Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Cucumber Salad

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Grandma’s cucumber salad is one of those timeless summer classics that never goes out of style — fresh, crunchy, tangy, slightly sweet, and incredibly refreshing. Below is a long, SEO-optimized blog post to help you rank, including description, tips, variations, serving suggestions, and a full recipe card format.

🌿 Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Cucumber Salad

There’s nothing quite like a classic recipe passed down through generations, and this Grandma’s Cucumber Salad is proof that the simplest dishes are often the best. Crisp sliced cucumbers marinated in a perfectly balanced sweet-and-tangy dressing, with a light hint of salt and oil — it’s refreshing, hydrating, and the perfect side dish for warm weather meals.

This easy cucumber salad brings nostalgia to the table with every bite. It tastes like summer picnics, backyard barbecues, and lazy afternoons under the sunshine. If you’ve been looking for a no-fuss, budget-friendly side that pairs with just about anything, this old-fashioned cucumber salad is a must-try!

🥗 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔️ Light, crisp & refreshing

✔️ Budget-friendly & made with pantry staples

✔️ Perfect for BBQs, picnics, potlucks & family dinners

✔️ Make-ahead friendly — flavors get better as it chills

✔️ Classic vintage flavor just like grandma made

🛒 Ingredients

Here’s what you need to make this recipe:

  • 2–3 cucumbers, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/2 cup distilled white vinegar
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • Optional for flavor: sliced onion, fresh dill, black pepper

👩‍🍳 How to Make Grandma’s Cucumber Salad

  1. Prepare cucumbers
    Wash and slice cucumbers thin (a mandoline works great!). Place them in a bowl.
  2. Make the dressing
    In a separate bowl, whisk water, vinegar, oil, sugar, and salt until the sugar dissolves completely.
  3. Combine & chill
    Pour dressing over cucumbers and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour — longer is better for deeper flavor!
  4. Serve
    Stir before serving and enjoy chilled.

💡 Tips for the Best Cucumber Salad

  • Use English or Persian cucumbers for fewer seeds and extra crunch.
  • Slice cucumbers thin for that traditional texture.
  • Chill well — this salad tastes better the longer it marinates.
  • Add thin-sliced onion for extra bite (classic grandma trick!).
  • A sprinkle of fresh dill takes it to another level.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

This salad pairs beautifully with:

  • Grilled chicken, steak, or fish
  • Burgers & hot dogs
  • Picnic sandwiches
  • BBQ ribs
  • Summer potluck tables

It’s the ultimate refreshing side dish for sunny days.

✨ Variations

Try one of these delicious twists:

VariationAdd-ins
Classic German Style 🇩🇪Sour cream + dill + onion
SpicyRed pepper flakes or sliced jalapeño
MediterraneanOlive oil + garlic + fresh herbs
Low-SugarStevia or honey instead of sugar

🥒 Printable Recipe Card

Grandma’s Cucumber Salad

Ingredients:

  • 2–3 cucumbers, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/2 cup white vinegar
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 2 tsp salt

Instructions:

  1. Slice cucumbers and add to a bowl.
  2. Whisk water, vinegar, oil, sugar, and salt.
  3. Pour over cucumbers and stir.
  4. Chill for 1–3 hours before serving.

Serves: 4–6

Prep Time: 10 mins

Chill Time: 1–3 hrs

🥰 Final Thoughts

Simple ingredients. Fresh flavor. Old-fashioned comfort.

This Grandma’s cucumber salad will take you back to summer days at grandma’s table — a recipe that feels like home in every bite.

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