25 Easy & Refreshing Cucumber Onions and Vinegar Salad Recipes

Looking for the crispest, most refreshing side dish to elevate your meals? Cucumber onions and vinegar is a classic combination loved worldwide for its budget-friendly ingredients, low-calorie profile, and tangy, mouthwatering crunch.

Whether you are preparing for a summer cookout, meal prepping healthy lunches, or searching for keto-friendly sides, this ultimate recipe roundup covers 25 unique, SEO-optimized ways to make cucumber onion and vinegar salad.

Why You’ll Love These Recipes

• Simple Ingredients: Made primarily with fresh cucumbers, onions, and pantry-staple vinegars.
• Health & Dietary Friendly: Naturally gluten-free, low-carb, keto, vegan, and packed with hydration.
• Make-Ahead Perfect: These salads marinate beautifully and get more flavor-packed over time.

Ingredients Master List (Base Recipe)

Across these 25 variations, you will generally need:

• Cucumbers: English, Persian, Kirby, or Standard Garden cucumbers.
• Onions: Yellow, Sweet Vidalia, Red, or White onions.
• Vinegar Brine: White vinegar, Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV), Red Wine Vinegar, or Seasoned Rice Vinegar.
• Seasonings: Kosher salt, black pepper, dill, garlic, or healthy sweeteners.

The 25 Best Cucumber Onion Vinegar Salad Recipes

1. Crispy Cucumber Onion Salad in Vinegar

• Prep time: 10 mins | Servings: 4
• Ingredients: 2 English cucumbers (thinly sliced), 1/2 white onion (sliced), 1/2 cup white vinegar, 1/4 cup water, 1 tbsp sugar, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper.
• Instructions:
  1. In a bowl, whisk white vinegar, water, sugar, salt, and black pepper until sugar dissolves.
  2. Toss in thin cucumber and onion slices.
  3. Refrigerate for 15–30 minutes before serving crisp.

2. Old Fashioned Cucumber and Onion Salad

• Prep time: 15 mins | Servings: 6
• Ingredients: 3 garden cucumbers (peeled and sliced), 1 sweet yellow onion, 3/4 cup white vinegar, 1/3 cup sugar, 1/2 cup water, 1 tbsp sea salt.
• Instructions:
  1. Place sliced cucumbers in a colander, sprinkle with sea salt, and let drain for 15 minutes. Rinse and pat dry.
  2. In a large bowl, mix white vinegar, water, and sugar until fully dissolved.
  3. Combine cucumbers and onions in the sweet vinegar brine. Chill for 2 hours for full flavor.

3. 10-Minute Vinegar Cucumber Onion Salad

• Prep time: 10 mins | Servings: 2
• Ingredients: 1 large cucumber, 1/4 red onion, 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar, 1 tbsp olive oil, pinch of salt and pepper.
• Instructions:
  1. Thinly slice the cucumber and red onion.
  2. Whisk apple cider vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a serving bowl.
  3. Toss vegetables immediately in the dressing and serve right away.

4. Tangy Sweet Vinegar Cucumber Onion Salad

• Prep time: 10 mins | Servings: 4
• Ingredients: 2 Persian cucumbers, 1/2 Vidalia onion, 1/2 cup white vinegar, 3 tbsp honey or maple syrup, 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper.
• Instructions:
  1. Whisk white vinegar and honey together until smooth.
  2. Add sliced cucumbers, sweet onions, and red pepper flakes.
  3. Mix thoroughly and chill for at least 20 minutes.

5. Keto Cucumber Onion Vinegar Salad

• Prep time: 10 mins | Servings: 4
• Ingredients: 2 English cucumbers, 1/2 red onion, 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar, 2 tbsp liquid stevia or monk fruit sweetener, 1/2 tsp salt.
• Instructions:
  1. Slice vegetables thinly.
  2. Stir sweetener and salt into the apple cider vinegar until dissolved.
  3. Pour dressing over veggies, toss well, and keep refrigerated.

6. Apple Cider Vinegar Cucumber Onion Salad

• Prep time: 10 mins | Servings: 4
• Ingredients: 2 cucumbers, 1/2 yellow onion, 1/2 cup raw organic apple cider vinegar (with the mother), 1 tbsp fresh dill, 1 tsp honey, 1/2 tsp salt.
• Instructions:
  1. Combine ACV, honey, fresh dill, and salt in a glass bowl.
  2. Add cucumbers and yellow onion slices.
  3. Let marinate in the fridge for 30 minutes for gut-healthy goodness.

7. Sugar-Free Cucumber Onion Vinegar Salad

• Prep time: 10 mins | Servings: 4
• Ingredients: 2 cucumbers, 1/2 white onion, 1/2 cup distilled white vinegar, 1/4 cup cold water, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp cracked black pepper.
• Instructions:
  1. Whisk vinegar, cold water, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
  2. Add sliced veggies and mix well.
  3. Serve chilled as a light, zero-sugar side dish.

