Description
A tangy and refreshing pickled cucumber, onion, and bell pepper salad that’s perfect as a make-ahead side dish for barbecues, picnics, or potlucks. This vibrant, vegan salad features crisp vegetables marinated in a flavorful vinegar-based pickling liquid with a touch of dill for added freshness.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
Pickling Liquid
- 1 cup white vinegar
- ½ cup water
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon celery seed (optional)
Herbs
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill or ½ teaspoon dried dill (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables: In a large mixing bowl, combine the thinly sliced cucumbers, red onion, and red and yellow bell peppers. Toss them gently to mix evenly.
- Make the pickling liquid: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the white vinegar, water, granulated sugar, salt, black pepper, and celery seed if using. Stir constantly and bring the mixture to a simmer until the sugar and salt have fully dissolved. Remove the pan from heat and allow the liquid to cool slightly.
- Combine and marinate: Pour the warm pickling liquid evenly over the sliced vegetables. Toss gently to ensure all the vegetables are coated with the pickling brine. Cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. For best flavor, let the salad chill overnight.
- Add dill and serve: Just before serving, stir in fresh or dried dill to enhance the flavor if desired. Serve chilled as a refreshing side dish.
Notes
- This pickled salad keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, making it great for advance preparation.
- It’s an ideal side dish for barbecues, picnics, or potlucks because of its bright and crisp flavors.
- You can substitute apple cider vinegar for white vinegar for a milder, slightly sweeter flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Pickling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ½ cup
- Calories: 40
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
