Do you love old-fashioned cucumbers and onions in vinegar? Did you grow up waiting for summer so Grandma could make this classic combination? If so, how about trying a new twist on this traditional dish? Cucumber, Onion, and Jalapeno Salad takes your favorite side dish to the next level. Who doesn’t like a little heat? 🙂 Plus, there are no fillers, sugars, or unhealthy add-ins…only natural goodness!
Cucumber, Onion, and Jalapeno Salad Recipe…
The idea for this recipe came from the beautiful bag of produce my parents shared with us recently. My husband LOVES Cucumbers and Onions, but I wanted to try something new. We both enjoy pickled peppers, and my mom makes a mean pickled jalapeno! So I thought, why not modernize this classic and add a little spice?
I love that this is a super-fast side dish. It takes about five minutes worth of prep work and the rest of the time, Cucumber, Onion, and Jalapeno Salad marinates in the refrigerator until it’s time to serve. This is the perfect dish for busy families who want to enjoy real food but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.
Cucumber, Onion, and Jalapeno Salad can be made as spicy or as mild as you like. I chose to take out as many seeds and as much of the pepper membranes as I could because our kids don’t like a lot of heat…just a little. If you enjoy taking dishes to the next level on the Scoville scale, leave in the seeds and you might even like to add a little cayenne or red pepper flakes! Yummy! Just know, as the salad marinates in the refrigerator everything picks up the spice from the peppers, cucumber and onions included.
One of the best things about Cucumber, Onion, and Jalapeno Salad is that it can be made to feed a crowd or just your family. The only ratio you need to remember is 3:1. This is the perfect amount of water to apple cider vinegar. So, if your garden is bursting with cucumbers and jalapenos, make a HUGE bowl of this salad and stick to the 3:1 ratio and you’ll be fine.
If Cucumber, Onion, and Jalapeno Salad sounds a little too spicy for you, try my classic Old Fashioned Cucumbers and Onions. These are just like my mom and grandma made when I was growing up. It is the PERFECT fresh summer salad. And, it keeps in the refrigerator for weeks! 🙂
Cucumber, Onion, and Jalapeno Salad: The Classic Dish with a Twist!
Notes
Be sure to wash cucumbers well prior to peeling and slicing. Using a mandoline slicer helps create even slices. Red wine vinegar could also be used in place of the apple cider vinegar, though the flavor will be much more mild. Different amounts of cucumbers, onions, and jalapenos can be used, simply make sure the ratio of water to apple cider vinegar stays at 3:1.
Ingredients
- 6 ripe cucumbers, washed, peeled, and sliced thinly
- 1 large white or yellow onion, peeled and sliced thinly
- 3-4 jalapeno peppers, washed and sliced thinly
- 3 cups water
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar
- Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
- Cayenne pepper, optional
- Red pepper flakes, optional
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the sliced the cucumbers and onions. A mandoline works great for the slicing.
- Cut the ends of each jalapenos. Using a paring knife, remove as many seeds and as much of the internal membrane as possible. (Leave it if you want more spice.) Slice peppers carefully with the mandoline.
- Combine vegetables well in container.
- Pour water and apple cider vinegar over vegetables, stirring well to combine.
- Add salt, pepper, cayenne, and red pepper flakes, if desired. Again, stir well to combine.
- Refrigerate for at least 4-6 hours to allow flavors to meld.
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Love this!! Adding jalapeños is a great twist on this summertime favorite of our family!