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Cucumber Onion Salad Recipe – Great Meal Recipes

Name: Cucumber Onion Salad Recipe – Great Meal Recipes
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: ½ cup distilled white vinegar; 1 teaspoon fresh dill, chopped; ½ medium sweet Vidalia onion, thinly sliced; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 1 clove fresh garlic, finely minced; 2 teaspoons natural cane sugar; ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes; ½ cup cold filtered water; 1 teaspoon fine sea salt; 5or6 small garden cucumbers

Barbara Brito August 9, 2025

Servings: 4 Total Time: 15 mins Difficulty: Intermediate

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Spring has sprung, and there’s nothing quite like the refreshing crunch of a cucumber onion salad to celebrate the arrival of warmer weather. It’s a dish that plays well with others, too. I often pair it with grilled chicken, tacos, or even roasted salmon. The brightness of the cucumbers and the sharpness of the onions complement proteins beautifully, ensuring that every meal feels like a breath of fresh air.

Let’s dive into the colorful and vibrant world of cucumber onion salad. Picture this: a warm afternoon, sunlight filtering through your kitchen window, and the tantalizing scent of fresh vegetables in the air. This salad is more than just a side dish; it’s a celebration of simple, nourishing ingredients brought together harmoniously.

This recipe offers crisp cucumbers mingling with sweet Vidalia onions, all enveloped in a zesty dressing. Whether you’re preparing for a backyard barbecue or just a light dinner at home, this dish fits the bill perfectly.

In this post, you’re going to discover why this cucumber onion salad recipe stands out. We’ll explore flavor profiles, inspiring variations, and much more. You’ll want to bookmark this one for your next gathering, trust me!

Why This Recipe Works

Simple Ingredients: You’ll find nothing but wholesome components in this salad. Cucumbers, onions, vinegar, and a few seasonings create a dish that’s both uncomplicated and completely satisfying. The beauty lies in the freshness.
Quick Preparation: Not every delicious meal needs hours in the kitchen. This salad can be whipped up in no time, making it perfect for busy schedules or spontaneous inviting moments. You can actually have it ready in 15 minutes.
Versatility: There’s a lot you can do with this base recipe. Don’t have dill? Skip it. Want a hint of heat? Add crushed red pepper flakes. This recipe plays nicely with lots of different flavors, so feel free to let your creativity flow.
Health Benefits: This salad is fresh, light, and low in calories. Cucumbers are high in water content, and onions bring antioxidants to the table. Eating healthily has never tasted this good.

How Does It Taste Like?

Imagine taking a bite: the crispness of the cucumbers bursts on your palate, followed shortly by a mild sweetness from the onions. The dressing rounds out the experience with its tartness, giving every forkful a refreshing zing. If you decide to add garlic or red pepper flakes, you’ll enjoy an additional layer of flavor that keeps things interesting.

What Sets This Recipe Apart from Other Cucumber Onion Salad Variations?

While many cucumber onion salads often fall into the trap of being mundane, this recipe has several distinctive features. The use of sweet Vidalia onions introduces a natural depth of flavor, while the combination of vinegar and sugar creates a delightful balance of tangy and sweet. This two-way flavor dance sets my version apart and elevates it from just a salad to a noteworthy dish.

The Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to gather for this refreshing salad:

½ cup distilled white vinegar
1 teaspoon fresh dill, chopped (for a bright herbal note)
½ medium sweet Vidalia onion, thinly sliced
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 clove fresh garlic, finely minced
2 teaspoons natural cane sugar
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a gentle kick)
½ cup cold filtered water
1 teaspoon fine sea salt
5 or 6 small garden cucumbers

Instructions

Step 1: Slice Your Ingredients

Begin by washing your cucumbers. Slice them thinly for optimal crunch. I prefer using small garden cucumbers, as their skin is tender and doesn’t require peeling. If you’re using English cucumbers, slice them lengthwise before chopping.

Step 2: Prepare the Onions

Next, take your Vidalia onion and slice it thinly. The sweeter the onion, the better the flavor contrast you’ll achieve with the cucumbers.

Step 3: Mix the Dressing

In a medium bowl, combine the distilled vinegar, cold filtered water, sugar, dill, minced garlic, and salt. Whisk these ingredients together until the sugar and salt dissolve.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

Place your sliced cucumbers and onions into a large bowl. Pour the dressing over the vegetables. Gently toss to combine everything evenly.

Step 5: Chill

Let the salad sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This time allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 6: Serve

Before serving, give it a gentle stir and add a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper to your liking. Voilà! Your cucumber onion salad is ready.

Notes

Salt Wisely: Adjust the amount of salt to your preference. Too much can overwhelm the fresh flavors.
Make it Ahead: This salad actually gets better with time. Feel free to prepare it a day in advance.
Customization Galore: Add in tomatoes or peppers for a colorful twist.
Dressing Balance: If you like it tangier, add more vinegar; if you prefer it sweeter, increase the sugar slightly.
Storage: Keep it in an airtight container to maintain freshness, and enjoy it within a week.

Nutrition Information

A serving of this cucumber onion salad (about 1 cup) typically contains:

This salad is guilt-free and full of nutrients, making it a smart addition to any meal.

How Do You Store This Cucumber Onion Salad?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best consumed within a week. As time goes on, the cucumbers may lose some of their crunch, but they will still be delicious.

Sides for Cucumber Onion Salad

Grilled Chicken
Simple grilled chicken seasoned with salt, pepper, and a hint of lemon pairs beautifully. The salad refreshes the palate and balances out the protein.

Fish Tacos
Tacos filled with flaky white fish seasoned with spices create a fantastic harmony with the freshness of the salad. The combination is a summer dream, don’t you think?

Roasted Salmon
The rich flavor of roasted salmon contrasts nicely with the zesty crunch of the salad. A squeeze of fresh lemon on top enhances both the fish and the fresh salad.

What Alternatives Can You Use for the Ingredients?

Herbs
If fresh dill isn’t available, try fresh mint or parsley for a completely different flavor profile.

Onions
Can’t find Vidalia onions? Use red onions for a lovely color and mild flavor or green onions for a sharper taste.

Vinegar
While distilled vinegar is classic, consider using apple cider vinegar for a fruity twist or rice vinegar for a gentler finish.

Sugar
For a healthier option, agave syrup or honey can replace natural cane sugar. Adjust the amounts as needed because they’re sweeter.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, this cucumber onion salad is not just a recipe; it’s a taste of home, a nod to summer gatherings, and a reminder that fresh ingredients can shine on their own. Packed with vibrancy, it’s easy to prepare, customizable, and utterly satisfying. You will find yourself reaching for it repeatedly, whether you’re serving guests or enjoying a quiet night in.

So whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, this salad is sure to become a cherished addition to your culinary repertoire. Get started with this recipe, and let the fresh flavors of summer brighten your plate!

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Print Recipe

Cucumber Onion Salad Recipe – Great Meal Recipes

Author: Barbara Brito Cuisine: American Courses: Main Course

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 15 mins Total Time 15 mins

Servings: 4 Calories: 34

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Description

This recipe offers crisp cucumbers mingling with sweet Vidalia onions, all enveloped in a zesty dressing. Whether you're preparing for a backyard barbecue or just a light dinner at home, this dish fits the bill perfectly.