If you’re looking for a fresh, vibrant dish that comes together in minutes and delivers a perfect balance of tangy and crisp, this Cucumber Onion Salad Recipe is your new best friend. It combines cool, crunchy cucumbers with sharp red onions, all tossed in a simple yet zesty dressing that wakes up your palate. Whether you’re brightening up a summer barbecue or just want a refreshing side that’s both light and satisfying, this salad is an instant classic. It’s effortless, healthy, and bursting with flavor—exactly what any easy weekday or weekend meal deserves.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic in this salad comes from a handful of simple, carefully chosen ingredients that each play a key role. Fresh cucumbers bring that crisp coolness, onions add a bite, and the dressing ties everything together with just the right touch of sweetness and acidity.
- 2 cucumbers: Choose firm cucumbers for the crispest texture and freshest flavor.
- 1 red onion (sliced): The red onion provides a mild, slightly sweet sharpness that beautifully contrasts with the cucumbers.
- â…“ cup apple cider vinegar: This vinegar adds a bright, tangy punch that livens up the whole salad.
- ¼ cup water: A little water balances the vinegar’s acidity and lightens the dressing.
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar: Sugar softly mellows the sharpness and brings all the flavors into harmony.
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt: Salt enhances the natural flavors of the veggies and dressing alike.
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper: Pepper adds just a hint of warmth and complexity.
How to Make Cucumber Onion Salad Recipe
Step 1: Slice the Cucumbers
Start by slicing each cucumber into ¼-inch thick rounds. The size ensures every bite is refreshing with the perfect crunch. Place these slices into a large bowl where they’ll soon mingle with their oniony counterpart.
Step 2: Add the Red Onion
Slice the red onion into thin half-moons; these thin strips soften slightly while providing that signature pungent flavor. Toss them gently with the cucumbers—this simple mix already hints at a flavorful salad to come.
Step 3: Prepare the Dressing
In a small bowl or mason jar, whisk together the apple cider vinegar, water, sugar, salt, and black pepper. This quick dressing is the secret to marrying the crisp, raw vegetables with a nice balance of tang, sweetness, and spice.
Step 4: Combine and Toss
Pour your freshly made dressing over the mixed cucumbers and onions. Toss everything together until each slice is well coated. This step makes sure every bite bursts with the perfect combination of flavors.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
Pop the salad into the fridge and let it chill until you’re ready to serve. This resting time allows the flavors to meld and deepens the salad’s refreshing taste.
How to Serve Cucumber Onion Salad Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped dill or flat-leaf parsley can add a lovely herbal note and a pop of green that brightens the salad’s colors. A few cracked black peppercorns on top right before serving add an extra layer of aroma.
Side Dishes
This salad shines alongside grilled meats like chicken or fish, but it also pairs beautifully with hearty sandwiches or even vegetarian mains such as quinoa bowls or roasted vegetable platters.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this salad in a wide, shallow dish to show off those vibrant colors. For a fun twist, layer it in clear glass jars for a picnic or potluck, where it looks as good as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover cucumber onion salad keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The cucumbers may soften slightly, but the flavors only get more pronounced, so it’s great for next-day enjoyment.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh and doesn’t freeze well because cucumbers become watery and lose their crisp texture when thawed.
Reheating
Since this is a refreshing cold salad, reheating isn’t recommended. It’s always best served chilled straight from the fridge for that cool crunch and tangy zing.
FAQs
Can I use other types of vinegar in this Cucumber Onion Salad Recipe?
Absolutely! White wine vinegar or red wine vinegar can be excellent substitutes, each bringing their own subtle flavor nuances to the dressing.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this a great choice for those avoiding gluten in their diets.
Can I add herbs to the salad?
Definitely. Fresh dill, mint, or parsley all complement the flavors wonderfully and add a burst of freshness.
How long should the salad marinate before serving?
About 30 minutes to an hour in the refrigerate is ideal for flavors to meld perfectly, but if you’re in a rush, it’s still delicious served immediately.
Can I make this salad spicy?
Yes! Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the dressing gives the salad a nice, spicy kick that pairs beautifully with the fresh cucumbers and onions.
Final Thoughts
This Cucumber Onion Salad Recipe is one of those simple yet extraordinary dishes that you’ll find yourself making again and again. It’s easy to prepare, refreshingly crisp, and perfect for almost any meal occasion. Give it a try and watch it become a beloved staple in your recipe collection!
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Cucumber Onion Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and tangy cucumber onion salad perfect for a quick and easy side dish. This recipe combines crisp cucumber slices and sharp red onions with a zesty apple cider vinegar dressing, making it a cool, crunchy complement to any meal.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 2 cucumbers
- 1 red onion, sliced into half moons
Dressing
- â…“ cup apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup water
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Slice cucumbers: Slice each cucumber into ¼-inch thick slices and place them into a large mixing bowl to prepare the salad base.
- Add onions: Add the sliced red onion, cut into half moons, to the bowl with the cucumbers and gently toss to combine evenly.
- Make dressing: In a small bowl or mason jar, whisk together apple cider vinegar, water, granulated sugar, sea salt, and ground black pepper until the sugar and salt are fully dissolved.
- Toss salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the cucumber and onion mixture and toss thoroughly to coat all the slices with the dressing evenly.
- Chill and serve: Refrigerate the salad for at least 10 minutes or until ready to serve, allowing the flavors to meld and the salad to become refreshingly cool.
Notes
- For a crisper texture, salt the cucumber slices and let them sit for 10 minutes, then rinse and drain before combining with the dressing.
- Adjust sugar and vinegar according to your taste preference for a sweeter or tangier salad.
- This salad is best served chilled and consumed within 2 days for maximum freshness.
- Add fresh herbs like dill or parsley to enhance the flavor if desired.
