If you’re craving a crisp, tangy, and incredibly refreshing side dish, look no further than this delightful Cucumber Onion Salad. It’s a wonderfully simple recipe that brings together the cool crunch of cucumbers with the sharp bite of red onions, all perfectly balanced by a lightly sweet and tangy apple cider vinegar dressing. The Cucumber Onion Salad is not just easy to whip up but also fantastic for brightening up any meal with its vibrant colors and fresh flavors. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or just want a refreshing salad to complement your dinner, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.

Cucumber Onion Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Cucumber Onion Salad calls for just a handful of ingredients, but each one plays an essential role in crafting its iconic flavor and texture. Fresh cucumbers bring the satisfying crunch, red onions add zest and color, while the dressing ingredients introduce a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and tangy notes.

2 cucumbers: Choose firm, fresh cucumbers for the best crunch and hydration.
1 red onion sliced: Thinly sliced into half moons for a pop of color and a mild but vivid onion flavor.
⅓ cup apple cider vinegar: Adds a pleasantly tangy kick that brightens the whole salad.
¼ cup water: Dilutes the vinegar slightly for a perfectly balanced dressing.
1 tablespoon granulated sugar: Sweetens the dressing gently, rounding out the acidity.
1 teaspoon fine sea salt: Enhances all the flavors and helps soften the onions slightly.
1 teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds a subtle mild heat without overpowering the dish.

How to Make Cucumber Onion Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Cucumbers

Begin by slicing each cucumber into ¼-inch thick rounds. This thickness ensures a satisfying crunch while allowing the dressing to soak in just right. Toss these slices into a large bowl where they’ll mingle with the other fresh ingredients.

Step 2: Slice and Add Onions

Slicing the red onion into thin half moons maximizes its surface area, making each bite flavorful without overwhelming the palate. Add the sliced onions directly to the bowl with the cucumbers and give everything a gentle toss to distribute the ingredients evenly.

Step 3: Whisk the Dressing

In a mason jar or small bowl, combine the apple cider vinegar, water, sugar, sea salt, and black pepper. Whisk these together until the sugar and salt are fully dissolved, forming a harmonious blend of tangy, sweet, salty, and slightly spicy notes that will dress the salad beautifully.

Step 4: Combine and Chill

Pour the freshly whisked dressing over the cucumbers and onions, then toss the salad until every slice is evenly coated. For best results, refrigerate the salad until you’re ready to serve, allowing the flavors to meld and the onions to marinate gently in the dressing.

How to Serve Cucumber Onion Salad

Garnishes

Boost the visual appeal and flavor by garnishing your Cucumber Onion Salad with fresh herbs like chopped dill, parsley, or mint. A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or a few thin lemon slices also adds a lovely touch and subtle flavor lift.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs beautifully with grilled meats like chicken, pork, or steak, making it a natural side dish for summer cookouts. It also complements hearty sandwiches, rice bowls, or grain-based meals, offering a bright contrast that balances richer flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fresh twist, serve the Cucumber Onion Salad in hollowed-out cucumber boats or atop crisp lettuce leaves as a light appetizer. Alternatively, layer it in clear jars for a picnic-perfect portable snack that looks as good as it tastes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Cucumber Onion Salad keeps well in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen over time, though the cucumbers may soften slightly, which some find even more delicious.

Freezing

Because of the high water content in cucumbers, freezing this salad is not recommended. Freezing can break down the cucumbers’ texture, leaving them mushy upon thawing.

Reheating

This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. Reheating is unnecessary and could spoil the crisp texture and fresh flavors that make Cucumber Onion Salad so delightful.

FAQs

Can I use different types of onions in this salad?

Absolutely! While red onions add a great color and mild zest, you can substitute with white or sweet onions if you prefer a less sharp flavor.

Is there a way to make the salad less tangy?

If you find the apple cider vinegar too strong, you can reduce the amount slightly or add a bit more sugar to balance the acidity according to your taste.

Can I add other vegetables to the Cucumber Onion Salad?

Yes, feel free to mix in tomatoes, bell peppers, or radishes for extra color and flavor variations. Just keep the proportions balanced so the salad stays light and refreshing.

How long should I marinate the salad before serving?

At least 30 minutes in the refrigerator allows the flavors to marry nicely, but marinating for a couple of hours intensifies the taste and softens the onions for a more mellow bite.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

This salad is fantastic for meal prep when kept chilled, as it stays fresh and flavorful for a few days. Just be mindful that the cucumbers may release some water, so give it a quick toss before serving.

Final Thoughts

This Cucumber Onion Salad is a shining example of how a few simple ingredients can come together to create a dish that’s vibrant, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. Give this recipe a try and watch it become your go-to side that’s ready in minutes but loved long after the last bite. I promise, once you taste this refreshing salad, you’ll want to make it again and again!