This Cucumber Onion Vinegar Salad is my go-to side dish for summer potlucks and backyard barbecues! Crispy, tangy, and sweet, it’s easy to make and pairs well with all your favorite main course recipes.
Looking for more cucumber salad recipes? Try our tomato cucumber mozzarella salad or Greek cucumber salad.
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This Cucumber Onion Salad is a Great Side Dish!
Nothing says summer quite like a crisp, refreshing salad, and this cucumber and onion salad always hits the spot! One of my all-time favorite salads, this recipe is so delicious and incredibly easy that I find myself making it all year long.
With fresh veggies and a sweet and tangy dressing, it’s pretty impossible to resist. Plus, it pairs well with any main course, such as chicken skewers or oven baked bbq chicken legs meaning it’s the perfect option when you’re not sure what to make.
I also love it, because it comes together with just 7 ingredients and requires very minimal effort. Just slice the cucumbers, whisk the dressing, combine, and chill. The prep time only takes a few minutes, and the salad tastes better as it rests.
I love it for busy weeknights when you want to keep dinnertime fuss-free. Or, double the ingredients, and whip it up for a weekend potluck or large gathering. No matter how you serve this easy cucumber salad it’s always a crowd-pleasing recipe!
What You Need for Cucumber and Onion Salad
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
- Cucumbers: English cucumbers are ideal for this salad because they have minimal seeds and thin skin. You can peel or keep the skin on. I like big crunchy rounds, but you can also slice the cucumber into half-moons.
- Red onion: This adds extra crunch and a mild, slightly sweet flavor.
- Fresh dill: Adds a fresh, almost citrus-like taste.
- White vinegar: Adds some tang.
- Olive oil: Forms the base of the dressing, combining all the ingredients and adding a touch of richness.
- Sugar: Helps balance the tangy flavors.
- Salt: To balance out the sugar.
Tips for Making Cucumbers and Onions Salad
- Soak the red onions in water before adding them to the salad if you prefer a milder flavor.
- Allow plenty of time for the cucumber salad to chill. The flavor will improve as the dressing sinks into the ingredients.
- Give the salad a good toss before serving to redistribute all the ingredients.
How to Serve Cucumber Onion Vinegar Salad
This recipe for cucumber salad is the perfect addition to all your favorite meals. Enjoy it with options like:
Then, don’t forget to add a side of sourdough garlic bread, gluten free cheese bread, or naan!
Storing this Recipe for Cucumber Salad
I recommend serving this salad right away. Otherwise, the cucumbers will begin to soften. However, if needed, you can store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. The salad will still be tasty. The cucumbers just won’t be quite as crisp!
I don’t recommend freezing this salad as it will be mushy once thawed.
Easy Cucumber Salad FAQs
The best way to prevent the salad from becoming soggy is to salt the cucumbers before you begin. To do so, slice them into pieces. Then, add a generous sprinkle of salt, and let them rest for 20-30 minutes. Drain the excess water, pat the cucumbers dry, and combine them with the remaining ingredients.
Salt and drain the cucumbers. Then, be sure to enjoy your salad as soon as it chills!
Cucumbers produce a compound called cucurbitacins that can cause them to taste bitter. Cucumbers that face more adverse growing conditions like a lack of water or excess heat tend to produce more of the compound and will be more bitter than cucumbers grown in an ideal climate with plenty of water.
It’s up to you! I don’t find it necessary for this recipe, because English cucumbers have thin skin. However, if you prefer less crunch, you can peel the cucumbers before you begin.
If you try Cucumber Onion Salad, please leave a star rating and a comment letting us know how you liked the recipe.
Description
Combine fresh cucumbers, red onions, and dill with a sweet and tangy vinegar dressing for a refreshing side dish made with 7 ingredients and ready in minutes!
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cucumbers, onions, and dill.
- Whisk together the vinegar, oil, sugar, and salt. Stir until the sugar and salt are dissolved.
- Pour the dressing over the cucumbers and onions. Toss to coat everything evenly.
- Cover the bowl or transfer to a container with a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Before serving, give the salad a good toss.
Notes
- Vinegar: This recipe can also be made with apple cider vinegar for a slightly different taste.
- Leftovers: Refrigerate in a covered container for up to 1 day.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3/4 cup
- Calories: 75
- Sugar: 4.3 g
- Sodium: 213.5 mg
- Fat: 4.9 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Protein: 1.2 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
