Recipes

These 25 cucumber, onion, and vinegar salad recipes feature crisp, hydrating side dishes, fast pickling methods, and tangy marinades perfect for barbecues, meal prep, and low-calorie everyday eating.

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1. Easy 10-Minute Cucumber Onion Salad in Vinegar

Ingredients: 2 English cucumbers (thinly sliced), 1 small red onion (paper-thinly sliced), 1/2 cup distilled white vinegar, 1/2 cup water, 2 tbsp granulated sugar, 1 tsp salt, 2 tbsp fresh chopped dill.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Slice English cucumbers and red onion as thinly as possible using a mandoline.
  2. Whisk white vinegar, water, sugar, and salt in a bowl until sugar fully dissolves.
  3. Place cucumber and red onion slices in a salad bowl.
  4. Pour white vinegar marinade over vegetables and toss with fresh chopped dill.
  5. Let sit for 10 minutes at room temperature before serving.

2. Old-Fashioned Grandma’s Cucumber Onion Vinegar Salad

Ingredients: 3 field cucumbers (peeled and sliced), 1 sweet yellow onion (sliced into rings), 3/4 cup white vinegar, 1/2 cup water, 1/3 cup sugar, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Peel field cucumbers, slice into thin rounds, and slice yellow onion into thin rings.
  2. Warm white vinegar, water, sugar, salt, and black pepper in a saucepan until sugar dissolves; cool to room temperature.
  3. Layer cucumber rounds and onion rings in a wide glass container.
  4. Pour cooled vinegar brine over vegetables until completely submerged.
  5. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for 2 hours before serving.

3. Sugar-Free Keto Cucumber Red Onion Vinegar Salad

Ingredients: 2 Persian cucumbers (sliced), 1/2 red onion (thinly sliced), 1/2 cup raw apple cider vinegar, 1/4 cup water, 1.5 tbsp liquid monk fruit or erythritol, 1 tsp sea salt, 1 tbsp olive oil.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Combine sliced Persian cucumbers and red onion half-moons in a glass bowl.
  2. Whisk apple cider vinegar, water, sweetener, sea salt, and olive oil in a measuring cup.
  3. Pour sugar-free brine over sliced vegetables.
  4. Toss gently until all slices are coated.
  5. Chill for 15 minutes in the refrigerator before serving.

4. Quick Pickled Cucumbers and Red Onions in Apple Cider Vinegar

Ingredients: 2 seedless cucumbers (sliced), 1 red onion (thinly sliced), 1/2 cup unfiltered apple cider vinegar, 1/4 cup warm water, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp mustard seeds.

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Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Pack sliced cucumbers, red onions, and mustard seeds tightly into a clean mason jar.
  2. Stir warm water, apple cider vinegar, honey, and salt until honey is completely dissolved.
  3. Pour warm apple cider vinegar mixture over vegetables to fill jar.
  4. Seal jar with lid and shake gently to distribute brine.
  5. Let quick-pickle at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving or chilling.

5. Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad with White Wine Vinegar

Ingredients: 2 large cucumbers (sliced), 1/2 red onion (diced), 1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt, 2 tbsp white wine vinegar, 1 tsp lemon juice, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 2 tbsp fresh dill (chopped), salt, pepper.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Toss sliced cucumbers with 1/2 tsp salt in a colander, let drain 10 minutes, and pat dry.
  2. Whisk plain Greek yogurt, white wine vinegar, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
  3. Add dried cucumbers and diced red onion into creamy vinegar dressing.
  4. Fold ingredients until vegetables are evenly coated.
  5. Stir in chopped fresh dill and serve immediately.

6. Crunchy German Cucumber Salad (Gurkensalat) with Vinegar

Ingredients: 2 English cucumbers (paper-thinly sliced), 1/2 white onion (minced), 1/4 cup white wine vinegar, 2 tbsp vegetable oil, 1 tsp sugar, 1/2 tsp salt, 2 tbsp fresh dill (chopped).

