There are some summer dishes that are just easy classics using fresh garden ingredients. Today’s recipe is the perfect example, Cucumber & Onion Salad. Slice cucumbers and onion, mix a quick marinade of vinegar, sugar, salt and pepper. The longer you marinate it, the better it tastes, but you can do a quick pickling.
The kind of vinegar you use is really a personal choice. I really like organic apple cider vinegar’s crisp taste plus it has such great benefits for your health. There are claims to all sorts of benefits, many of which are supported by science. This includes weight loss, reduced cholesterol, lower blood sugar levels and improved symptoms of diabetes. See my post, Apple Cider Vinegar: Health Benefits & Uses for more information. Of course if you prefer white vinegar, red wine vinegar or rice vinegar, feel free to substitute.
I do not add water to the marinade like many recipes. The cucumbers release water as they soak. If you find the dressing too strong, you can dilute it with a little water. I’ve seen many recipes for this dish that call for a lot of sugar. If you need to increase the sugar, try increasing to the same amount as the vinegar – 2/3 cup. If like me, you love fresh herbs, sprinkle a little dill on the salad. Parsley or basil is also good. Also I am using a red onion as I love the color in the salad, but you could easily slice a white one too. A Vidalia is a good choice.
Cucumber & Onion Salad
Use organic when available. If you want to make a traditional southern marinade, it’s a simple recipe.
Cucumber & Onion Salad
Ingredients
- 4 large cucumbers
- 1 onion, red or white
- 2/3 cup apple cider vinegar or red wine or rice vinegar
- 1/2 cup sugar
- salt and pepper to taste
- Optional fresh herbs like dill or basil
Instructions
- Peel and slice cucumber into thin slices
- Halve and slice onion into thin slices
- Mix cucumbers and onions in large bowl
- Mix in second bowl vinegar, sugar, salt and pepper
- Stir until sugar disolves
- Pour marinade over vegetables and toss to coat
- Optional sprinkle fresh dill, parlsy, or basil on salad
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes
- Serve chilled
Enjoy your fresh garden salad!
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Dear Carol,
delicious!
I love cucumber salad in all variations. My favorite recipe is: grated cucumber with sour cream or yoghurt, garlic, dill, salt and nutmeg. Unfortunately, my husband doesn’t like cucumbers, so we don’t have the salad that often.
All the best,
Traude
https://rostrose.blogspot.com/2021/06/zwei-gerettete-naturparadiese.html
the sour cream version is popular here too – make yourself a little salad and enjoy it!
This is such a simple salad and recipe but it sounds so good. x
…freshness from the garden!
Yummy! This is an oldie but goodie. It looks so good. #MMBC
My gran used to make this and I just love it. (I don’t know if I loved it then, but I do now!) It’s especially pretty with the red onion (or shallot) and sometimes I’ll add a thinly sliced scallion and the tops for a bit of extra color. You’re right about the dill — it’s very nice. Thanks — I don’t have a written recipe, I just wing it, so this is helpful!
Glad to help – have a wonderful week!
I haven’t made this in years, thanks for the reminder. I think I’ll make some this week. 🙂
I also add tomatoes with the cucumbers & onions. Try it, it does taste better. Have a great day Carol.
Cruisin Paul
I have added tomatoes before – it is delightful. Have a great Monday Paul.
This looks really delicious, fresh and easy! I’ll defitinely try it!
That salad seems so simple yet with those ingredients must be very tasty. Four cucumbers seems a lot but I trust you Carol.
If it’s only for 2 paeople halve it, but I suggest you keep it in a covered container and eat on it for several days. It’s better the 2nd day.
This is a simple and delicious salad. I’ve never added sugar though.
you could leave it out if your wanted – many of us like the sweet-sour flavor
I absolutely love the simplicity of your cucumber salad. This is the perfect refreshing side to serve on a super hot summer day!
thanks Heidi – have a great week!
Bill loves this salad. I never add sugar, but lately have been using seasoned rice vinegar. Is there a reason why apple cider vinegar has more health benefits than any other vinegar?
no I’m not sure why but I think most vinegars have good properties but I love the taste of apple cider vinegar
One of my favorite salads. Yours looks amazing.
Amalia
xo
Hubby would love this cucumber and onion salad. Thanks for sharing.
I thought this photo of your salad was brilliant, so attractive when I saw it on IG. It is great to have the recipe I must get into using Apple cider vinegar more, you’re so right!
Have a lovely week
Wren x
thanks – hope you’re have a wonderful week
This salad sounds so refreshing especially in the summer x #mmbc
Thanks Carol, I have been looking for this kind of salad recipe.
you can add to it – tomatoes, peppers, whatever your heart desires
This sounds easy and refreshing!
thanks Lauren – have a wonderful day!
This looks tasty and perfect for our hot summer days.
I love cucumber. I’m going to squirrel this recipe away for when I have too many cucumbers from the greenhouse. Looks good to keep in the fridge. Thank you for sharing. #mmbc