Refrigerator Nizhyn-Style Cucumber and Onion Salad
Thin cucumber rings and onion half-moons are salted briefly, then dressed with a sweet-sour vinegar and sunflower oil mixture.
Thin cucumber rings and onion half-moons are salted briefly, then dressed with a sweet-sour vinegar and sunflower oil mixture. Black pepper and bay add a familiar aroma. Chill it before serving so the onion softens and the cucumber takes up flavour. This is a refrigerator version of Nizhyn-style salad: sealing and briefly heating the jars as described in the old article is not a verified shelf-canning process. Wash and slice cucumbers and onions; toss with salt in a large bowl, cover and refrigerate one hour. Warm sunflower oil with vinegar, sugar, peppercorns and bay just until sugar dissolves; cool completely. Drain only excess liquid from cucumbers; toss vegetables with cool dressing and remove bay leaves.
Recipe card
Refrigerator Nizhyn-Style Cucumber and Onion Salad
Equipment: Knife, cutting board, measuring tools and suitable pot or pan
Ingredients
Instructions
Salt
Wash and slice cucumbers and onions; toss with salt in a large bowl, cover and refrigerate one hour.
Dress
Warm sunflower oil with vinegar, sugar, peppercorns and bay just until sugar dissolves; cool completely.
Mix
Drain only excess liquid from cucumbers; toss vegetables with cool dressing and remove bay leaves.
Chill
Transfer to clean covered containers and refrigerate at least 2 hours for flavours to combine.
Serve
Use clean utensils to lift salad and return the rest to the refrigerator.
How to tell when it is ready
Use clean utensils to lift salad and return the rest to the refrigerator.
Tips
- Wash and slice cucumbers and onions.
- Warm sunflower oil with vinegar, sugar, peppercorns and bay just until sugar dissolves.
- Drain only excess liquid from cucumbers.
- Transfer to clean covered containers and refrigerate at least 2 hours for flavours to combine.
Troubleshooting
- If cucumbers soften, salt for less time next batch.
- If salad tastes flat, chill longer and taste again.
Substitutions
- Use firm small cucumbers of the same weight.
- Use the same vinegar acidity and volume if changing brands.
Variations
- Add fresh dill at serving.
- Use a little whole-grain mustard in cool dressing.
Serving suggestions
- Serve with roast chicken.
- Add to a cold buffet.
- Offer with potato dishes.
- Pile beside a sandwich.
Make ahead
Prepare the measured ingredients in advance. Keep covered in the refrigerator and eat within 4 days; do not pantry-store.
Storage
Keep covered in the refrigerator and eat within 4 days; do not pantry-store.
Food safety
This formulation is not a tested canning recipe; salt and vinegar do not make it shelf stable.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know refrigerator nizhyn-style cucumber and onion salad is ready?
Use clean utensils to lift salad and return the rest to the refrigerator.
How should I store refrigerator nizhyn-style cucumber and onion salad?
Keep covered in the refrigerator and eat within 4 days; do not pantry-store.
Serve with roast chicken. Keep covered in the refrigerator and eat within 4 days; do not pantry-store.
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