Sweet And Sour Cukes And Onions
Sweet and sour cukes and onions offer a crisp, tangy side with a touch of sweetness, perfect for summer gatherings or as a refreshing accompaniment. The thinly sliced vegetables soak up a flavorful vinegar dressing, making it a versatile dish that pairs well with grilled meats or picnic spreads.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Peel the cucumbers and slice them very thin.
- Place the sliced cucumbers in a glass bowl.
- Peel the onion and slice it very thin into rings.
- Add the onion slices to the bowl with the cucumbers.
- Add sugar, cider vinegar, cold water, and vegetable oil to the bowl.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add dill weed to the mixture.
- Stir well and let stand at room temperature for at least 1 hour before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a crunchier texture, try using Kirby cucumbers instead of regular ones. If you prefer a bit more heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the mixture. You can substitute apple cider vinegar with white wine vinegar for a milder flavor. Adjust the sugar according to your taste, especially if you're using very sweet onions like Vidalia.
Serving Suggestions
This sweet and sour dish pairs beautifully with grilled meats or seafood, making it an excellent side for summer barbecues. It can also be served alongside a fresh salad or as a topping for sandwiches. For a complete meal, consider serving it with the Bean-Pea Salad for a refreshing contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop as they sit. To serve chilled, simply take them out of the fridge about 15 minutes before serving to let them come to room temperature. Avoid reheating as this dish is best served cold.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sweet And Sour Cukes And Onions contains roughly 159 calories, with 5g protein, 35g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (93% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 525mg per serving (23% 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 make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this dish a day in advance. It actually tastes better after the flavors have had time to meld. Just make sure to keep it refrigerated and allow it to sit at room temperature for a short while before serving to enhance the flavors.
What can I use instead of sugar?
If you want to reduce sugar, consider using honey or agave syrup as a natural sweetener. Alternatively, a sugar substitute like stevia could work well, but adjust to taste since substitutes can vary in sweetness.
Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! You can add bell peppers or radishes for extra crunch and color. Just be sure to slice them thinly to ensure they absorb the flavors of the dressing. Experimenting with different veggies can make this dish even more vibrant and nutritious.
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).