8. Thinly Sliced Cucumber Onion Pickled Salad

• Prep time: 15 mins | Servings: 6
• Ingredients: 3 cucumbers (mandoline sliced), 1 red onion (thinly shaved), 3/4 cup white wine vinegar, 2 tbsp sugar, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp mustard seeds.
• Instructions:
  1. Shave cucumbers and red onions using a mandoline slicer.
  2. Whisk vinegar, sugar, salt, and mustard seeds until dissolved.
  3. Pour brine over thin slices; let soak for 15 minutes before serving.

9. Spicy Vinegar Cucumber and Red Onion Salad

• Prep time: 10 mins | Servings: 4
• Ingredients: 2 cucumbers, 1/2 red onion, 1 jalapeño (seeded and sliced), 1/2 cup red wine vinegar, 1 tsp chili flakes, 1/2 tsp salt.
• Instructions:
  1. Slice cucumbers, red onions, and jalapeños.
  2. Mix red wine vinegar, chili flakes, and salt in a bowl.
  3. Toss vegetables in the spicy vinegar mixture and serve chilled.

10. Dill Vinegar Cucumber and White Onion Salad

• Prep time: 10 mins | Servings: 4
• Ingredients: 2 English cucumbers, 1/2 white onion, 1/2 cup white vinegar, 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill, 1 tsp sea salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper.
• Instructions:
  1. Chop fresh dill finely and whisk with white vinegar, salt, and pepper.
  2. Add sliced cucumbers and white onions.
  3. Toss gently and marinate in the refrigerator for 20 minutes.

11. Southern Style Cucumber Onion Vinegar Salad

• Prep time: 15 mins | Servings: 6
• Ingredients: 3 cucumbers, 1 sweet onion, 1 cup white vinegar, 1/2 cup sugar, 1/2 cup warm water, 1 tbsp salt.
• Instructions:
  1. Dissolve sugar and salt completely in warm water and white vinegar.
  2. Place sliced cucumbers and sweet onions in a deep dish or jar.
  3. Submerge vegetables in liquid, cover, and chill overnight for classic potluck flavor.

12. Red Wine Vinegar Cucumber and Red Onion Salad

• Prep time: 10 mins | Servings: 4
• Ingredients: 2 English cucumbers, 1 red onion, 1/2 cup red wine vinegar, 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 1 tsp dried oregano, salt and pepper to taste.
• Instructions:
  1. Slice cucumbers and red onions into thin half-moons.
  2. Whisk red wine vinegar, olive oil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
  3. Pour over veggies and toss to coat evenly.

13. Creamy Vinegar Cucumber and Sweet Onion Salad

• Prep time: 10 mins | Servings: 4
• Ingredients: 2 cucumbers, 1/2 Vidalia onion, 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt, 2 tbsp white vinegar, 1 tsp honey, 1/2 tsp dill weed, salt to taste.
• Instructions:
  1. Whisk Greek yogurt, white vinegar, honey, dill, and salt until creamy.
  2. Add sliced cucumbers and Vidalia onions.
  3. Fold gently together and chill 15 minutes before serving.

14. Garlic Infused Cucumber Onion Vinegar Salad

• Prep time: 10 mins | Servings: 4
• Ingredients: 2 cucumbers, 1/2 yellow onion, 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1/2 cup white wine vinegar, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp salt.
• Instructions:
  1. Whisk minced garlic into white wine vinegar, olive oil, and salt.
  2. Add sliced cucumbers and yellow onions.
  3. Let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes to infuse garlic flavor before chilling.

15. Asian Style Cucumber Onion Rice Vinegar Salad

• Prep time: 10 mins | Servings: 4
• Ingredients: 2 Persian cucumbers, 1/4 red onion, 1/2 cup unseasoned rice vinegar, 1 tsp sesame oil, 1 tsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds.
• Instructions:
  1. Slice cucumbers thinly and toss with red onion.
  2. Whisk rice vinegar, sesame oil, and soy sauce together; pour over veggies.
  3. Garnish generously with toasted sesame seeds and serve immediately.

16. Quick Pickled Cucumbers and Onions in Vinegar

• Prep time: 15 mins | Servings: 6
• Ingredients: 3 cucumbers, 1 red onion, 1 cup distilled white vinegar, 1 cup water, 2 tbsp salt, 1 tbsp sugar, 2 garlic cloves (crushed).
• Instructions:
  1. Heat water, vinegar, salt, and sugar in a saucepan until dissolved. Let cool slightly.
  2. Pack sliced cucumbers, red onions, and crushed garlic into clean glass jars.
  3. Pour warm brine over veggies, seal, and refrigerate for 1 hour before eating.

17. English Cucumber and Sweet Onion Vinegar Salad

• Prep time: 10 mins | Servings: 4
• Ingredients: 2 seedless English cucumbers (unpeeled), 1 Vidalia onion, 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar, 2 tbsp honey, 1 tsp sea salt.
• Instructions:
  1. Slice English cucumbers into thin rounds and sweet onions into slivers.
  2. Whisk apple cider vinegar, honey, and salt until unified.
  3. Toss together in a salad bowl and serve chilled.

