15-Minute Iced Refrigerator Cucumber Salad
A refreshing chilled cucumber salad that marinates overnight in a sweet vinegar dressing with ice. The cucumbers and sweet onions are layered with salt to draw out moisture, then covered with a tangy vinegar-sugar mixture and crushed ice. Perfect for hot summer days, picnics, or as a cooling side dish for barbecues. The extended refrigeration time allows the flavors to meld while keeping the vegetables crisp and cold.
Ingredients
- 2 extra large cucumbers
- 1 cup packed sliced Vidalia or other sweet onion, packed sliced
- ½ tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, or to taste
- 3 cups ice cubes, about one tray
Instructions
- 1
Peel and slice cucumbers about 1/4 inch thick
- 2
Add half of the cucumbers in the bottom of a covered storage bowl and sprinkle with half of the salt
- 3
Top with half of the onions
- 4
Repeat layers, dividing remaining cucumbers, salt and onion in at least 2 layers
- 5
Whisk together the vinegar and sugar
- 6
Beat in 2 of the ice cubes until melted
- 7
Pour over the cucumbers
- 8
Crush remaining ice and layer over the top
- 9
Refrigerate for 8 hours or up to 24 hours
- 10
Drain, reserving liquid, and serve
- 11
Repack any leftover salad in a Mason jar with reserved liquid and refrigerate
Tips
Layer the cucumbers and onions in at least 2 layers with salt between each to ensure proper moisture extraction and even seasoning throughout the salad.
Reserve the drained liquid when serving as it can be reused to store leftovers and maintain the salad's flavor and crispness in the refrigerator.
Good to Know
Keep refrigerated in covered container for up to 3 days. Store with reserved liquid to maintain crispness.
Can be made 8-24 hours in advance. Best when marinated overnight.
Serve chilled as a side dish. Drain before serving and reserve liquid for storage.
Common Mistakes
Don't skip the layering with salt as it draws out excess moisture and prevents watery salad
Don't drain too early as the extended marination time is essential for proper flavor development
Substitutions
FAQ
Can I use regular onions instead of sweet onions?
Yes, but soak sliced regular onions in cold water for 10 minutes first to reduce their sharpness and prevent them from overpowering the delicate cucumber flavor.
How long will this salad keep in the refrigerator?
The salad will stay fresh for up to 3 days when stored in the refrigerator with the reserved liquid in a covered container.
Can I reduce the marination time if I'm in a hurry?
While 8 hours is the minimum, the salad really benefits from the full overnight marination for best flavor and texture development.