The Perfect 5-Minute Cucumber Onion Salad Recipe for Summer

Cool cucumber onion salad brings crisp, refreshing relief during sweltering summer days.

Mediterranean regions have long celebrated this simple yet vibrant mixture of fresh ingredients.

Raw vegetables combine to create a delightful sensory experience that awakens taste buds.

Delicate slices interplay with sharp, tangy notes that dance across your palate.

Light and zesty, this dish offers a perfect balance between crunch and smooth textures.

Nutritious components merge into a delectable side that complements multiple main courses.

Minimal preparation reimagines ordinary vegetables into an extraordinary culinary delight that feels both elegant and rustic.

Cucumber Onion Salad That’s Crisp and Refreshing

• Refresh Your Palate: This cucumber onion salad delivers a crisp, cool crunch that instantly revives your taste buds with its bright, tangy flavor profile.
• Meal Prep Magic: Whip up this simple salad in minutes and store it easily in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, making it a perfect make-ahead side dish for busy weeknights or quick lunch prep.
• Flexible Herb Option: Swap fresh dill with dried dill weed seamlessly by adding just 2 teaspoons to the dressing, giving you the flexibility to create this recipe with whatever herbs you have on hand.
• Quick and Effortless: No complicated cooking techniques required – simply chop, mix, and marinate for a delicious, refreshing salad that requires minimal culinary skills and time.

What Goes Into Cucumber Onion Salad

• Cucumber: Crisp, cool base of the salad with a refreshing crunch and light flavor.
• Sweet Onion: Adds a mild, sharp bite and provides a nice contrast to the cucumber's coolness.
• Fresh Dill: Brings a bright, herbal note that elevates the entire salad's taste profile.

• White Vinegar: Creates a tangy, sharp base for the dressing that helps pickle the vegetables.
• Sour Cream: Offers a creamy, rich texture and balances the vinegar's acidity.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and round out the salad's overall flavor.

• Dried Dill Weed: A convenient alternative to fresh dill, providing similar herbaceous flavor.

Steps to Prepare Cucumber Onion Salad Just Right

Step 1: Prepare Dressing

Mix salad dressing components thoroughly.

• If using dried dill, add to the dressing
• Whisk ingredients until well combined

Step 2: Slice Vegetables

Chop cucumbers and onions into thin, uniform slices for even flavor distribution.

Step 3: Combine Salad

Gently mix sliced vegetables with prepared dressing.

Step 4: Marinate

Allow salad to sit in refrigerator for flavors to meld together.

Step 5: Store Properly

Transfer salad to a covered container.

Refrigerate for up to 2-3 days.

Step 6: Serve

Stir salad before serving to redistribute dressing and refresh flavors.

Pro Tip: For best taste, consume within 2-3 days of preparation and keep chilled.

Tips for Balancing the Sweet and Tangy Flavors

• Slice Precisely: Use a sharp knife or mandoline to create thin, uniform cucumber and onion slices for a more elegant and consistent texture.
• Drain Excess Moisture: After slicing cucumbers, sprinkle with salt and let sit for 10 minutes to draw out water, preventing a watery salad.
• Chill for Maximum Flavor: Allow the salad to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the dressing fully infuse the vegetables.
• Adjust Dressing Intensity: Experiment with vinegar-to-oil ratios to find your perfect balance of tanginess and smoothness.
• Customize with Herbs: Try adding fresh herbs like parsley or chives for an extra layer of freshness and complexity to the classic cucumber onion salad.

How to Keep Cucumber Onion Salad Fresh Longer

• Refrigeration: Transfer leftover salad to an airtight container, sealing tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain crisp textures. Keep chilled for maximum freshness up to 3 days.
• Stirring: Gently mix the salad before serving to redistribute dressing and revive flavors, ensuring each bite remains deliciously zesty and well-coated.
• Serving Tip: Drain excess liquid if the salad appears watery after refrigeration, then sprinkle with fresh herbs to brighten the taste and restore its original vibrant appeal.

What to Serve with Cucumber Onion Salad

• Pair with Grilled Proteins: Serve this crisp cucumber onion salad alongside grilled chicken, fish, or pork for a refreshing contrast to the smoky, charred flavors.
• Match with Chilled White Wines: Complement the salad's tangy and fresh profile with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, enhancing the light, zesty notes.
• Combine with Hearty Bread: Enjoy the salad with crusty sourdough or rustic whole grain bread to add texture and soak up the delicious dressing.
• Create a Light Lunch: Transform the salad into a complete meal by adding crumbled feta cheese and grilled shrimp for a protein-packed, Mediterranean-inspired dish.

Unique Takes on the Classic Cucumber Onion Mix

• Spicy Mediterranean Mix: Add crumbled feta cheese, sliced kalamata olives, and red pepper flakes for a zesty Greek-inspired version with bold Mediterranean flavors.
• Asian Sesame Splash: Replace white vinegar with rice vinegar, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds, and add a touch of soy sauce for an East Asian-inspired cucumber salad with nutty undertones.
• Herb Garden Blend: Mix in fresh chopped basil, mint, and parsley alongside the dill for a vibrant herb-packed salad that brings more complexity and freshness to the original recipe.
• Creamy Dill Version: Incorporate a tablespoon of Greek yogurt or sour cream into the dressing for a creamier texture that softens the sharp onion and vinegar notes while maintaining the salad's crisp character.

Cucumber Onion Salad Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Refreshing Cucumber Onion Salad delivers crisp Mediterranean flavors with tangy vinegar and delicate herbs. Cool slices of cucumber and red onion mingle in a light dressing, inviting you to savor summer’s simple pleasures.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 cucumber, sliced
• ½ red onion, thinly sliced

Dressing Ingredients:

• ⅓ cup (79 ml) white vinegar or cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) vegetable oil or light olive oil

Seasoning Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) water
• 2 teaspoons (10 g) sugar

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Slice cucumbers thinly using a mandoline or sharp knife, creating uniform, translucent rounds that will absorb the dressing effectively.
2. Finely dice red onions into delicate, thin pieces to ensure balanced flavor distribution throughout the salad.
3. In a spacious mixing bowl, gently combine the cucumber and onion slices, ensuring they are evenly mixed.
4. Prepare the dressing by whisking together white vinegar (120 milliliters / 4 fluid ounces), olive oil (30 milliliters / 1 fluid ounce), salt, and freshly ground black pepper until fully emulsified.
5. If using dried dill weed instead of fresh, incorporate into the dressing, stirring thoroughly to release its aromatic essence.
6. Pour the prepared dressing over the cucumber and onion mixture, carefully tossing to coat every slice uniformly.
7. Allow the salad to marinate in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to 1 hour, enabling the vegetables to absorb the tangy dressing and develop enhanced flavors.
8. Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir to redistribute the dressing and revive the ingredients.
9. Store the cucumber onion salad in a sealed container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, ensuring optimal freshness and taste.

Notes

• Chilling this salad enhances its crisp texture and allows flavors to meld beautifully.
• Swap fresh dill with dried dill by using 2 teaspoons in the dressing for consistent herb taste.
• Marinate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to develop deeper, more complex flavors.
• Keep leftovers refrigerated in a sealed container and consume within 2-3 days for optimal freshness.
• Gently stir the salad before serving to redistribute the dressing and revive its vibrant appearance.
• Consider using Persian or English cucumbers for a more delicate and less watery salad base.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: None
• Cuisine: Eastern European

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 74 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 2 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 3 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 0 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg