Chilled Heirloom Cucumber Salad
This refreshing Chilled Heirloom Cucumber Salad has been a beloved family recipe for generations, especially during the sweltering Texas summer months when the garden is bursting with crisp cucumbers and vibrant tomatoes. The tangy-sweet marinade made from cider vinegar, sugar, and spices perfectly complements the cool crunch of the cucumbers and the soft juiciness of heirloom tomatoes. Not just limited to hot days, this salad pairs beautifully with rich dishes like chili and cornbread, bringing a light and zesty contrast to hearty meals. Enjoy this salad as a delightful side at summer picnics, barbecues, or any occasion where you want to serve a taste of nostalgia with a fresh twist!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
sugar
1/2 cup (granulated)
water
1/3 cup (room temperature)
white pepper
1 teaspoon (ground)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (table salt)
cider vinegar
1 1/2 cups (unfiltered)
cucumbers
3 large (peeled and thinly sliced)
onion
1 small (quartered)
heirloom tomatoes
2 small (quartered)
fresh parsley
1/4 cup (chopped)
Instructions
1
In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, water, white pepper, and salt.
2
Heat the mixture over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally until it reaches a boil. Once boiling, let it continue for about 2-3 minutes, or until the sugar completely dissolves.
3
Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the mixture to cool for about 10 minutes.
4
Stir in the cider vinegar, mixing thoroughly to combine all the ingredients.
5
In a large mixing bowl, add the thinly sliced cucumbers, quartered onion, quartered heirloom tomatoes, and chopped parsley.
6
Pour the cooled vinegar mixture over the vegetables, ensuring everything is well-coated.
7
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, allowing the flavors to meld. For the best taste, let it sit overnight.
8
Serve chilled, garnished with additional parsley if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chilled Heirloom Cucumber Salad?
It is a refreshing, traditional Texas-style side dish made with sliced cucumbers, heirloom tomatoes, and onions in a tangy-sweet cider vinegar marinade.
What kind of cucumbers should I use for this recipe?
The recipe calls for three large cucumbers that are peeled and thinly sliced for the best texture and absorption of the marinade.
Do I need to peel the cucumbers?
Yes, peeling the cucumbers is recommended to ensure they are tender and can fully soak up the vinegar dressing.
What makes heirloom tomatoes special in this salad?
Heirloom tomatoes provide a soft juiciness and vibrant colors that complement the crisp crunch of the cucumbers.
Can I use regular tomatoes instead of heirloom?
Yes, while heirloom tomatoes are suggested for their flavor, any ripe, fresh garden tomato will work well in this salad.
What is the base of the salad dressing?
The dressing is a marinade made from cider vinegar, sugar, water, white pepper, and table salt.
Can I substitute white vinegar for cider vinegar?
Cider vinegar is preferred for its tangy-sweet profile, but white vinegar can be used if you prefer a sharper, more neutral acidity.
How long does the salad need to chill before serving?
It should be refrigerated for at least 3 hours, though letting it sit overnight provides the best flavor as the ingredients meld.
Can I eat this salad immediately after making it?
It is best to wait at least 3 hours; the flavors need time to develop and the vegetables need to be thoroughly chilled.
How long can I store this salad in the refrigerator?
This salad can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 to 5 days.
Is this Chilled Heirloom Cucumber Salad gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients used in this recipe, including cider vinegar and vegetables, are naturally gluten-free.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Yes, this recipe is 100% vegan as it contains no animal-derived ingredients.
Can I reduce the amount of sugar in the marinade?
Yes, you can adjust the sugar to your preference, though the half-cup provides the traditional sweet-and-sour balance.
What dishes pair well with this cucumber salad?
It pairs excellently with hearty Texas dishes like chili and cornbread, as well as summer barbecues and picnics.
Why do I need to boil the sugar and water mixture?
Boiling ensures the sugar completely dissolves into the water, creating a smooth syrup base for the marinade.
How should the onion be prepared?
The recipe suggests using one small onion that has been quartered.
Can I use red onion instead of white or yellow onion?
Yes, red onion is a great substitute if you want a bit more color and a sharper bite in your salad.
What type of parsley is used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of fresh chopped parsley to add a burst of herbal freshness.
Can I add other herbs like dill?
While the original recipe uses parsley, dill is a classic addition to cucumber salads and would work very well.
Why is white pepper used instead of black pepper?
White pepper provides a mild, earthy heat without leaving large black specks in the clear marinade.
Can I substitute black pepper if I don't have white pepper?
Yes, ground black pepper is a perfectly acceptable substitute if white pepper is unavailable.
Is this a spicy salad?
No, the salad is tangy and sweet with only a very mild warmth from the teaspoon of white pepper.
Can I double this recipe for a large party?
Absolutely, the proportions of this salad scale up easily for large gatherings or potlucks.
Should I remove the seeds from the cucumbers?
It is not required, but if you are using cucumbers with very large seeds, you may choose to remove them before slicing.
Why must the cucumbers be sliced thinly?
Thin slices allow the marinade to penetrate the cucumber more quickly and provide a better texture.
Can I add other vegetables like bell peppers?
Yes, adding thinly sliced bell peppers would add a nice crunch and additional sweetness to the dish.
Do I pour the hot syrup directly onto the vegetables?
No, you should allow the sugar mixture to cool for about 10 minutes before adding the vinegar and pouring it over the vegetables.
Can I use a sugar substitute to make it low-calorie?
Yes, a granulated sugar substitute can be used; just ensure it dissolves well in the boiling water.
How can I prevent the salad from becoming too watery?
If you prefer less liquid, you can salt the sliced cucumbers first, let them drain for 20 minutes, then rinse and pat dry before marinating.
Is this recipe considered a traditional Texas dish?
Yes, it is described as a beloved family recipe used for generations during Texas summers.