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Slice English cucumbers paper-thin using a mandoline slicer.
  2. Sprinkle salt over cucumber slices and let sit 15 minutes; squeeze out excess liquid thoroughly.
  3. Whisk white wine vinegar, vegetable oil, sugar, and minced white onion in a small dish.
  4. Toss drained cucumbers with vinegar dressing.
  5. Sprinkle fresh dill on top and chill for 20 minutes before serving.

7. Crisp Mediterranean Cucumber Onion Tomato Vinegar Salad

Ingredients: 2 English cucumbers (diced), 1 red onion (diced), 1.5 cups cherry tomatoes (halved), 1/3 cup red wine vinegar, 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, 1 tsp dried oregano, salt, pepper.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Combine diced cucumbers, red onion, and halved cherry tomatoes in a large bowl.
  2. Whisk red wine vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.
  3. Pour vinaigrette over fresh vegetables.
  4. Toss thoroughly so red wine vinegar coats all ingredients evenly.
  5. Serve cold as a crisp Mediterranean side dish.

8. 5-Ingredient Sweet and Sour Cucumber Onion Salad

Ingredients: 2 large cucumbers (sliced), 1 sweet Vidalia onion (sliced), 1/2 cup distilled white vinegar, 1/3 cup granulated sugar, 1 tsp salt.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Add sliced cucumbers and sweet Vidalia onion rings into a bowl.
  2. Stir white vinegar, granulated sugar, and salt in a small bowl until clear.
  3. Pour sweet and sour brine over cucumbers and onions.
  4. Toss well to coat.
  5. Chill for 30 minutes in the refrigerator before serving.

9. Asian Sesame Soy Cucumber and Onion Salad in Vinegar

Ingredients: 4 Persian cucumbers (sliced), 1/2 red onion (thinly sliced), 1/3 cup unseasoned rice vinegar, 1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce, 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil, 1 tsp maple syrup, 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Combine sliced Persian cucumbers and thin red onion slices in a bowl.
  2. Whisk unseasoned rice vinegar, soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, and maple syrup.
  3. Pour rice vinegar marinade over cucumber and onion mixture.
  4. Toss well to coat all slices.
  5. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and serve chilled.

10. Spicy Jalapeño Cucumber Onion Vinegar Salad

Ingredients: 2 English cucumbers (sliced), 1 red onion (sliced), 1 large jalapeño (thinly sliced into rings), 1/2 cup white vinegar, 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tsp salt.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Combine sliced cucumbers, red onion half-rings, and sliced jalapeño rings in a glass dish.
  2. Whisk white vinegar, fresh lime juice, honey, and salt until dissolved.
  3. Pour spicy lime-vinegar brine over sliced vegetables.
  4. Stir well to submerge jalapeño rings completely.
  5. Chill in refrigerator for 30 minutes to allow spicy heat to infuse.

11. Overnight Marinated Cucumber and Red Onion Salad

Ingredients: 3 seedless cucumbers (sliced), 1 large red onion (sliced), 3/4 cup white vinegar, 1/2 cup water, 2 tbsp sugar, 1.5 tsp salt, 1 tsp whole mustard seeds, 2 tbsp fresh dill.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Layer sliced cucumbers and red onion rings alternately inside a large mason jar.
  2. Whisk white vinegar, water, sugar, salt, mustard seeds, and fresh dill.
  3. Pour brine over packed vegetables until fully covered.
  4. Seal jar tightly and shake gently.
  5. Refrigerate overnight (8–12 hours) to maximize flavor and crunch.

12. Low-Sodium Herb Infused Cucumber Onion Vinegar Salad

Ingredients: 2 English cucumbers (sliced), 1 sweet onion (sliced), 1/2 cup raw unfiltered apple cider vinegar, 2 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp fresh parsley, 2 tbsp fresh basil, 1 tbsp fresh dill, 1/4 tsp sea salt.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Chop parsley, basil, and dill finely.
  2. Combine sliced cucumbers and sweet onions in a bowl.
  3. Whisk apple cider vinegar, olive oil, sea salt, and chopped herbs in a cup.
  4. Pour herb-infused vinegar marinade over vegetables.
  5. Toss thoroughly and let marinate 15 minutes before serving.

