Say hello to the ultimate refreshing side dish: marinated cucumbers! These quick and easy refrigerator pickles are bursting with tangy, crisp flavor. They require no cooking and come together in minutes, making them perfect for busy parents and beginners. Enjoy these versatile marinated cucumbers alongside any meal, from weeknight dinners to summer BBQs.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Marinated Cucumbers
You’ll want to make these delightful pickled cucumbers again and again for so many reasons:
- This recipe is incredibly effortless and requires no actual cooking, just simple assembly.
- Enjoy the incredibly fresh, crisp, and wonderfully tangy flavor that brightens any dish.
- It’s a fantastic way to use up an abundance of garden cucumbers, especially during peak season.
- The process of pickling, which these refrigerator pickles utilize, extends the shelf life of vegetables. Learn more about the benefits of pickling for food preservation.
- These refrigerator pickles last longer than fresh cucumbers, offering a convenient make-ahead option.
- You can even reuse the flavorful brine to marinate a second batch of vegetables.
Ingredients
Crafting these simple yet delicious marinated cucumbers only requires a few basic ingredients you likely already have. Fresh, crisp cucumbers are key for the best texture and flavor in this refreshing dish.
- 3 cups fresh cucumbers, thinly sliced (about 2 medium cucumbers)
- 1/4 cup red or white onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 cup distilled white vinegar
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons dried dill weed
- 1 head of fresh dill (optional, for extra flavor)
Notes & Substitutions
For the best results, use English cucumbers or pickling cucumbers, as they have fewer seeds and thinner skins. You can substitute apple cider vinegar for distilled white vinegar for a slightly different, fruitier tang. If using fresh dill, use about 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh dill for every 1 teaspoon of dried. To make these low-carb, substitute the granulated sugar with a sugar-free alternative like erythritol or stevia, adjusting to taste. Always use a glass or food-grade plastic container for marinating; avoid metal as the vinegar can react with it.
Equipment
Making these simple marinated cucumbers requires only a few basic kitchen tools. You probably have most of these on hand already.
- Cutting board and sharp knife
- Measuring cups and measuring spoons
- Whisk or spoon
- Large bowl or airtight container (glass is preferred)
How To Make Marinated Cucumbers
Follow these easy steps to create your own batch of crisp and flavorful marinated cucumbers. This process is straightforward and perfect for beginners!
- Wash and Prepare Vegetables: Thoroughly wash your cucumbers. You can peel them if desired, or leave the skin on for extra texture and nutrients. Slice the cucumbers into 1/8-inch thick rounds. Prepare the onion by peeling and thinly slicing it into 1/8-inch pieces as well. Aim for uniform slices so all the vegetables marinate evenly. Place the sliced cucumbers and onions into your chosen airtight container or large bowl.
- Combine Brine Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, combine the water, distilled white vinegar, granulated sugar, and salt. Add the dried dill weed at this stage. If you’re using fresh dill heads, you’ll add those later.
- Whisk the Marinade: Using a whisk or a spoon, thoroughly mix the brine ingredients. Continue whisking for about one to two minutes until the sugar completely dissolves into the liquid. It’s important that the sugar fully dissolves to achieve a balanced flavor.
- Pour Over Vegetables: Carefully pour the whisked vinegar marinade over the sliced cucumbers and onions in the container. Make sure the liquid fully covers all the vegetables. If using fresh dill heads, tuck them into the container now.
- Cover and Refrigerate: Place a tight-fitting lid on your container. Refrigerate the marinated cucumbers for at least 4 hours before serving. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld and the cucumbers to absorb the delicious brine.
- Stir Occasionally: For the best and most even flavor distribution, gently stir the cucumbers once or twice during their marinating time. This ensures all pieces get ample exposure to the tangy brine.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Achieve perfect marinated cucumbers every time with these helpful tips. Slice your cucumbers uniformly, about 1/8-inch thick, for a consistent bite and even marination. For extra crispness, consider salting the sliced cucumbers for 30 minutes before making the brine; rinse thoroughly and pat dry. Adjust the sweetness or tartness of the brine by adding more sugar or vinegar to taste. To prevent overly soft cucumbers, avoid over-marinating them for more than two weeks, and ensure they remain submerged in the brine. Always allow proper chilling time for optimal flavor and texture.
