Sweet and Tangy Vinegar Cucumber Salad

This cucumber salad features a sweet and tangy vinegar dressing. It’s crunchy, flavorful, and the perfect side dish for summer meals.

Years ago, I gave a cookbook talk at Walt Disney World’s Food and Wine Festival. While there, I tried the cucumber salad at Gasparilla Island Grill. It was delightfully crunchy and sweet, with a pleasant vinegar kick. I loved it.

I asked for the recipe, and the chef kindly wrote it down on the back of a napkin. Miraculously, I didn’t lose the napkin, and I’ve been making the recipe ever since.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this recipe.

• Cucumbers. Any type of fresh cucumber works. 
• Apple Cider Vinegar. There’s a nice vinegar presence in the dressing. Apple cider 
• Sugar. Granulated sugar adds sweetness.
• Onion. I use whatever onion I have on hand.
• Black Pepper. A generous amount of black pepper adds a little heat.
• Salt. Just a pinch enhances all the other flavors.

How to Make This Sweet and Tangy Cucumber Salad

1. Make the dressing. Mix the sugar with hot water. This helps the sugar to dissolve. Then stir in the vinegar, salt, and pepper. 
2. Cut the cucumbers and onions. I like to peel my cucumbers but that’s optional.
3. Stir everything together.
4. Chill for about an hour before serving. 

Some Notes

• The original recipe called for a lot more sugar. I’ve reduced it. But it’s an ingredient you can play with. Use more or less to suit your tastes.
• If I’m in a rush, I skip chilling the salad before serving. It still tastes great. 
• This salad keeps great in the fridge. So if you want to make it in advance, go for it.

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Sweet and Tangy Vinegar Cucumber Salad

This cucumber salad is made with a sweet and tangy vinegar dressing. It’s crunchy, flavorful, and the perfect side dish for summer meals.

Prep Time 5 minutes

Chill Time 1 hour

Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes

Ingredients

• ¼ cup hot water
• 3 tablespoons sugar add more or less to taste
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 large cucumbers, peeled and sliced thin
• About ¼ cup chopped or sliced onion, yellow, red or sweet

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the hot water and sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves. Add the cucumbers and onion. Stir to combine.

2. Chill for at least an hour before serving. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to three days.