Hi there! Welcome back. My next recipe is a family dish. I am a strong believer that wherever life takes you, you keep a piece of your experience with you. Some things stick whether it’s something you learned, a dish, or a great memory. Both of my parents lived in Germany during their adolescents and share memories of that time. This recipe is a cherished piece of Germany that my family enjoys in the United States. I remember whenever my grandma made these this side salad, it was always a special treat. Often accompanied hamburgers and hot dogs.
This marinated cucumber salad is tart to slightly sweet. There are several types of traditional German cucumber salad that use sour cream or even mayonnaise as the base. I have never encountered a bad cucumber salad but I do have a special place in my heart for my family’s version.
Patience and a Bit of of Sugar
This tart cucumber salad with vinegar and sugar is as simple as it gets, but takes time for the flavors to develop. As a girl, I remember becoming impatient that the cucumber salad was not “ready”. This process included pickling the cucumbers and onions with sugar over 3 days. Each day, my dad would taste it and if not ready add some additional sugar. I prefer mine slight tart. The onions also become delectably sweet, almost candy like.
I typically make my cucumber salad in a glass storage containers that have a lid. The vinegar has a strong odor so having an airtight lid helps seal in the smell.
Cucumber Guide
Most grocery stores carry a few types of cucumbers. My favorite for this dish are Kirby or Garden cucumbers due to the size and taste. You could also use Persian cucumbers (the long skinny ones, often in a Saran Wrap cover).
If you are fortunate enough to have a vegetable garden, then fresh cucumbers are the VERY BEST! The taste is undeniable and you have the satisfaction of bringing it to your family table. Unfortunately, not everyone has the room to grow cucumbers. If that is the case, check out your local farmers market.
This one is simple and the hardest part is waiting a few days. If you enjoyed this recipe, you should also check out my other side salads and cucumber creations:
Cucumber and Smoked Salmon Snacks
Marinated Cucumber Salad
Ingredients
- 1 whole cucumber
- 1/4 whole white onion
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 3 tbsp sugar 1 tbsp each day for 3 days
- pepper to taste
- 1/4 tbsp thyme
Instructions
- Peel and cut your onions and cucumbers.
- Place in a container and add 1 Tbsp sugar, pepper, and thyme and vinegar.
- Each day for 3 days add 1 Tbsp of sugar.
- Enjoy on day 3.