Serving Suggestions, Storage, & Variations
Serving Ideas
These tangy marinated cucumbers are incredibly versatile. Serve them as a refreshing side dish alongside grilled chicken or fish. They add a delightful crunch and tang to sandwiches, burgers, or wraps. Incorporate them into green salads for an extra burst of flavor, or mix them into pasta salads for a unique twist. They also make a fantastic light snack on their own.
Storage Guidelines
Store your homemade marinated cucumbers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will last for up to two weeks, developing more complex flavors over time. The texture will remain crisp for the first week and gradually soften slightly thereafter. You can reuse the leftover marinade for a second batch of cucumbers or other vegetables within a week, but ensure the old vegetables are removed first.
Creative Variations
Unleash your creativity with these delightful marinated cucumbers. Add other thinly sliced vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, or radishes for extra color and crunch. Experiment with different fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or mint for unique flavor profiles. Introduce a hint of spice with red pepper flakes or a few black peppercorns for a subtle kick. Try using rice vinegar for a milder, sweeter brine, or white wine vinegar for a gourmet touch.
Nutrition Information
These marinated cucumbers offer a light and flavorful option. One serving (approximately 1/2 cup) provides a modest calorie count and minimal fat.
| Nutrient | Value | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 110 | kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 27 | g |
| Protein | 1 | g |
| Fat | 1 | g |
| Saturated Fat | 1 | g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1 | g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 1 | g |
| Sodium | 584 | mg |
| Potassium | 77 | mg |
| Fiber | 1 | g |
| Sugar | 26 | g |
| Vitamin A | 38 | IU |
| Vitamin C | 2 | mg |
| Calcium | 11 | mg |
| Iron | 1 | mg |
Nutritional information is approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long do marinated cucumbers last in the fridge?
These refrigerator pickles stay fresh for up to two weeks in an airtight container. They maintain their crisp texture best during the first week.
Can I reuse the marinade for another batch?
Yes, you can reuse the marinade for one more batch of marinated cucumbers or other vegetables. Simply remove the old vegetables and add fresh ones; keep it refrigerated for up to one week.
What type of cucumbers works best for marinating?
English cucumbers, Persian cucumbers, or pickling cucumbers are ideal. Their thinner skins and fewer seeds create a better texture.
Can I make these cucumbers less sweet?
Absolutely! Reduce the amount of sugar in the brine by half, or adjust to your personal preference. Taste the brine before pouring it over the cucumbers.
Can I add other vegetables to the marinade?
Yes, feel free to add thinly sliced bell peppers, carrots, or radishes. Ensure they are sliced to a similar thickness as the cucumbers for even marinating.
Final Thoughts
You now have all the tools to create incredibly easy and delicious marinated cucumbers right at home. This recipe is perfect for beginners and busy cooks, offering a refreshing side or versatile addition to any meal. Give these tangy refrigerator pickles a try and brighten up your table. We love hearing from you, so please leave a comment and rate the recipe once you’ve made it!
Easy Homemade Marinated Cucumbers
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Slice cucumbers and onions into approximately 1/8-inch slices, striving for evenness to ensure consistent marination, and add them to a container. You may peel the cucumbers beforehand if preferred.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the water, distilled white vinegar, salt, sugar, and dill weed for one to two minutes until the sugar is completely dissolved.
- Pour the prepared marinade over the sliced cucumbers and onions in the container, stirring well to ensure all ingredients are thoroughly coated. Optionally, add a head of dill for extra flavor.
- Refrigerate the marinated cucumbers for a minimum of 4 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Notes
High-Protein Nutrition Specialist and Wellness Advocate with over a decade of experience.
My human-first approach blends science-backed guidance with real-life empathy, shaped by my own journey through fatigue and muscle loss. Today, I help people reclaim strength, energy, and confidence through high-protein nutrition that’s both practical and empowering.
- Anne Newgent
- Anne Newgent
- Anne Newgent
- Anne Newgent
