Pickled red onion and cucumber salad recipe This is really a piquant salad, but the onion is a mild introduction to the addictive world of pickles... 2½ tbsp unrefined caster sugar large pinch of salt 75ml (2¾fl oz) red-wine vinegar 2 small red onions, halved and very finely sliced ½ large cucumber, peeled, halved, deseeded and sliced a few radishes, trimmed, scrubbed and finely sliced small handful of mint leaves, torn handful of radish sprouts Warm the sugar, salt and vinegar with a splash of water over a low heat, stirring until just dissolved. Leave to cool, then add the onion, mix well and set aside for at least 15 minutes or up to an hour - more if you like. The onions will mellow and lighten in colour prettily, turning their pickling liquid to a blushing pink. Add the remaining ingredients and a grind of pepper; it shouldn't need any salt but taste and adjust as you like.