This completely fat-free side is the perfect counterpoint to rich meat. No matter the barbecue, Q-Cumbers will expand your side dish repertoire beyond the more conventional slaws, potato salads, beans, and corn. Q-Cumbers are best icy cold. Regular cucumbers may need their seeds removed, but the long, plastic-wrapped English/Japanese/seedless kind grown in hothouses are ready-made for thin slicing. Maybe it’s psychological, but the palate-cleansing effect of fresh vinegary sweet cucumbers is extra good in hot weather. Plus, you don’t have to worry about the mayonnaise issue in the heat. The jalapeños, while optional, are encouraged.

Ingredients

　　2 large seedless cucumbers, thinly sliced

　　1 medium sweet onion, cut into thin slivers

　　1 cup rice or distilled white vinegar

　　1/2 cup sugar

　　2 teaspoons kosher salt

　　1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)

　　2 jalapeño peppers, thinly sliced (optional)

　　COMBINE all the ingredients in a large bowl with 1 cup of water. Cover and chill until serving time.

　　Cheater BBQ