Cucumbers Gourmet
Gourmet cucumber salad features thinly sliced cucumbers and onions in a sweet, tangy vinegar dressing, perfect for light, refreshing summer meals or as a sophisticated side dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Slice cucumbers into thin slices and onions into rings.
- Place the sliced cucumbers and onions in a bowl, then salt well.
- Let stand in the refrigerator for 1 hour.
- Rinse the mixture well and drain thoroughly.
- In the bowl, mix the cucumbers, onions, sugar, and vinegar.
- Let stand overnight.
- Refrigerate before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For best flavor, use fresh cucumbers and let them sit in salt for at least an hour to draw out excess moisture. If you're looking for a twist, try substituting the Heinz gourmet wine vinegar with apple cider vinegar for a fruity touch. This recipe can also be enhanced with fresh herbs like dill or mint for added freshness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish chilled as a refreshing side salad, perfect for summer barbecues or picnics. It pairs beautifully with Korean Ribs or grilled meats. For a complete meal, consider adding it alongside rice or quinoa, or serve as a topping on sandwiches for added crunch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cucumbers gourmet in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop, making it even tastier on the second day. Avoid freezing, as the cucumbers will become mushy upon thawing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cucumbers Gourmet contains roughly 202 calories, with 5g protein, 47g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (61% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 750mg per serving (33% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of vinegar in this recipe?
Yes, you can experiment with different types of vinegar such as rice vinegar or white wine vinegar. Each will impart a unique flavor to the dish, so choose one that complements your taste preferences.
Is it necessary to let the cucumbers sit overnight?
Letting the cucumbers sit overnight allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the overall taste. However, if you're short on time, you can serve them after a few hours, though the flavor may be less intense.
What can I serve this dish with?
Cucumbers gourmet pairs well with grilled meats, particularly Korean Ribs, and can be served as a side dish at barbecues. Additionally, it makes a great topping for sandwiches or wraps, adding a refreshing crunch.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).