18. Meal Prep Cucumber Onion Vinegar Salad Jars

• Prep time: 15 mins | Servings: 4 mason jars
• Ingredients: 4 small cucumbers, 1 red onion, 1 cup white vinegar, 1/2 cup water, 2 tbsp monk fruit sweetener, 1 tsp salt.
• Instructions:
  1. Whisk vinegar, water, sweetener, and salt together.
  2. Layer sliced onions at the bottom of 4 pint-sized mason jars, followed by sliced cucumbers.
  3. Divide brine evenly among jars, seal tightly, and store in the fridge for up to 5 days.

19. German Style Cucumber Onion Salad (Gurkensalat)

• Prep time: 20 mins | Servings: 4
• Ingredients: 2 long cucumbers, 1 small white onion, 1/3 cup white vinegar, 1/4 cup neutral oil, 1 tbsp fresh dill, 1/2 tsp sugar, 1 tsp salt.
• Instructions:
  1. Peel and thinly slice cucumbers. Toss with salt and rest for 15 minutes; drain excess liquid.
  2. Mix white vinegar, neutral oil, sugar, and finely chopped dill.
  3. Toss drained cucumbers and white onions in the dressing. Serve chilled.

20. 3-Ingredient Cucumber Onion Vinegar Salad

• Prep time: 5 mins | Servings: 4
• Ingredients: 2 large cucumbers (sliced), 1/2 yellow onion (sliced), 1/2 cup distilled white vinegar, salt to taste.
• Instructions:
  1. Combine sliced cucumbers and onions in a bowl.
  2. Pour distilled white vinegar directly over the vegetables.
  3. Season with salt, toss, and enjoy immediate crunchy simplicity.

21. BBQ Side: Vinegar Cucumber Onion Salad

• Prep time: 10 mins | Servings: 6
• Ingredients: 3 cucumbers, 1 red onion, 3/4 cup cider vinegar, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp black pepper, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika.
• Instructions:
  1. Whisk cider vinegar, brown sugar, black pepper, and smoked paprika together.
  2. Add sliced cucumbers and red onions; toss well to coat.
  3. Chill for 30 minutes. Serve alongside grilled meats, ribs, or burgers.

22. Low Sodium Cucumber Onion Vinegar Salad

• Prep time: 10 mins | Servings: 4
• Ingredients: 2 cucumbers, 1/2 sweet onion, 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp fresh parsley, 1/2 tsp black pepper (no added salt).
• Instructions:
  1. Combine apple cider vinegar, fresh lemon juice, parsley, and black pepper.
  2. Slice cucumbers and sweet onions thinly.
  3. Pour citrus-vinegar mix over vegetables and toss thoroughly.

23. Tomato Cucumber and Onion Salad in Vinegar

• Prep time: 10 mins | Servings: 4
• Ingredients: 2 cucumbers, 2 ripe Roma tomatoes (wedged), 1/2 red onion, 1/2 cup red wine vinegar, 2 tbsp olive oil, salt and pepper.
• Instructions:
  1. Chop cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onions into bite-sized pieces.
  2. Whisk red wine vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
  3. Add all vegetables, toss gently, and serve immediately.

24. Smashed Cucumber Onion Salad with White Vinegar

• Prep time: 10 mins | Servings: 4
• Ingredients: 2 English cucumbers, 1/2 red onion, 1/2 cup white vinegar, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp sugar, 1 tsp chili oil.
• Instructions:
  1. Place cucumbers on a cutting board and smash gently with a rolling pin or flat side of a knife, then chop into chunks.
  2. Whisk white vinegar, soy sauce, sugar, and chili oil.
  3. Toss smashed cucumbers and red onions in the dressing so it absorbs into the nooks and crannies.

25. Zero Oil Cucumber Onion Vinegar Salad

• Prep time: 10 mins | Servings: 4
• Ingredients: 2 cucumbers, 1/2 white onion, 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar, 1/4 cup water, 1 tbsp stevia, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper.
• Instructions:
  1. Mix apple cider vinegar, water, stevia, salt, and pepper until uniform.
  2. Add sliced cucumbers and white onions.
  3. Marinate for 15 minutes for a fat-free, crisp side dish.

Chef’s Tips for the Crispiest Cucumber Salad

1. Choose the Right Cucumber: Thin-skinned, low-seed varieties like English or Persian cucumbers stay crunchier longer.
2. Salt & Drain (Optional): Salting standard garden cucumbers for 15 minutes before mixing draws out extra water so your vinegar brine stays concentrated.
3. Storage: Keep leftovers stored in airtight glass containers or mason jars in the refrigerator for up to 3–5 days.

Which variation are you trying first? Leave a comment below and let us know your favorite vinegar marinade!