This cucumber onion salad recipe comes together with crisp cucumbers and sweet onion tossed in a tangy vinaigrette. It's fresh, light, and simple to make. Serve as a summer side dish, easy appetizer, or quick snack.
Why you'll love this recipe
- Super simple: My delicious cucumber salad recipe takes no time at all! Just chop, toss everything together, let the flavors come together, and enjoy.
- Refreshing: The cool cucumbers and mild onions are complemented by the homemade sweet tart vinaigrette.
- Crowd pleasing: This works as an appetizer or side dish! I love to serve it at BBQs, potlucks, and any summer party.
Easy cucumber salad ingredients
Old fashioned cucumbers and onions in vinegar calls for only a handful of common kitchen staples. It's easy to adapt and incredibly versatile!
- Cucumbers: Use english cucumbers or mini cucumbers, rather than regular cucumbers. English cucumbers have less seeds and thin, smooth skin. If using regular cucumbers, peel the thick, bitter skin so it's more desirable to eat.
- Onion: I suggest using a mild, sweet onion. The flavor pairs perfectly with the juicy cucumbers. To add a nice bite or zip to the salad, replace with red onion.
- Vinegar: You can use your favorite type of vinegar, though I recommend apple cider vinegar or white vinegar. They both add nice flavor without being overwhelming. You could use red wine vinegar, white wine vinegar, balsamic vinegar, or even rice vinegar as a substitute.
- Sugar: Just a pinch helps balance out the acidity from the vinegar. Of course, it also adds a nice sweetness to the overall dish.
- Salt and pepper: Season to taste!
- Fresh dill: Finish the cucumber and onion salad with some fresh herbs like dill, parsley, basil, or rosemary.
How to make cucumber onion salad
The full directions for this easy cucumber onion salad are in the printable recipe card below.
Step 1: Slice cucumbers and onion
Using a sharp knife or mandoline, chop the cucumber and onion into thin-medium slices.
Step 2: Mix dressing together
In a small mixing bowl, whisk the marinade ingredients together until combined.
Step 3: Toss to combine
Pour the vinaigrette over the cucumber and onion and toss until evenly distributed.
Step 4: Let chill then serve
Cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and store in the fridge for at least 1 hour before serving.
How to store leftovers
To make ahead or store leftovers: Prepare the salad, cover, and place in the refrigerator for 1-2 days. Any longer than that and the cucumbers will begin to lose their crispness.
Frequently asked questions
Slice the cucumber into thick or thin slices. I prefer about ½-inch slices, but it's up to you. For super thin cucumber slices, I recommend using a mandolin.
For extra crispy cucumbers that retain their "bite" you can sweat the cucumbers before tossing them with the onion slices and vinegar. Simply, sprinkle a generous amount of salt over the slices of cucumber to draw out the water. This will help them get less soggy.
Use dried dill as an alternative. For 1 tablespoon of fresh dill, swap 1 teaspoon of dried dill.
Other variations for this classic side dish include adding cherry tomato, avocado, or watermelon.
Related recipes
Try these easy summer appetizers next:
- Melon Cucumber Salsa
- Spicy Peach Salsa
- Southern Succotash
- Caramelized Onion Hummus
- Vegan Macaroni Salad
- Dairy Free Tzatziki
Easy Cucumber Onion Salad Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 english cucumbers sliced
- ½ sweet onion sliced
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar or white vinegar
- 2 tablespoon water
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill chopped
Instructions
- Cut the cucumber and onion into thin-medium slices, transfer to a large mixing bowl, and set aside.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the vinegar, water, sugar, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the vinaigrette over the sliced cucumber and onion, toss to combine.
- For best results, cover and let marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving.
- To serve, garnish with chopped fresh dill.
Notes
Nutrition
Susan says
The recipe looks great and I'm going to make it today. What I'm wondering is if there are 6 servings to this recipe, what size is one serving? So many recipes state total servings, but not individual serving sizes. Thanks for your help. Can't wait to make it!
Jenna Urben says
Hi Susan, I hope you enjoyed it! The exact serving size will vary based on how large your cucumbers are and how thick or thin you slice them. A single serving will be around a 1/3 cup. I hope this helps!