Easy Cucumber Bites

Classic Cucumber Onion Salad Recipe

This straightforward salad features thinly sliced cucumbers and onions
marinated in a simple vinegar dressing, then finished with fresh, aromatic
dill. With just five essential ingredients (excluding salt, pepper, and
water), this cucumber onion salad is bursting with flavor, incredibly
versatile, and exceptionally easy to make.

This cucumber salad recipe might remind you of the traditional cucumber and
onions in vinegar that your grandmother might have served. Different
variations of this recipe have been enjoyed for generations and can be found
in various cultures.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Cucumber Salad

Simple ingredients. While cucumbers might be abundant in your
garden at certain times, this salad is perfect year-round. Cucumbers and
onions are readily available and affordable ingredients.

A refreshing side dish. In the warmer months, cucumber onion
salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or steak. Its tangy and light
flavor profile, with no added oil, makes it a refreshing addition to any
meal. For an extra touch, slice a ripe tomato and top each slice with a
spoonful of cucumber and onion salad for a delightful, low-calorie side.

Complements a variety of dishes. As winter approaches, this
salad provides a bright contrast to heartier dishes like stews or roasts.
The vinegar-based dressing beautifully complements rich meats, such as
instant pot short ribs or a classic pot roast.

Perfect for sandwiches. This versatile salad also shines as a
sandwich topping. A few slices add a pleasant crunch to pulled pork
sandwiches, burgers, or Cuban sandwiches. For vegetarian options, try it on a
homemade black bean burger. With so many uses, you’ll want to keep a bowl of
this cucumber onion salad in your refrigerator at all times!

Ingredient Notes

• Cucumber: Choose tender-skinned varieties, such as English
  cucumbers, hot-house, seedless, or Persian cucumbers. If using a
  thicker-skinned cucumber, peel it and remove some of the seeds, as these can
  be bitter and add excess water to the salad.
• Onion: Any type of onion will work. However, sweet onions
  are a great choice, as they won’t overpower the other flavors. Red onions
  are also a good option.
• Vinegar: Plain white distilled vinegar is all you need for
  this recipe. While other types of vinegar like apple cider vinegar or rice
  vinegar can be used, they will alter the flavor profile of the salad.
• Dill: Fresh dill brings a vibrant, piquant flavor to the
  salad. If fresh dill isn’t available, substitute with dried dill, but use
  only 2 teaspoons instead of 2 tablespoons of fresh dill for the best result.
  Feel free to adjust the amount of dill to your preference!
• Sugar, Salt, Pepper: These simple seasonings are essential
  to balance and round out the marinade.

How to Make Cucumber Onion Salad: Step-by-Step

1. Prepare the cucumbers and onions: Start by washing, drying,
and trimming the ends of both the cucumbers and onions. Using a sharp knife,
thinly slice the cucumber and onion. A mandoline slicer will make this process
faster if you have one – but always be cautious of your fingers!

2. Prepare the marinade (dressing): Next, prepare the
marinade in a bowl that is large enough to hold all the salad ingredients. This
helps reduce the number of dishes you’ll need to wash! Whisk the marinade
ingredients until the sugar and salt are mostly dissolved.

3. Combine the vegetables and marinade: Add the cucumber and
onion slices to the marinade.

4. Chill: Stir the salad well to ensure all the vegetables
are coated in the marinade. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for about an hour,
or longer if desired. Stir the salad once or twice during this time. Stir in
the fresh dill just before serving. Enjoy!

Serving Tip: If you’re not plating the entire salad, I
recommend using a slotted spoon to remove the cucumber and onion slices from
the marinade and transfer them to a serving bowl. This prevents the salad from
becoming overly saturated with the dressing.

Explore More Quick Pickle Recipes

Cucumbers and onions are just the beginning! You can create “quick pickled”
versions of many other vegetables without needing a traditional canning
process. Some delicious options to try include:

• Pickled Cauliflower
• Pickled Red Onions
• Pickled Green Beans
• Pickled Vegetables
• Pickled Asparagus
• Refrigerator Dill Pickles
• Quick Pickled Radishes

Cucumber Salad Recipe Variations

• Herb swaps: Substitute the fresh dill with other fresh herbs
  like basil, oregano, parsley, mint, or lemon balm. Experiment with
  different herbs or combinations to add unique flavors to the salad.
  Personally, I love a mix of dill, parsley, and a touch of chives.
• Add more veggies: Enhance the salad with thinly sliced
  radishes or carrots for added color and texture. If you’re a fan of carrots,
  you might also enjoy my carrot salad.
  And for a similar salad with tomatoes, check out my cucumber tomato salad.
• Creamy cucumber salad ideas: If you prefer a creamy
  version, explore my reduced-calorie cucumber ribbon salad
  with yogurt herb dressing, or try the more traditional German cucumber salad.
• Spice it up: For a spicier take, consider
  Korean pickles, a simple quick pickle made with spicy gochugaru (Korean red pepper) and
  garlic.

Make-Ahead Tips and Storage Instructions

Make-ahead: This marinated cucumber and onion salad is perfect
for preparing in advance. For best results, make the salad at least 60
minutes before serving. It actually tastes even better as the flavors meld
together in the marinade.

Storing leftovers: Leftover cucumber onion salad can be
stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The
cucumbers will retain their crispness longer if stored in the brine. If you
notice any mold, cloudiness, or an off smell, discard the salad immediately.