Nothing says fresh and flavorful quite like a cucumber and onion salad. This simple, tangy, and delightfully crunchy dish is a go-to side for warm-weather meals, BBQs, and family picnics. Its refreshing flavor profile, paired with the ease of preparation, makes it a must-have in any home cook’s recipe collection.
Whether you’re looking to cool down on a hot summer day or add a light, zesty note to a heavier meal, cucumber and onion salad is your answer. With just a few humble ingredients and minimal prep time, this recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.
A Bite of History
While cucumber and onion salad may feel like a classic American picnic staple, its roots go deeper. Variations of this salad appear in many cultures, from Eastern European vinegar-based versions to Mediterranean renditions with herbs and olive oil. The combination of cucumbers and onions is timeless—crunchy, aromatic, and perfect for pickling or fresh salads.
Interestingly, in the U.S., this dish gained popularity in the mid-20th century as part of “refrigerator pickles” and side salads that required no cooking, just marination. Today, it continues to be a beloved classic, frequently shared across generations.
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Refreshing and Crisp: Cucumber and Onion Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This cucumber and onion salad is a light, tangy, and refreshing side dish that’s perfect for picnics, BBQs, or everyday dinners. With crisp cucumbers, zesty onions, and a simple vinegar-based dressing, it comes together quickly and tastes even better after chilling. Ideal for summer gatherings or as a healthy make-ahead option.
Ingredients
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2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced (peeled or unpeeled)
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1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
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½ cup white vinegar
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¼ cup water
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2 tablespoons sugar (adjust to taste)
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1 tablespoon olive oil (optional)
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½ teaspoon salt
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¼ teaspoon black pepper
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¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
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2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
Instructions
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Prepare the Vegetables
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Wash and thinly slice the cucumbers and red onion.
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Make the Dressing
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In a small bowl, whisk together white vinegar, water, sugar, olive oil (if using), salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes until well combined.
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Combine and Toss
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In a large bowl, add the cucumbers and onions.
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Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss until evenly coated.
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Stir in the fresh dill.
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Marinate
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Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably 2–3 hours, to allow flavors to develop.
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Serve
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Stir gently before serving. Serve chilled and garnish with extra dill if desired.
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- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Final Thoughts
This easy cucumber and onion salad is more than just a side—it’s a fresh burst of flavor, a nod to tradition, and a dish that fits beautifully into any menu. With minimal ingredients and maximum taste, it’s the kind of recipe every home cook should have in their back pocket.
Ready to try it? Let me know how it turns out in the comments below or tag me on social media with your version of the dish! Happy cooking!
