Cucumber Salad in a Jar is a delightful and refreshing dish that embodies the essence of summer. With its crisp cucumbers, vibrant red onions, and zesty bell peppers, all marinated in a tangy-sweet dressing, this salad is a perfect addition to picnics, barbecues, or simple weekday lunches. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the convenience of having a ready-to-eat, flavorful salad stored neatly in your fridge.
I first encountered a version of this salad at a family reunion. My aunt brought a large jar of what looked like pickles, but turned out to be this incredibly refreshing cucumber salad. It was a hit, and everyone kept going back for more. The concept of having such a tasty and healthy dish ready to go in a jar was fascinating to me. Since then, I’ve tweaked the recipe to make it my own, and it has become a staple in my kitchen, especially during the warmer months.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
4 cucumbers, thinly sliced
1 red onion, cut into large pieces
1 green bell pepper, cut into large pieces
1 tablespoon salt
For the Dressing:
2 cups white vinegar
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 teaspoon celery flakes
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Veggies
Prepare the Vegetables:
Start by washing the cucumbers, red onion, and green bell pepper. Thinly slice the cucumbers and cut the red onion and green bell pepper into large pieces. This combination of vegetables provides a variety of textures and flavors that make the salad interesting and delicious.
Combine with Salt:
In a large mixing bowl, toss together the sliced cucumbers, onion pieces, bell pepper pieces, and 1 tablespoon of salt. The salt helps to draw out excess moisture from the vegetables, making them extra crisp and flavorful.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
Combine Ingredients:
In a medium saucepan, combine 2 cups of white vinegar, 1 1/2 cups of sugar, 1 teaspoon of celery flakes, and 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. This mixture creates a tangy-sweet dressing with a hint of spice.
Heat to Dissolve Sugar:
Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally to ensure that the sugar fully dissolves. The boiling process helps to meld the flavors together and create a uniform dressing.
Step 3: Chill the Dressing
Cool the Dressing:
Once the dressing has come to a boil and the sugar is completely dissolved, remove the saucepan from the heat. Add two handfuls of ice to the saucepan and let them melt. This will quickly cool the mixture, making it ready to pour over the vegetables without cooking them further.
Step 4: Jar It Up
Pack the Jars:
Arrange the vegetable mixture into two quart-sized canning jars or one half-gallon jar. Pack the vegetables snugly, but do not crush them. The goal is to ensure that they are well-covered by the dressing for optimal flavor.
Step 5: Pour and Seal
Add the Dressing:
Pour the cooled vinegar mixture over the vegetables in the jars, ensuring that they are fully covered. It’s important that the vegetables are submerged in the dressing to absorb the flavors and stay fresh.
Seal the Jars:
Seal the jars tightly with their lids. This helps to keep the salad fresh and prevents any unwanted air from getting in.
Step 6: Refrigerate
Chill the Salad:
Place the sealed jars in the refrigerator. The salad will be ready to eat in just a few hours, but it’s best if left to marinate overnight. The longer the vegetables sit in the dressing, the more flavorful they will become.
Storage:
This Cucumber Salad in a Jar can stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to two months. The vinegar acts as a preservative, keeping the vegetables crisp and tasty for an extended period.
Variations and Substitutions
Different Vegetables:
Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots, radishes, or cherry tomatoes for additional flavors and colors.
Spice Level:
Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your spice preference. For a milder salad, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes. For more heat, add extra flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
Sweetness:
If you prefer a less sweet dressing, reduce the amount of sugar to 1 cup. Conversely, if you like a sweeter salad, you can increase the sugar to 2 cups.
Herbs:
Fresh herbs such as dill, parsley, or cilantro can be added to the vegetable mix for an extra burst of flavor.
Dietary Adjustments:
For a sugar-free version, use a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener. Ensure to adjust the quantity as per the sweetness level of the substitute.
Conclusion
Cucumber Salad in a Jar is more than just a dish; it’s a celebration of fresh, vibrant flavors that capture the essence of summer. This salad is appealing not only because of its delightful taste and crunchy texture but also for its convenience and versatility. The ease of preparation and long shelf life make it a perfect addition to your meal prep routine.
Whether you’re planning a picnic, need a quick and healthy lunch option, or are looking for a unique side dish, this Cucumber Salad in a Jar is sure to impress. The combination of crisp cucumbers, tangy vinegar, and a hint of spice creates a refreshing and satisfying dish that can be enjoyed any time. Enjoy the crunch and zest of this salad, and relish in the simplicity and deliciousness it brings to your table.
