Get ready to elevate your culinary game with the most addictive, tangy, and ridiculously easy Refrigerator Pickled Salad you'll ever taste! Imagine crisp cucumber slices and delicate onion rings swimming in a sweet and zesty vinegar bath, ready to turn any ordinary meal into a flavor explosion. This bread and butter style pickle salad is not just a side dish – it's a game-changer that will have your family and friends begging for your secret recipe.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- 1/2 onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon mustard seeds
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon celery seeds
Instructions
- Wash and prepare the cucumber by slicing it thinly into uniform rounds, approximately 1/8 inch thick. Use a sharp knife or mandoline slicer for consistent thickness.
- Peel and slice the onion into very thin, translucent half-moon shapes. Separate the onion rings gently to ensure they mix well with the cucumber slices.
- In a medium saucepan, combine apple cider vinegar, sugar, mustard seeds, salt, and celery seeds. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar completely dissolves.
- Remove the vinegar mixture from heat and let it cool for approximately 5-7 minutes until it reaches room temperature. This prevents the cucumber from becoming too soft.
- Place the sliced cucumber and onion into a clean glass jar or non-reactive container with a tight-fitting lid.
- Pour the cooled vinegar mixture over the vegetables, ensuring they are completely submerged. Gently stir to distribute the spices evenly.
- Seal the container and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving, allowing the flavors to meld and pickle the vegetables.
- For best flavor, let the pickled salad sit in the refrigerator overnight. The pickles will keep for up to 1 week when stored properly in the refrigerator.
Tips
- Use a mandoline slicer for perfectly uniform cucumber slices that pickle evenly and look professionally prepared.
- Choose fresh, firm cucumbers for the best crunch and texture.
- Allow the pickling liquid to cool slightly before pouring over vegetables to maintain their crisp texture.
- For maximum flavor, let the pickled salad sit overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
- Store in a clean, airtight glass container to preserve freshness and prevent flavor contamination.
- Experiment with additional spices like dill or red pepper flakes for a personalized twist.
- These pickles are not just a side dish – try them on sandwiches, burgers, or as a tangy salad topper!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
