This marinated cucumber salad is one of those simple recipes that reminds me of Nana’s kitchen. Crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes and sweet onion soak in a tangy vinegar dressing until everything is cold, flavorful and just right.

The ice cubes were Nana’s little trick for keeping the cucumbers extra crisp while the salad chilled. It’s an easy make-ahead side that’s especially good with grilled dinners, summer cookouts or a big family meal. Sometimes the simplest recipes really are the ones worth passing down.

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 large cucumbers, peeled and thinly sliced
• 2 medium tomatoes, chopped
• 1 small sweet onion, thinly sliced
• ½ cup white vinegar
• ¼ cup cold water
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 6–8 ice cubes

Directions

1. Place the sliced cucumbers, chopped tomatoes, and sliced onion in a large bowl or container with a lid.
2. In a measuring cup or small bowl, whisk together the vinegar, water, sugar, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper until the sugar dissolves.
3. Pour the marinade over the vegetables and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
4. Add 6–8 ice cubes directly on top of the vegetables.
5. Cover tightly with a lid and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, gently stirring once or twice as the ice melts.
6. Remove any remaining ice before serving and give the salad one final stir.
7. Serve well chilled.

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From Nana’s Kitchen ❤️

This simple cucumber salad showed up on our table all summer long. Fresh garden vegetables, a light vinegar dressing, and one clever little trick made it unforgettable. Before putting the bowl in the refrigerator, Nana always added a handful of ice cubes. As they slowly melted, they kept the vegetables extra cold and wonderfully crisp while the flavors blended together. It’s a little touch I’ve never forgotten.