Cucumber Onion Salad

This refreshing salad is perfect for Sunday lunches, picnics, and grill-outs!

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Cucumber onion salad is a classic dish that finds its roots in various cuisines around the world, from the tangy flavors of German cucumber salad to the sweet and spicy profiles found in Asian variations. In the U.S., you’ll find this recipe has quite the following in the South, probably because it’s so refreshing on hot days. It’s a deliciously light side dish that just screams summertime. I usually serve it with deli sandwiches, burgers, and grilled chicken.

I’ll be honest, I don’t like onions. Or rather, I don’t like onions by themselves. For me, that’s the appeal of this salad. It’s the perfect blend of sweet and tangy. I also add a touch of dill, for its herby flavor which tones down the pungency of the onion. We offer loads of crisp cold salads on FFF, like this refreshing watermelon cucumber salad or one of my faves, Mediterranean cucumber salad.

Is Cucumber Onion Salad Healthy?

Truth be told, not all salads are healthy, but this one is! For one, cucumbers are naturally hydrating and provide valuable antioxidants and fiber. Then there are the onions which are good for heart health and may help in controlling blood sugar levels. The dressing, made with apple cider vinegar, has its own health perks.

That said, this salad does contain granulated sugar. Alternatively, you could use honey, preferably a lighter honey, so it doesn’t overpower the salad’s flavor profile. You could also use agave nectar. If you’re avoiding sugar altogether, use your favorite sugar substitute.

The Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar

A lot of salad recipes use white vinegar. It’s cheap, offers a nice tang, and is readily available at any grocery store. However, I choose apple cider vinegar over white vinegar when I can. I think it tastes better, and its benefits to your overall health are amazing.

In holistic circles, apple cider vinegar (ACV) is popular, as it’s thought that it could aid digestion and weight management. I’m not saying it’s magic or anything, but ACV holds a lot of potential.

INGREDIENTS

2 medium cucumbers, thinly sliced
1 small red onion, thinly sliced
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons water
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped

INSTRUCTIONS

Combine

Mix cucumbers and onions.

Dress

Whisk dressing and pour over veggies.

Chill

Refrigerate to blend flavors.

Devour

FAQs & Tips

How to Make Ahead and Store?

This salad is best enjoyed fresh. I wouldn’t store it in your fridge for more than three days. If it sits too long in the dressing, the desired crispness will dissipate. There’s nothing worse than a soggy salad!

Can I use different types of vinegar?

Absolutely! I prefer apple cider vinegar for its distinctive taste, but you can experiment with white wine vinegar or even red wine vinegar. Steer clear from regular white vinegar—it’s too acidic for this recipe.

What’s the best way to slice the cucumbers and onions?

For the best texture and absorption of the dressing, I’d use a mandoline. You’ll get more uniform slices.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this salad with your favorite burgers or grilled chicken recipe. I also think it’s a tasty side for picnics, so cold sandwiches like a tuna salad or even wraps like our mango chicken cauliflower rice wrap work really well. Are you vegan? Serve cucumber salad with our easy homemade sweet potato veggie burgers!