Cucumber onion salad in vinegar is a classic for a reason — crisp cucumbers, mild onions, and a tangy-sweet vinegar dressing that gets better as it sits.
The simple mix of vinegar and sugar balances just right, making this refreshing side perfect for summer cookouts or alongside a Southern comfort meal. A few basic ingredients come together for a dish that’s light, flavorful, and always worth making.
Delicious! I went back for seconds and my family had gobbled it up!
Jeana (pinterest)
Why this recipe is awesome
My friend Jackie’s mother, Miss Pat, used to keep this cucumber and onion salad in the refrigerator all summer. And since I practically lived at their house, I ate this salad all the time.
The cucumbers stay crisp in the vinegar, and the onion loses enough heat to result in a crispy, refreshing salad that’s great as a side dish all year.
Of course, this salad is the best when you can get fresh summer cucumbers, but we even eat it during the winter.
We usually have a bowl of this cucumber onion salad in the refrigerator all summer. As the week goes on, you can easily add to it by dropping more fresh cucumber slices in the vinegar.
Cucumber and onion salad ingredients
➡️➡️➡️ The full ingredient amounts and instructions are listed below on the printable recipe card. Scroll below the recipe card for frequently asked questions and tips for success.
The ingredients for this cucumber onion salad are simple, with nothing that should send you off to a specialty store. Here are a few notes to be aware of:
Fresh cucumbers: Choose firm, fresh cucumbers.
Tip: Our testing shows that this salad works best using cucumbers with thinner skins, which makes them less bitter. Examples are Kirby, English, or pickling cucumbers. If you choose an American cucumber, then you should peel it.
Sweet onion: Try to find authentic Vidalia onions if you can.
Vinegar: I use apple cider vinegar, but white vinegar also works well.
Celery seeds: They add flavor, so don’t skip them!
Fresh dill: While most Southern versions of cucumber and onion salad don’t include fresh dill, I love the brightness it adds to this salad. I always add it if I have some on hand.
How to make cucumber onion salad
This easy cucumber salad recipe is as simple as it gets and takes about 15 minutes to put together.
Make the dressing.
Combine the vinegar, water, sugar, celery seeds, salt, and pepper in a saucepan and heat until just hot but not boiling. Allow the vinegar dressing to cool, then pour over the cucumbers and onions.
How to store cucumber salad
Store the fresh salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will help maintain the freshness and crunch of the cucumbers. Cucumber salad will stay crisp for 3-4 days.
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Cucumber Onion Salad
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3 cucumbers, sliced
- 1 sweet onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup vinegar (white or apple cider)
- 1 cup water
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon celery seeds
- ½ teaspoon salt
- freshly ground pepper to taste
- fresh dill, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Place cucumber and onion slices in a bowl and sprinkle a little salt over them.
- Combine the remaining ingredients in a saucepan and cook until just hot, not boiling. Allow to cool completely.
- Pour over the cucumbers and onions. Cover and refrigerate.
Notes
- We recommend thinner-skinned cucumbers such as Kirby, English, or pickling. If you use American cucumbers, you should peel them.
- If you like a little heat, swap out the sweet onions for white or red onions.
- Store the cucumber salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Nutrition
This post is part of my favorite Southern Foods at Home collection.
i added 2oz of italian dressing to the mix, wow. Makes a big difference, or italian dry mix..
I have thoroughly enjoyed your Southern Classic recipes and have pinned most of them since I use Pinterest as my go to cookbook while in the grocery store. Although all are familiar, there are always different twists to even someone’s favorite often cooked dishes. I can’t wait to try your recipes. Thought I might pass along a favorite of mine which came from my mother since your cucumber and onions recipe made me think of it. You would think it would taste horrible but it’s actually quite good. No measurements — just slice cucumbers and onions, slather them up with sour cream and salt and pepper. So good. I think somewhere I’ve seen folks add a bit of acid such as fresh squeezed lemon, just a tad to this dish. Again thank you for sharing all these delicious sounding recipes. Rebecca
I have thoroughly enjoyed your Southern Classic recipes and have pinned most of them since I use Pinterest as my go to cookbook while in the grocery store. Although all are familiar, there are always different twists to even someone’s favorite often cooked dishes. I can’t wait to try your recipes. Thought I might pass along a favorite of mine which came from my mother since your cucumber and onions recipe made me think of it. You would think it would taste horrible but it’s actually quite good. No measurements — just slice cucumbers and onions, slather them up with sour cream and salt and pepper. So good. I think somewhere I’ve seen folks add a bit of acid such as fresh squeezed lemon, just a tad to this dish. Again thank you for sharing all these delicious sounding recipes. Rebecca