Go Back
A bowl of Mediterranean pickled cucumbers and onions with fresh herbs.

Pickled Cucumbers and Onions

Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Side Dish, Snack
Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern
Calories: 55
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4-5 Persian cucumbers sliced into rounds
  • 1/2 large red onion thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup white wine vinegar
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp sea salt
  • 1/4 tsp cracked black pepper

Method
 

  1. In a large glass jar or bowl, combine the white wine vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Whisk until the salt is mostly dissolved.
  2. Add the sliced cucumbers and red onions to the mixture.
  3. Toss or shake (if using a jar) until all vegetables are thoroughly coated in the brine.
  4. Let the mixture sit at room temperature for 15 minutes, then move to the refrigerator.
  5. For best flavor, marinate for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Notes

1. The Secret to Lasting Crunch

If your readers are worried about the pickles getting soggy, suggest the "Salt & Drain" method. Toss the sliced cucumbers in a colander with a teaspoon of salt and let them sit for 15 minutes. Rinse with cold water and pat dry before adding them to the vinegar brine. This draws out excess moisture, keeping them snappy for days.

2. Vinegar Ratios

While the recipe calls for white wine vinegar, you can tell your audience that Apple Cider Vinegar is a great substitute for a slightly sweeter, fruitier flavor. If they want a very mild pickle, they can dilute the brine with 1–2 tablespoons of water, though the olive oil already helps mellow the acidity.

3. Onion Intensity

To remove the "bite" or raw sting from the red onions, soak the onion slices in ice water for 5 minutes before pickling. This keeps the onion flavor but removes the harsh aftertaste that can sometimes overpower the cucumbers.

4. Make it a Meal

Remind readers that the leftover brine is essentially a Mediterranean vinaigrette. Once the cucumbers are gone, they shouldn't pour the liquid down the drain! It can be used as a dressing for a quick side salad or as a marinade for grilled chicken.