Description
Cool Pennsylvania Dutch cucumbers bring nostalgic summer flavors to crisp, refreshing salads. Garden-fresh ingredients and simple preparation make this classic side dish a delightful complement to hearty meals you’ll crave.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 large cucumbers
- ½ small onion (white or yellow)
Liquid Ingredients:
- ½ cup white vinegar
- ¼ cup water
Seasoning Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Optional Flavor Enhancers:
- ¼ teaspoon celery seed or fresh dill
Instructions
- Select crisp, firm cucumbers and peel them using a sharp vegetable peeler, creating thin, translucent slices that will absorb the tangy marinade effectively.
- Slice onions into delicate, semi-transparent rings or half-moons, ensuring they are uniformly cut to provide consistent flavor distribution throughout the salad.
- Combine cucumber and onion slices in a spacious mixing vessel, gently separating the layers to prevent clumping and ensure each piece will be evenly coated.
- Craft a vibrant dressing by whisking white vinegar with cool water, introducing granulated sugar to balance the acidic notes, and seasoning with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Incorporate optional aromatic elements like celery seed or dried dill to enhance the traditional Pennsylvania Dutch flavor profile, stirring until the sugar completely dissolves.
- Pour the liquid mixture over the vegetables, using a soft spatula to gently fold and coat every slice, ensuring comprehensive flavor integration.
- Seal the container with a tight-fitting lid or plastic wrap, then transfer to the refrigerator for a minimum of one hour, allowing the ingredients to marinate and meld together.
- Before serving, give the cucumber salad a gentle stir to redistribute the dressing and revive the flavors, creating a refreshing and crisp side dish.
Notes
- Slice vegetables paper-thin for the most delicate texture, using a sharp mandoline or careful knife skills to ensure uniform, translucent cuts.
- Adjust sugar levels to create a balanced sweet-tangy profile, reducing for a more savory version or increasing for a sweeter Pennsylvania Dutch style dressing.
- Experiment with herb variations like fresh dill or tarragon to elevate the traditional recipe, adding complexity and personal flair to this classic summer side dish.
- Allow longer marinating time for deeper flavor absorption, with the pickled cucumbers developing more intense taste and slightly softened texture after 4-6 hours in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 30
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg