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.

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:
- Slice English cucumbers and red onion as thinly as possible using a mandoline.
- Whisk white vinegar, water, sugar, and salt in a bowl until sugar fully dissolves.
- Place cucumber and red onion slices in a salad bowl.
- Pour white vinegar marinade over vegetables and toss with fresh chopped dill.
- 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:
- Peel field cucumbers, slice into thin rounds, and slice yellow onion into thin rings.
- Warm white vinegar, water, sugar, salt, and black pepper in a saucepan until sugar dissolves; cool to room temperature.
- Layer cucumber rounds and onion rings in a wide glass container.
- Pour cooled vinegar brine over vegetables until completely submerged.
- 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:
- Combine sliced Persian cucumbers and red onion half-moons in a glass bowl.
- Whisk apple cider vinegar, water, sweetener, sea salt, and olive oil in a measuring cup.
- Pour sugar-free brine over sliced vegetables.
- Toss gently until all slices are coated.
- 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.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Pack sliced cucumbers, red onions, and mustard seeds tightly into a clean mason jar.
- Stir warm water, apple cider vinegar, honey, and salt until honey is completely dissolved.
- Pour warm apple cider vinegar mixture over vegetables to fill jar.
- Seal jar with lid and shake gently to distribute brine.
- 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:
- Toss sliced cucumbers with 1/2 tsp salt in a colander, let drain 10 minutes, and pat dry.
- Whisk plain Greek yogurt, white wine vinegar, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Add dried cucumbers and diced red onion into creamy vinegar dressing.
- Fold ingredients until vegetables are evenly coated.
- 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:
- Slice English cucumbers paper-thin using a mandoline slicer.
- Sprinkle salt over cucumber slices and let sit 15 minutes; squeeze out excess liquid thoroughly.
- Whisk white wine vinegar, vegetable oil, sugar, and minced white onion in a small dish.
- Toss drained cucumbers with vinegar dressing.
- 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:
- Combine diced cucumbers, red onion, and halved cherry tomatoes in a large bowl.
- Whisk red wine vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.
- Pour vinaigrette over fresh vegetables.
- Toss thoroughly so red wine vinegar coats all ingredients evenly.
- 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:
- Add sliced cucumbers and sweet Vidalia onion rings into a bowl.
- Stir white vinegar, granulated sugar, and salt in a small bowl until clear.
- Pour sweet and sour brine over cucumbers and onions.
- Toss well to coat.
- 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:
- Combine sliced Persian cucumbers and thin red onion slices in a bowl.
- Whisk unseasoned rice vinegar, soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, and maple syrup.
- Pour rice vinegar marinade over cucumber and onion mixture.
- Toss well to coat all slices.
- 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:
- Combine sliced cucumbers, red onion half-rings, and sliced jalapeño rings in a glass dish.
- Whisk white vinegar, fresh lime juice, honey, and salt until dissolved.
- Pour spicy lime-vinegar brine over sliced vegetables.
- Stir well to submerge jalapeño rings completely.
- 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:
- Layer sliced cucumbers and red onion rings alternately inside a large mason jar.
- Whisk white vinegar, water, sugar, salt, mustard seeds, and fresh dill.
- Pour brine over packed vegetables until fully covered.
- Seal jar tightly and shake gently.
- 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:
- Chop parsley, basil, and dill finely.
- Combine sliced cucumbers and sweet onions in a bowl.
- Whisk apple cider vinegar, olive oil, sea salt, and chopped herbs in a cup.
- Pour herb-infused vinegar marinade over vegetables.
- 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:
- Place sliced cucumbers and Vidalia onion rings into a bowl.
- Whisk white vinegar, water, sugar, celery seed, and salt until sugar dissolves.
- Pour sweet vinegar brine over cucumbers and onions.
- Stir mixture to combine evenly.
- 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:
- Shave Persian cucumbers into long ribbons using a vegetable peeler.
- Toss cucumber ribbons and sliced red onion together in a bowl.
- Drizzle apple cider vinegar over ribbons and sprinkle with salt.
- Toss gently using salad tongs so ribbons do not break.
- 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:
- Place sliced English cucumbers and red onion in a glass bowl.
- Whisk raw ACV, extra virgin olive oil, raw honey, and sea salt.
- Pour probiotic ACV dressing over vegetables.
- Add fresh chopped dill and toss gently.
- 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:
- Combine sliced cucumbers and thinly sliced red onion in a bowl.
- Whisk red wine vinegar, olive oil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.
- Pour vinaigrette over cucumbers and red onions; toss to coat.
- Top with crumbled feta cheese right before serving.
- 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:
- Place sliced Persian cucumbers and yellow onions in a bowl.
- Whisk rice vinegar, gochugaru, sesame oil, soy sauce, sugar, and minced garlic into a paste.
- Pour spicy dressing over cucumbers and onions.
- Toss vigorously until all slices are coated in red seasoning.
- 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:
- Grill thick red onion rounds over medium heat for 3 minutes per side until charred; let cool and slice.
- Combine raw cucumber slices and charred grilled onions in a bowl.
- Whisk apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, olive oil, brown sugar, and salt.
- Pour smoky vinegar dressing over salad and toss to coat.
- 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:
- Add sliced English cucumbers and red onion into a mixing bowl.
- Whisk white vinegar, water, stevia sweetener, and sea salt until dissolved.
- Pour oil-free brine over vegetables.
- Stir in chopped fresh parsley.
- 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:
- Whisk white wine vinegar, water, honey, sea salt, and fresh dill in a glass measuring cup.
- Layer sliced red onions and cucumbers evenly into 4 pint-sized mason jars.
- Divide vinegar marinade among jars, leaving 1/2 inch of space at top rim.
- Seal jars tightly with lids.
- 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:
- Combine sliced cucumbers and yellow onions in a salad bowl.
- Whisk white vinegar, fresh lime juice, honey, and salt.
- Pour lime-vinegar dressing over cucumbers and onions.
- Fold in coarsely chopped fresh mint leaves.
- 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:
- Combine finely diced cucumbers and yellow onions in a bowl.
- In a small saucepan, bring white vinegar, sugar, mustard seeds, celery seeds, and salt to a boil.
- Pour hot vinegar brine over diced vegetables.
- Stir well and let cool to room temperature.
- 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:
- Whisk white wine vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.
- Place sliced cucumbers and white onions in a container.
- Pour garlic-herb vinegar marinade over vegetables.
- Toss to coat all slices evenly.
- 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:
- Toss sliced Persian cucumbers and red onion in a bowl with champagne vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Let marinate for 10 minutes so onions soften slightly.
- Add diced avocado right before serving.
- Gently fold avocado into cucumber mixture so pieces remain intact.
- 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:
- Slice field cucumbers and yellow onion into rounds.
- Stir distilled white vinegar, water, sugar, and salt in a bowl until sugar dissolves completely.
- Add sliced cucumbers and onions into vinegar brine.
- Mix well so all vegetables are fully submerged.
- Chill for 15 minutes and serve as a low-cost side dish.
