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Cucumber Onion Salad Recipe

4.9 from 56 reviews

This refreshing Cucumber Onion Salad is a perfect side dish featuring crisp English cucumbers and sweet onions marinated in a tangy vinegar-based dressing. The salad is lightly sweetened and seasoned with salt, then chilled to enhance its bright flavors. It can be garnished with fresh dill for an extra herbaceous note, making it a delightful accompaniment to summer meals or barbecues.

Ingredients

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Salad Dressing

  • ½ cup white vinegar
  • ¾ cup water
  • 1 and ½ tsp. salt
  • 1 Tbsp. + 2 tsp. sugar

Salad

  • 1 large English cucumber, sliced into ¼-inch coins
  • ¼ sweet onion, sliced thin
  • 1 Tbsp. chopped fresh dill (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Dressing: In a medium bowl, stir together white vinegar, water, salt, and sugar until the salt and sugar are fully dissolved. Transfer this mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. Add Vegetables: Place the sliced cucumbers and thinly sliced onions into the baking dish with the vinegar mixture. Toss gently to coat the vegetables evenly. Arrange the cucumbers in a single layer with minimal overlap for best marination.
  3. Chill: Cover the baking dish and refrigerate for 1½ to 2 hours to allow the vegetables to soak up the dressing and develop flavor.
  4. Remove and Uncover: Take out the baking dish from the refrigerator and remove the cover just before serving.
  5. Serve: Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cucumbers and onions into a serving bowl, leaving most of the dressing behind. Drizzle a few tablespoons of the vinegar mixture over the salad to enhance flavor. Optionally, garnish with freshly chopped dill for a fragrant, fresh finish.

Notes

  • For crisper cucumbers, slice them just before preparing the salad or soak them in ice water beforehand.
  • Adjust sugar and salt levels according to your taste preference.
  • Fresh dill adds a beautiful aroma but can be omitted or substituted with fresh parsley or chives.
  • This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or as a light snack on a hot day.
  • Keep the salad refrigerated and consume within 24 hours for maximum freshness.

Keywords: cucumber salad, onion salad, quick salad, easy side dish, summer salad, vinegar dressing