This make ahead Summer Salad Recipe is perfect with just about any meal! It’s great for Potlucks, Picnics, Weeknight Dinner, Cookouts and more! Just a few simple ingredients and you are on your way to the PERFECT Summer Salad!
There are just some recipes that are tried and true, ones that you go back to over and over again. This Cucumber Salad is one of those recipes. It’s one that I have been making for years. I have tried adding different variations to the recipe like peppers, but we really just love the original. It’s best when made ahead, and the salad can set in the refrigerator for a few days before serving.
My Mom used to make this salad all the time, especially when there were lots of cucumbers to harvest in the garden. I don’t remember if she ever canned it to enjoy during the Winter months, but I bet you could. I also remember having it at a local church fair booth, there is just something special about those old fashioned church recipes.
Besides the cucumbers and onions, there are two secrets to this Cucumber Salad recipe – 1) a mixture that is boiled on the stove that marinades the vegetables and 2) celery seed adds a lot of flavor to the salad.
This recipe needs 24 to 36 hours for the flavors to come together, so it’s best to make this a day or two before you need it. This stores well and should last 10 to 14 days in the refrigerator if kept air tight. We have even had luck with adding more cucumbers and onions into the brine when the original gets low.
Besides the flavor of this Cucumber Salad, I love that it can be packed for a picnic, taken to a potluck, served at a cookout, or even enjoyed with a weeknight meal.
This recipe serves four so if you plan on taking this to a picnic or potluck just increase the ingredients accordingly.
Summer cookouts are one of my favorite get-togethers. The food is always amazing! We have some tips on planning a Summer cookout including a time line to make your life a lot easier.
On the table we have a fun Hot Dog Bar, Caramel Chai Cheesecake, and Cucumber Salad.
Cucumber Salad
- Total Time: 10 mins
- Yield: 4 Servings 1x
Description
This make ahead Summer Salad Recipe is perfect with just about any meal! It’s great for Potlucks, Picnics, Weeknight Dinner, Cookouts and more! Just a few simple ingredients and you are on your way to the PERFECT Summer Salad!
Ingredients
- 3–4 cucumbers, washed, peeled and sliced thinly
- 1 large onion, sliced thinly
- 1/2 red pepper, sliced thinly {optional}
- 1 tablespoon celery seed
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 1/2 cup water
- 3/4 cup sugar
Instructions
- Place vinegar, water and sugar in small saucepan.
- Heat to boiling on the stove until sugar dissolved.
- Slice cucumbers, onion and pepper and place in large sealable
- Add celery seed and salt
- Carefully pour vinegar mixture over vegetables.
- Seal and place in fridge for several hours or overnight.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Category: Salad
9 Comments
I have a similar recipe but it also has pasta spirals or rotini. Very yummy, and yes it gets better the longer it “sits.”
This looks so fresh and healthy, yummo!
Thanks so much Michelle!
~Liz
Gonna try this ! I’m getting tired of tossed salad every day!
I loved cucumber salad growing up, so refreshing and delicious! I can’t recall the last time I had it, I need to whip some up! Thanks for sharing at Merry Monday!
Thanks for stopping by!
~Liz
I love cucumber salad. My grandmother used to make it every summer and it’s one of my favorite things to make as well! Thanks for sharing with Delicious Dishes Recipe Party this week. Hope to see you again tomorrow for another party!
Beautiful summer salad and perfect for this time of year. Love it! Stopped by to do some sharing and let you know I’m featuring your yummy recipe on #FoodieFriDIY tonight – come by and share again!