Cold Cucumber Salad is an easy recipe for the tangy cucumber salad found in New York delicatessens and bagel shops. It's a simple, one-bowl vegan health salad made with a vinegar-based dressing.
Deli salads are amazingly flavorful, and New York delis and bagel shops have some of the best salads anywhere!
But why should you stand in line and pay expensive deli prices?
Cucumber salad is simple to make at home, and it uses just one bowl!
It's dairy-free, vegan, and budget-friendly.
It's also a great make-ahead recipe. Pack it for lunch at work or school and save money on lunch.
It's a unique, refreshing dish for deli tables, barbecues, and picnics, and a terrific salad for potlucks.
And it's adaptable! You can adjust the quantities of the flavors to suit your own taste.
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What is needed to make New York deli-style cucumber salad?
I hardly ever meal plan, so I like to keep a cupboard full of seasonings, spices, veggies, and canned goods in my kitchen to use whenever the mood strikes.
But these are all you need to have on hand to make this recipe even last minute!
cucumbers
medium onion (preferably a sweet purple onion)
white vinegar
white granulated sugar
fresh chopped dill (you can leave this out in a pinch)
salt
ground pepper (white or black)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is cold cucumber salad?
Cold cucumber salad is a refreshing, tangy salad made with cucumbers and a vinegar-based dressing. This deli-style version is similar to the cucumber salads served at New York delicatessens and Jewish bagel shops.
Is cold cucumber salad the same as deli cucumber salad?
Yes. Cold cucumber salad is also commonly described as deli cucumber salad, particularly when referring to the tangy vinegar-based version served at delicatessens and bagel shops.
Is cold cucumber salad healthy?
Cold cucumber salad can be a healthy side dish, especially when made with fresh cucumbers and a vinegar-based dressing. This recipe is also vegan and dairy-free.
Can I make cucumber salad ahead of time?
Yes. Cucumber salad is a great make-ahead dish. Making it ahead gives the cucumbers time to absorb the flavors of the dressing.
How long does cucumber salad last in the refrigerator?
Store cucumber salad covered in the refrigerator. For the best texture and flavor, enjoy it within a few days.
Can I adjust the flavors in cucumber salad?
Yes. This recipe is adaptable, so you can adjust the amounts of the dressing ingredients to suit your taste. Add more or less of the sweet, sour, or savory flavors as you prefer.
What can I serve with cold cucumber salad?
Cold cucumber salad is a refreshing side dish for sandwiches, grilled foods, and other deli-style meals. It's also a great addition to picnics, barbecues, deli tables, and potlucks.
Love deli salads?
Want some other vegan recipes?
Cold Cucumber Salad
Deliciou and vegan cold cucumber salad like in New York delis and bagel shops!
Ingredients
- 3 cucumbers, thinly sliced (peel, if desired)
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced (sweet purple onion preferred)
- ⅔ cup white vinegar
- ⅔ cup water
- ¼ cup white granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh chopped dill
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground pepper (white or black)
Instructions
- Place the sliced cucumber in a large mixing bowl.
- Fold in the vinegar, water, sugar, dill, salt, and pepper until evenly spread throughout the cucumber slices.
- Chill until cold (an hour or two), optional but recommended.
- Before use, you can pour out excess liquid (from seeping from the cucumbers), if so desired.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
4Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 105Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gSodium: 283mgCarbohydrates: 24gFiber: 1gSugar: 19gProtein: 2g
