Crisp Marinated Cucumbers at the Table

These marinated cucumbers are tangy, refreshing, and a breeze to whip up! Reliable for prepping ahead, they’re a nutritious side dish or snack you’ll love having on hand.

A marinated cucumber being pulled from a jar.

Simple Marinated Cucumbers

If you’ve never marinated cucumbers, you’ve been seriously missing out! Created with just a handful of staple ingredients, they’re speedy, simple, and oh-so-tasty.

Make a big batch to keep on hand to add to meals, snack on throughout the day, or enjoy as a speedy cucumber salad. No matter how you enjoy them, you really can’t go wrong!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Water – Use enough water to fully submerge the cucumbers.
Vinegar – Apple cider vinegar, white vinegar, or rice wine vinegar all work well.
Granulated Sugar – This is optional but adds a subtle sweetness that beautifully balances out the tang of the vinegar.
Salt – Adjust to taste.
Fresh Dill – This adds a subtle herbaceous taste.
Cucumbers – English cucumbers are finest, but regular cucumbers can also be used. You’ll likely just want to peel them and remove the seeds!

Infuse Your Cucumbers with Flavor with this Simple Marinated Cucumbers Recipe

Create a brine. Combine the water, vinegar, sugar, and salt in a bowl. Stir until the sugar and salt dissolve completely.
Slice. Use a sharp knife to slice the cucumbers in half lengthwise.
Submerge. Add the cucumber slices to the brine, submerging them completely. Transfer the mixture to a jar, and seal it tightly. Allow the mixture to rest in the fridge until the cucumbers absorb the liquid and are full of flavor.

What Else Can I Add to This Recipe?

Feel free to add more vegetables to the mixture! Red onions, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes all taste great.

You can also experiment with different flavor combinations by including ingredients like garlic, ginger, or za’atar.

How Long Do Marinated Cucumbers Last?

When stored in an airtight container submerged in liquid, marinated cucumbers will stay fresh in the fridge for up to two to three weeks.

What Can I Serve with this Recipe?

You can easily enjoy this recipe on its own as a snack! Or, add it to salads and bowls for extra crunch and a boost of flavor.

Common Questions about Marinated Cucumbers

What kind of cucumbers should I use?

We love English cucumbers because they’re tender, crisp, and mostly seedless—no peeling needed! You can also opt for Persian cucumbers.

Are they sweet or savory?

A little of both! They’ve got that reliable balance of tang and sweetness, with a touch of garlic and herbs.

Can I make them spicy?

Yes! Add red pepper flakes, sliced jalapeños, or a splash of hot sauce to the marinade for a fiery kick.

Do I need to salt the cucumbers first?

If you want them extra crisp, go for it—just toss with a little salt, let them sit for 10–15 minutes, and drain before marinating.

More Ways to Use Cucumbers

We love how versatile this healthy veggie is! If you do too, we have plenty of ways to put them to good use:

the Ayyem kitchenServings: 4 servings

Prep: 5 mins
Marinade Time: 2 hrs
Total: 2 hrs 5 mins

make crisp marinated cucumbers with just five simple ingredients for a refreshing, nutritious snack or flavor enhancer for all your meals! Email

Ingredients

1 cup water
1/3 cup vinegar apple cider, white, or rice wine
2 Tablespoons sugar optional
1 to 2 teaspoons salt
1/4 cup fresh dill sprigs
Optional sliced red chili peppers to taste
Sliced cucumbers about 2 cups, sliced lengthwise in half

Instructions

In a small bowl, combine 1 cup of water, 1/3 cup of vinegar, 2 tablespoons of sugar (if using), 1 to 2 teaspoons of salt, fresh dill, and red chili peppers if using. Stir well until the sugar and salt have completely dissolved.1 cup water, 1/3 cup vinegar, 2 Tablespoons sugar, 1 to 2 teaspoons salt, 1/4 cup fresh dill sprigs, Optional sliced red chili peppers to taste
Slice the cucumbers lengthwise in half, and add them to the brine mixture in the bowl.Sliced cucumbers
If desired, include additional vegetables, such as bell pepper or whole cherry tomatoes as well.
Taste the mixture, and adjust the ingredients as desired. Add more vinegar for tanginess, more sugar for sweetness, or more salt for seasoning. The goal is to achieve a flavor profile that suits your taste preferences.
Make sure that all the cucumbers and vegetables are submerged in the brine.
Carefully transfer the marinated cucumbers and vegetables into a clean, sterilized mason jar, ensuring that they are tightly packed.
Pour the remaining brine over the cucumbers in the mason jar, making sure they are completely covered.
Seal the mason jar tightly with a lid.
Place the sealed mason jar in the refrigerator and let the marinated cucumbers rest for at least a few hours, or ideally overnight. This allows the flavors to meld together.
When ready to serve, remove the sealed mason jar from the fridge. The marinated cucumbers will have absorbed the flavors of the brine and can be enjoyed as a refreshing side dish or salad topping.
Store any leftovers in the sealed mason jar in the refrigerator for a few days. The marinated cucumbers will continue to taste great as they marinate further.