Crunchy Pickled Salad

I’m excited to share my Crunchy Pickled Salad recipe with you! This isn’t just any salad — it’s a refreshing, tangy, and crunchy flavor explosion that instantly brightens up any meal. Imagine crisp cucumbers, vibrant bell peppers, sweet cherry tomatoes, and zesty red onions, all soaked in a tangy apple cider vinegar brine. It’s quick, colorful, and guaranteed to make your taste buds dance with every bite.

Level: Easy
Total Time: 37 minutes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: American

I still remember the first time I made this Crunchy Pickled Salad for a summer barbecue — everyone kept asking for seconds, and by the end, the bowl was wiped clean! There’s something magical about how fresh vegetables soak up tangy, sweet, and herby flavors to create a refreshing dish that’s perfect for warm days.

This recipe is beginner-friendly, no cooking required, and it’s incredibly versatile. You can serve it as a side salad, a topping for sandwiches, or even as a zesty filler for wraps. With just a few basic ingredients and a little chilling time, you’ll have a salad that looks gorgeous, tastes amazing, and adds a burst of brightness to any meal.

Whether you’re prepping for a picnic, a family dinner, or just want something quick and refreshing, this recipe will easily become one of your go-to favorites.

Description

This salad combines fresh, crunchy vegetables with a light, tangy brine that transforms simple ingredients into something special:

• Crisp cucumbers for a refreshing crunch
• Sweet cherry tomatoes for juicy bursts of flavor
• Colorful bell peppers to brighten up your plate
• Thinly sliced red onions for a hint of sweetness and zest
• Fresh dill to bring a garden-fresh aroma
• Apple cider vinegar brine for that perfect tangy bite
• A balanced touch of sugar, salt, and pepper to round out the flavors

The best part? The longer it chills, the better it tastes!

Ingredients

• 2 cups cucumbers (sliced into half-moons)
• 1 small red onion (thinly sliced)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
• 1 cup bell peppers (any color, chopped)
• ¼ cup fresh dill (roughly chopped)
• ½ cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper

Directions

1. Prep the Vegetables
   • Wash all vegetables thoroughly under running water.
   • Slice cucumbers into half-moons, halve the cherry tomatoes, chop the bell peppers, and thinly slice the red onion.
   • Keep everything bite-sized for easy mixing and eating.
2. Make the Pickling Brine
   • In a medium bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper until the sugar fully dissolves.
   • You’ll notice a tangy aroma — that’s your flavor base.
3. Add Fresh Dill
   • Stir chopped fresh dill into the brine.
   • This step adds a refreshing, herby note that ties all the flavors together.
4. Combine Everything
   • In a large mixing bowl, add all the prepared vegetables.
   • Pour the brine over the top and gently toss until every piece is coated evenly.
5. Chill and Serve
   • Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the salad into a glass jar with a lid.
   • Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
   • Serve cold for maximum crunch and freshness.

Process Details

• Prepping the Veggies: Keeping uniform slices ensures an even crunch in every bite.
• Balancing Flavors: The apple cider vinegar adds tanginess, the sugar softens the sharpness, and the dill gives a refreshing herbal kick.
• Chilling Time: This step is crucial — the longer the veggies soak, the deeper the flavors develop.

Tips for Success

• Use fresh, firm vegetables for the best crunch.
• Chill the salad for at least one hour before serving — patience pays off.
• Feel free to swap or add vegetables like carrots, radishes, or green beans for extra color and crunch.
• Experiment with different vinegars like rice vinegar or white wine vinegar for a unique twist.
• If you prefer a little heat, add sliced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Serving Ideas

• Summer Barbecue Side: Pairs beautifully with grilled meats, fish, or veggie skewers.
• Sandwich Topper: Adds a zesty crunch to burgers, wraps, or tacos.
• Picnic Favorite: Pack it in a jar — it travels well and stays fresh.
• Light Lunch Bowl: Toss it with cooked quinoa or couscous for a quick, healthy meal.

Nutrition Info (Approximate per Serving)

• Calories: ~50
• Carbohydrates: 11g
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0g
• Sugar: 7g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 300mg

My Crunchy Pickled Salad is the perfect blend of fresh, tangy, and crunchy goodness. It’s colorful, easy to make, and bursting with vibrant flavors that brighten up any meal. Every spoonful delivers a refreshing mix of textures and tastes, making it an instant crowd-pleaser.
I hope you enjoy making (and eating!) this recipe as much as I do. Trust me, once you try it, this salad will become your new favorite side dish for every occasion.