Simple Cucumber and Onion Salad

Enjoy the crisp freshness of summer with our Classic Cucumber and Onion Salad recipe. Made with thinly sliced cucumbers, Vidalia onions, and vinegar, this salad is simple and perfect for any occasion.

Summer is almost here and that means it’s time for family gatherings, picnics, cook-outs and lots of delicious food. And that’s exactly why I am sharing this Simple Cucumber and Onion Salad recipe today. It’s the perfect addition all things summer! Easy to make and it’s crunchy texture is an excellent compliment to all things summer. Or any time really 😉

Crunchy, tangy, and just plain delicious, this cucumber and onion salad is a classic side dish that never goes out of style. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal preparation, this salad is a perfect serve along any meal, whether it’s a backyard barbecue, a family dinner, or a casual lunch.

Why We Love This Cucumber and Vidalia Onion Salad

• Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
• Versatile: Cucumber and onion salad pairs well with a wide range of dishes, from grilled meats to sandwiches to seafood.
• Healthy and Refreshing: This salad is not only delicious but also nutritious. It’s a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet while staying hydrated and satisfied.
• Perfect for Sharing: Whether you’re hosting a potluck or a picnic, cucumber and onion salad is a crowd-pleaser that everyone will enjoy. It’s a simple yet satisfying dish that never fails to impress.

With its crisp cucumbers, sweet Vidalia onions, and a simple vinegar dressing, this is a timeless recipe that you will be making for years to come.

Here’s why this Classic Cucumber and Onion Salad is perfect for cookouts and summer gatherings:

1. Refreshing and Light: During hot summer days, guests often crave refreshing and light dishes. This cucumber and onion salad fits the bill perfectly.
2. Easy to Prepare: When hosting cookouts or summer gatherings, simplicity is key. This salad requires minimal preparation and can be made ahead of time with just a few ingredients and a quick toss.
3. Pairs Well with Grilled Foods: Whether served alongside juicy burgers or grilled chicken, the cucumber and onion salad adds a burst of freshness to every bite.
4. Satisfies Various Dietary Preferences: It’s naturally gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan-friendly.
5. Versatile and Customizable: Feel free to add additional ingredients such as cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, or fresh herbs for extra flavor and color.
6. Resilient in Warm Weather: Its vinegar-based dressing helps preserve the freshness of the vegetables, ensuring that the salad remains crisp and flavorful throughout your outdoor event.

I love this simple salad exactly the way it is, but if you are looking to spice up this classic, I wanted to share some variations to try.

Classic Cucumber and Onion Salad Variations

1. Greek Cucumber Salad:
   • Substitute white vinegar with red wine vinegar or lemon juice for a tangier flavor.
   • Add sliced Kalamata olives and crumbled feta cheese for a Mediterranean twist.
   • Garnish with fresh oregano or dill for added herbaceousness.
2. Asian-Inspired Cucumber Salad:
   • Substitute white vinegar with rice vinegar and add a splash of soy sauce for a savory-sweet dressing.
   • Include thinly sliced radishes and julienned carrots for extra crunch and color.
   • Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and chopped cilantro for a burst of flavor.
3. Creamy Cucumber and Onion Salad:
   • Substitute white vinegar with mayonnaise or Greek yogurt for a creamy dressing.
   • Add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard and a pinch of sugar for extra flavor.
   • Include chopped fresh dill or parsley for a herby touch.
4. Spicy Cucumber and Onion Salad:
   • Add thinly sliced jalapeños or red chili flakes for a kick of heat.
   • Include thinly sliced bell peppers or diced mango for sweetness and color contrast.
5. Fruity Cucumber and Onion Salad:
   • Add diced watermelon or cantaloupe for a sweet element.
   • Substitute white vinegar with orange juice for a fruity dressing.
   • Include fresh berries like strawberries or blueberries for added color and sweetness.

Feel free to mix and match ingredients and dressings to create your own unique spin on this classic salad!

The dressing for this salad is vinegar and some seasonings, which I absolutely love. But if someone in your crew isn’t a huge fan of vinegar, here are some alternative dressings that provide acidity and depth of flavor.

1. Citrus Dressing: Replace the vinegar in the recipe with freshly squeezed lemon juice or lime juice. Citrus juice adds brightness and tanginess to the salad while imparting a refreshing flavor. Adjust the amount of sugar or sweetener used in the dressing to balance the acidity of the citrus juice.
2. Yogurt Dressing: Substitute the vinegar with plain Greek yogurt or a dairy-free alternative like coconut yogurt. Mix the yogurt with a little lemon juice or apple cider vinegar, along with some honey or maple syrup for sweetness. This creamy dressing adds richness to the salad while providing a subtle tang.
3. Herb-infused Oil Dressing: Make a simple herb-infused oil dressing by combining olive oil with finely chopped fresh herbs such as dill, parsley, or basil. Add a squeeze of lemon or lime juice for acidity, and season with salt and pepper to taste. The herb-infused oil adds flavor and complexity to the salad without relying on vinegar.

One of my favorite things about being in the kitchen is that you are free to experiment with different ingredients and ratios to find the perfect dressing that suits your taste.

Okay, let’s make that cucumber and Vidalia onion salad shall we? No need to warm up the oven or even get the kitchen dirty! If you have 5 minutes…then you can have this classic salad ready!