13. Sweet Vidalia Onion and Cucumber Vinegar Salad

Ingredients: 2 cucumbers (sliced), 1 large sweet Vidalia onion (thinly sliced), 1/2 cup white vinegar, 1/4 cup water, 3 tbsp sugar, 1 tsp celery seed, 1 tsp salt.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Place sliced cucumbers and Vidalia onion rings into a bowl.
  2. Whisk white vinegar, water, sugar, celery seed, and salt until sugar dissolves.
  3. Pour sweet vinegar brine over cucumbers and onions.
  4. Stir mixture to combine evenly.
  5. Cover tightly and chill for 1 hour before serving at barbecues.

14. 3-Ingredient Quick Vinegar Pickled Cucumber Ribbon Salad

Ingredients: 3 Persian cucumbers, 1/2 red onion (thinly sliced), 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar, 1/2 tsp salt.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Shave Persian cucumbers into long ribbons using a vegetable peeler.
  2. Toss cucumber ribbons and sliced red onion together in a bowl.
  3. Drizzle apple cider vinegar over ribbons and sprinkle with salt.
  4. Toss gently using salad tongs so ribbons do not break.
  5. Serve immediately as a quick 5-minute side dish.

15. Gut-Healthy Probiotic Apple Cider Vinegar Cucumber Salad

Ingredients: 2 English cucumbers (sliced), 1/2 red onion (sliced), 1/2 cup raw unfiltered ACV (with the mother), 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 1 tsp raw honey, 1 tsp sea salt, 2 tbsp fresh dill.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Place sliced English cucumbers and red onion in a glass bowl.
  2. Whisk raw ACV, extra virgin olive oil, raw honey, and sea salt.
  3. Pour probiotic ACV dressing over vegetables.
  4. Add fresh chopped dill and toss gently.
  5. Let rest at room temperature for 10 minutes to activate flavors.

16. Red Wine Vinegar Cucumber Onion & Feta Salad

Ingredients: 2 English cucumbers (sliced), 1/2 red onion (thinly sliced), 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese, 1/3 cup red wine vinegar, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp dried oregano, salt, pepper.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Combine sliced cucumbers and thinly sliced red onion in a bowl.
  2. Whisk red wine vinegar, olive oil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.
  3. Pour vinaigrette over cucumbers and red onions; toss to coat.
  4. Top with crumbled feta cheese right before serving.
  5. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

17. Spicy Korean-Style Cucumber and Onion Vinegar Salad (Oi Muchim)

Ingredients: 2 Persian cucumbers (sliced), 1/4 yellow onion (thinly sliced), 2 tbsp unseasoned rice vinegar, 1 tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes), 1 tsp sesame oil, 1 tsp soy sauce, 1 tsp sugar, 1 minced garlic clove.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Place sliced Persian cucumbers and yellow onions in a bowl.
  2. Whisk rice vinegar, gochugaru, sesame oil, soy sauce, sugar, and minced garlic into a paste.
  3. Pour spicy dressing over cucumbers and onions.
  4. Toss vigorously until all slices are coated in red seasoning.
  5. Serve immediately as a Korean side dish (banchan).

18. Smoky BBQ Cucumber and Grilled Onion Vinegar Salad

Ingredients: 2 cucumbers (sliced), 1 red onion (cut into thick rounds and grilled), 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar, 1 tbsp smoked paprika, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp brown sugar, salt.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Grill thick red onion rounds over medium heat for 3 minutes per side until charred; let cool and slice.
  2. Combine raw cucumber slices and charred grilled onions in a bowl.
  3. Whisk apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, olive oil, brown sugar, and salt.
  4. Pour smoky vinegar dressing over salad and toss to coat.
  5. Serve at room temperature alongside grilled meats.

19. Healthy No-Oil Cucumber Red Onion Vinegar Salad

Ingredients: 2 English cucumbers (sliced), 1 red onion (sliced), 1/2 cup white vinegar, 1/4 cup water, 1 tbsp stevia or monk fruit, 1 tsp sea salt, 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped).

