A twist of apple cider: A refreshing take on cucumber salad

Swedish-style cucumber salad brings a refreshing twist to the classic dish we’ve all had countless times. What gives it its unique flavour? One addition changes everything. I learned the recipe from my neighbours; since then, this has become my favourite salad version.

You might think there’s nothing left to surprise you when it comes to cucumber salad. Routine made me prepare this popular salad less and less frequently over time. That changed recently. You know that feeling when a small detail gives a dish a completely new character? This is exactly such a case.

Is the Swedish cucumber salad radically different from the classic version? Absolutely not. It has cucumbers, as expected, sour cream, and spices. It's probably not worth going for a sweet version, although a little bit of sugar is, in my opinion, indispensable. So, what makes this salad "Swedish" and not a classic one? Vinegar, more specifically, apple cider vinegar. Funny, isn’t it? The solution to the routine was always just a step away (or instead waiting in the kitchen cupboard), but sometimes the simplest things in cooking are the hardest to find.

Below is the recipe for Swedish cucumber salad I got from my neighbours. I highly recommend giving this recipe a try. Apple cider vinegar brings this cucumber salad back into favour, even for those who have long grown tired of it.

Ingredients:

• 3 cucumbers,
• 1 spring onion,
• 1 teaspoon of sugar,
• Salt and pepper to taste,
• 2-3 tablespoons of sour cream,
• 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar.

Preparation:

1. Wash the cucumbers, but do not peel them. This, of course, is a matter of taste; I just prefer the "crunchiness" of the salad, and the skin helps with that.
2. Now, slice the cucumbers and place them in a bowl. Add finely chopped spring onion and its tops and sour cream, sugar, and apple cider vinegar.
3. Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well and chill the cucumber salad in the refrigerator; it tastes best when cold. Enjoy!