables: Don’t skip the step of salting the vegetables and letting them sit. This process draws out excess moisture and keeps the pickles crunchy.
- Adjusting Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the amount of sugar or stevia according to your taste preferences. Start with the recommended amount and adjust if necessary.
Variations:
- Spicy Kick: Add a few slices of jalapeño or red chili flakes to the brine for a spicy version of this salad.
- Herbal Twist: Add fresh dill or parsley to the vegetable mix for an herbal flavor.
- Garlic: Add a couple of cloves of sliced garlic to the brine for an extra layer of flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 80 (using sugar)
- Total Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 390mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 20g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 18g (using sugar)
- Protein: 1g
FAQ:
Q: Can I use other types of cucumbers? A: Yes, you can use any type of cucumber, but pickling cucumbers are preferred for their crisp texture. If using other varieties, make sure to slice them thinly and remove seeds if necessary.
Q: How long does this salad last in the refrigerator? A: This cucumber salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Ensure it’s kept in an airtight jar to maintain its freshness.
Q: Can I reduce the amount of sugar? A: Yes, you can adjust the amount of sugar or use a sugar substitute like stevia to make it less sweet. Adjust according to your taste preference.
Q: Can I add other vegetables? A: Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like carrots, radishes, or green peppers to the mix for added variety and color.
Cucumber Salad in a Jar is a delightful and refreshing dish that’s easy to prepare and perfect for various occasions. Its tangy, sweet, and crunchy profile makes it a versatile side dish that pairs well with many main courses. Plus, its make-ahead nature makes it a convenient option for busy days. Enjoy the burst of flavors and the crispness of the vegetables with every bite.
