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    Home » Food and Drink » Side Dishes

    Cucumber Onion Salad

    Published: May 4, 2023 by Jenna Urben · This post may contain affiliate links

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    Jump to Recipe

    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 healthy 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

    How should I cut the cucumber?

    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.

    How do I keep the cucumbers crisp?

    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.

    What if I don't have fresh dill?

    Use dried dill as an alternative. For 1 tablespoon of fresh dill, swap 1 teaspoon of dried dill.

    What else can I add to the salad?

    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

    Jenna Urben
    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 healthy snack.
    5 from 46 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 mins
    Total Time 10 mins
    Course Appetizer, Side Dish, Snack
    Servings 6 servings
    Calories 34 kcal

    Equipment

    • Mixing bowl
    • Whisk

    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
    Prevent your screen from going dark while you're cooking!

    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

    Store leftovers in the fridge for 1-2 days.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 34kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 1gFat: 0.2gSaturated Fat: 0.04gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.03gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.01gSodium: 393mgPotassium: 192mgFiber: 1gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 112IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 24mgIron: 0.4mg
    Did you make this recipe?Please leave a star rating or review in the form below, then snap a picture and tag me @theurbenlife on Instagram!

    More Dairy Free Side Dishes

    • Mango Habanero Salsa
    • Smoked Corn on the Cob
    • Air Fryer Frozen Green Beans
    • Air Fryer Frozen Brussels Sprouts

    About Jenna Urben

    Jenna Urben is the recipe developer, content creator, and storyteller behind The Urben Life. She has over 10 years experience adapting family favorite meals to fit allergy-friendly diets. Join Jenna as she shares delicious dairy-free recipes that are easy to follow with plenty of tips and alternatives.

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    1. Susan

      May 07, 2023 at 8:29 am

      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!

      Reply
      • Jenna Urben

        May 09, 2023 at 7:37 am

        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!

        Reply

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