Classic Swedish Cucumber Salad with a Sweet Tang
This refreshing Swedish Cucumber Salad is a delightful accompaniment to any meal, bursting with vibrant flavors and perfect for warm weather gatherings. The crisp cucumbers are sliced thinly and marinated in a sweet and tangy dressing made from cider vinegar, sugar, and a hint of onion. Ideal as a side dish for barbecues, picnics, or a light lunch, this salad is even better when allowed to marinate for a full day, as the flavors meld beautifully. Serve chilled for the best taste experience, and prepare to impress your friends and family with this classic Scandinavian dish.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cucumbers
3-4 (Medium, thinly sliced)
Onion
1/3 cup (Thinly sliced (optional))
Sugar
5 tablespoons (Granulated)
Water
5 tablespoons (Room temperature)
Cider Vinegar
1/3 cup (Unfiltered for a richer flavor)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (Fine sea salt)
Pepper
1 dash (Ground black pepper)
Instructions
1
Begin by washing the cucumbers thoroughly. Thinly slice them using a mandoline or sharp knife, ensuring each slice is uniform for even marination.
2
If using, thinly slice the onion and set it aside.
3
In a separate bowl, mix together the sugar, water, cider vinegar, salt, and a dash of pepper. Stir until the sugar is fully dissolved.
4
In a large bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers and onions, then pour the dressing over the top.
5
Gently toss the cucumber and onion mixture to ensure all pieces are coated in the dressing.
6
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid, then place it in the refrigerator. For the best flavor, let the salad chill for at least 24 hours before serving, allowing the cucumbers to absorb the delightful dressing.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Classic Swedish Cucumber Salad?
It is a traditional Scandinavian side dish consisting of thinly sliced cucumbers marinated in a sweet and tangy cider vinegar dressing.
What are the main ingredients for this salad?
The salad requires 3-4 cucumbers, optional onion, sugar, water, cider vinegar, salt, and pepper.
How many cucumbers should I use?
The recipe calls for 3 to 4 medium-sized cucumbers.
How should the cucumbers be prepared?
Cucumbers should be washed thoroughly and thinly sliced using a mandoline or a sharp knife.
Is onion mandatory in Swedish Cucumber Salad?
No, the onion is optional, but 1/3 cup of thinly sliced onion can be added for extra flavor.
What kind of vinegar is best for this recipe?
Cider vinegar is recommended, and using unfiltered cider vinegar provides a richer flavor.
How much sugar is needed for the dressing?
You will need 5 tablespoons of granulated sugar.
What is the ratio of sugar to water in the dressing?
The recipe uses an equal ratio of 5 tablespoons of sugar to 5 tablespoons of water.
How long should the salad marinate?
For the best flavor, the salad should marinate in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours.
Can I eat the salad immediately after preparation?
While you can eat it sooner, the flavors meld much better after a full day of chilling.
How should I serve Swedish Cucumber Salad?
It should be served chilled as a refreshing accompaniment to a meal.
What kind of salt should be used?
The recipe suggests using 1/2 teaspoon of fine sea salt.
What type of pepper is used?
A dash of ground black pepper is used to season the dressing.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this cucumber salad is completely vegetarian.
Is this recipe vegan-friendly?
Yes, all ingredients used in this recipe are plant-based.
Is this a low-protein dish?
Yes, this salad is categorized as a low-protein side dish.
What occasions are best for serving this salad?
It is ideal for warm weather gatherings, barbecues, picnics, or light lunches.
Do I need to dissolve the sugar?
Yes, stir the sugar, water, vinegar, salt, and pepper together until the sugar is fully dissolved.
Should the cucumbers be peeled?
The recipe instructions mention washing them thoroughly but do not require peeling.
Why is a mandoline recommended?
A mandoline helps ensure each slice is uniform, which allows for even marination.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, based on the ingredients listed, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
What color onion should I use?
The recipe doesn't specify, but thinly sliced red or white onions work well.
Can I use white vinegar instead of cider vinegar?
You can, but cider vinegar is preferred for its specific sweet and tangy profile.
How should the salad be stored?
Store it in the refrigerator in a bowl covered with plastic wrap or a lid.
How many ingredients are in this salad?
There are 7 ingredients in total, including seasonings.
Is this a healthy recipe?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy side dish option.
Can I add fresh dill?
While not in this specific ingredient list, dill is a common addition to Swedish cucumber salads.
What temperature should the water be for the dressing?
The recipe suggests using room temperature water.
Is this salad crisp?
Yes, the cucumbers remain crisp, especially if sliced fresh before marinating.
Is the dressing very acidic?
The dressing is balanced between the acidity of the vinegar and the sweetness of the sugar.