Cucumber and Onion Salad

Y’all looking for something simple and easy to whip up that’s just bursting with freshness? Well honey, this Cucumber and Onion Salad is calling your name! It’s a real treat, full of crisp cucumber, onion, and a bit of garlic, all mixed up in a marinade that’s both sweet and tangy. A true breath of fresh air from your usual green salad, this cucumber and onion salad is bomb for those days when the heat is turned up and need something light yet satisfying.

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Making this cucumber onion salad recipe couldn’t be easier, boo. You’ll find all the steps laid out below, but really all you need to do is slice the cucumber and the onion, smash the garlic, prep the marinade, marinate the salad, drain it, and that’s pretty much it. It’s so darn simple, I often toss together a big batch and keep it in the fridge to enjoy next to whatever’s coming off the stove or out of the oven for dinner. It’s a keeper, y’all!

The Lowdown on this Cucumber and Onion Salad

Cuisine Inspiration: American
Primary Cooking Method: No-Cook, Marinating
Dietary Info: Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-Free, Low-Fat
Key Flavor: Tangy and slightly sweet
Skill Level: Beginner

• Perfect Pair for Hearty Dishes: The light, crisp freshness of this salad cuts through the heaviness of dishes like BBQ ribs or creamy pasta, making your meal feel complete without weighing you down.
• Meal Prep Dream: Whip up a big ol’ batch at the start of the week, and you’ve got a ready-to-go side that keeps beautifully in the fridge for several days. Its flavors even meld and improve over time!
• Quick Doesn’t Mean Compromise: Who says easy can’t be delicious? The secret’s in the marinade, boo! It packs such a flavorful punch, you’ll be wondering how something so simple can taste so good.
• Light and Healthy: We all love a nice salad packed with proteins and all sorts of goodies, but sometimes we need a lighter side that feels like a cleanse for the palate – like this cucumber onion salad. Plus, it’s super healthy!

Ingredients to make Cucumber and Onion Salad

• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the salad (just a tiny bit!) and cuts through the vinegar’s tang.
• White Vinegar: The backbone of our marinade, y’all. It’s what gives this salad its bright and tangy flavor.
• Kosher Salt & Coarse Ground Black Pepper: Both add the right seasoning to the marinade.
• Water: To dissolve the sugar and salt.
• English Cucumber: It has a thin skin and tiny seeds, meaning we can slice it up and toss it right in. No peeling required! Plus, it’s not as watery as garden or Persian cucumbers.
• Yellow Onion: Thinly sliced for a bit of sharpness and crunch.
• Garlic Cloves: Smashed, to add some delicious garlicky goodness.
• Fresh Dill: A fresh, herby garnish. The perfect final touch for this easy cucumber onion salad!

How to make Cucumber and Onion Salad

1. Add sugar, salt, pepper, water, and vinegar to a deep container with a tight-fitting lid.
2. Stir until the sugar is mostly dissolved.
3. Add in cucumber, onion, and garlic. Stir and shimmy until all ingredients are submerged in the liquid. 
4. Let sit for a few hours. Drain, garnish with dill, and serve.

Tips for making the best cucumber salad with onions

1. Use a Mandoline: A mandoline is a game-changer, y’all! Not only does it make the prep work super quick, but it also means every slice is even-steven.
2. Chill Out: Once you’ve got your salad all mixed up, pop it in the fridge if you’re not serving it straight away. If you let it sit out too long, the cucumbers will release water and make the salad soggy.
3. Flexible Marinating Time: Can’t wait the full two hours to marinate? Don’t fret. Even an hour in the marinade can do the trick. The flavor won’t be quite as bold, but it’ll still be pretty tasty.
4. Give It a Good Toss: Before serving, don’t forget to give your simple cucumber and onion salad a good toss. This helps redistribute all those tangy flavors from the bottom of the bowl, ensuring every bite is delicious.

Popular substitutions & additions

• Red Onions: Swapping out yellow onions for red ones not only adds a pop of color to your salad but also brings in an extra sweet touch.
• More Veggies: Throw in some extra veggies! Cherry tomatoes, sliced radishes, or bell peppers – I’ve used ’em all on this cucumber and onion salad.
• Feta: Feta makes it betta! Crumbling some over your salad adds a creamy texture and a salty tang that pairs great with the crisp veggies and sweet-tangy dressing.
• Creamy Twist: I know, the main appeal of this his salad is that it’s light, but for those who love a creamy dressing… A dollop of Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, or sour cream mixed into the marinade before adding the veggies can transform the salad into a rich, indulgent side. To each its own, baby!

What to serve with this easy cucumber onion salad

• This is the best cucumber salad for chicken mains! Imagine it sitting pretty next to some honey BBQ wings or a plate of lemon-roasted chicken. Pure YUM.
• For beef lovers, think a juicy grilled ribeye or smoky beef ribs. This salad cuts through the richness and adds a fresh note to each beefy bite.
• Seafood night? Lay out some maple-glazed salmon fillets or a heap of jerk shrimp tacos, and add this salad for a refreshing side.
• If you’re diving into a bowl of creamy pasta, like rich garlic pasta with seared scallops or a comforting shrimp scampi, this salad is THE ultimate refreshing side you didn’t know you needed.

How to store Cucumber and Onion Salad

After you’ve enjoyed your fill of this crisp salad, just pop any leftovers in a sealed container and slide it into the fridge. Make sure it’s airtight!

How long will Cucumber and Onion Salad last in the fridge?

This cucumber and onion salad stays fresh for about 2 to 3 days max in the fridge. After that, it might start to lose its crispness.

Frequently asked questions

This Cucumber and Onion Salad is easy to make and is asdf go-to side for meal prep, picnics, and everything in between! And the flavor? It’s the perfect blend of crisp, cool cucumbers and sharp, sweet onions, all dressed up in a tangy marinade that just works. C’mon y’all, it tastes too good to be this simple!

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