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Add sliced English cucumbers and red onion into a mixing bowl.
  2. Whisk white vinegar, water, stevia sweetener, and sea salt until dissolved.
  3. Pour oil-free brine over vegetables.
  4. Stir in chopped fresh parsley.
  5. Chill for 20 minutes before serving as a zero-fat side dish.

20. Meal Prep Jar Cucumber Onion Vinegar Salad

Ingredients: 3 English cucumbers (sliced), 1 red onion (sliced), 3/4 cup white wine vinegar, 1/4 cup water, 2 tbsp honey, 1.5 tsp sea salt, 2 tbsp fresh dill.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Whisk white wine vinegar, water, honey, sea salt, and fresh dill in a glass measuring cup.
  2. Layer sliced red onions and cucumbers evenly into 4 pint-sized mason jars.
  3. Divide vinegar marinade among jars, leaving 1/2 inch of space at top rim.
  4. Seal jars tightly with lids.
  5. Store upright in refrigerator for up to 5 days for meal prep.

21. Fresh Mint and Lime Cucumber Onion Vinegar Salad

Ingredients: 2 English cucumbers (sliced), 1/2 yellow onion (sliced), 1/4 cup white vinegar, 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves (chopped), 1 tbsp honey, salt.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Combine sliced cucumbers and yellow onions in a salad bowl.
  2. Whisk white vinegar, fresh lime juice, honey, and salt.
  3. Pour lime-vinegar dressing over cucumbers and onions.
  4. Fold in coarsely chopped fresh mint leaves.
  5. Chill for 10 minutes for an ultra-cooling summer side dish.

22. Tangy Vinegar Pickled Cucumber Onion Relish for Hot Dogs

Ingredients: 2 cucumbers (finely diced), 1 yellow onion (finely diced), 1/2 cup white vinegar, 1/4 cup sugar, 1 tsp mustard seeds, 1/2 tsp celery seeds, 1/2 tsp salt.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Combine finely diced cucumbers and yellow onions in a bowl.
  2. In a small saucepan, bring white vinegar, sugar, mustard seeds, celery seeds, and salt to a boil.
  3. Pour hot vinegar brine over diced vegetables.
  4. Stir well and let cool to room temperature.
  5. Transfer to a jar and refrigerate before serving over hot dogs or burgers.

23. Garlic Herb Marinated Cucumber Onion Vinegar Salad

Ingredients: 2 large cucumbers (sliced), 1 white onion (sliced), 3 garlic cloves (minced), 1/2 cup white wine vinegar, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Whisk white wine vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.
  2. Place sliced cucumbers and white onions in a container.
  3. Pour garlic-herb vinegar marinade over vegetables.
  4. Toss to coat all slices evenly.
  5. Cover and chill for 45 minutes to let garlic flavor infuse before serving.

24. Crisp Avocado Cucumber Onion Vinegar Salad

Ingredients: 2 Persian cucumbers (sliced), 1 red onion (thinly sliced), 1 ripe avocado (diced), 1/3 cup champagne vinegar (or white wine vinegar), 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, salt, pepper.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Toss sliced Persian cucumbers and red onion in a bowl with champagne vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
  2. Let marinate for 10 minutes so onions soften slightly.
  3. Add diced avocado right before serving.
  4. Gently fold avocado into cucumber mixture so pieces remain intact.
  5. Serve cold immediately.

25. Budget 50-Cent Cucumber Onion Vinegar Side Dish

Ingredients: 2 medium field cucumbers (sliced), 1 yellow onion (sliced), 1/2 cup distilled white vinegar, 1/2 cup tap water, 2 tbsp sugar, 1 tsp salt.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Slice field cucumbers and yellow onion into rounds.
  2. Stir distilled white vinegar, water, sugar, and salt in a bowl until sugar dissolves completely.
  3. Add sliced cucumbers and onions into vinegar brine.
  4. Mix well so all vegetables are fully submerged.
  5. Chill for 15 minutes and serve as a low-cost side dish.

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