Cucumber salad with sweet onions

Cucumber Salad with Sweet Onions combines crunchy cucumbers and sweet onions in a tangy vinegar dressing. This quick and easy salad is perfect for refreshing side dishes.

12 Nov 2025
Cook time 30 min
Prep time 15 min

Ingredients:

3 cucumbers
1 cup vinegar
3 tbsp sugar
1 cup onion

Cucumber Salad with Sweet Onions is a refreshing and tangy dish that pairs perfectly with numerous main courses. It's simple to prepare and only requires a few ingredients, making it a quick addition to any meal. This salad spotlights the crunchiness of fresh cucumbers, complemented by the deliciously contrasting sweet and sour onions.

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Cucumbers:
- Wash the cucumbers thoroughly under cold running water.
- Peel the cucumbers, if desired, or leave the skin on for extra crunch.
- Slice the cucumbers into thin, uniform rounds and place them in a large bowl.

2. Prepare the Onions:
- Peel the onions and slice them thinly into rings.
- Add the sliced onions to the bowl with the cucumbers.

3. Prepare the Sweet and Sour Dressing:
- In a separate small bowl or measuring cup, combine the vinegar and sugar.
- Stir the mixture until the sugar is completely dissolved. This may take a couple of minutes.

4. Combine Ingredients:
- Pour the sweet and sour dressing over the cucumbers and onions.
- Toss the salad gently to ensure that all the cucumber and onion slices are evenly coated with the dressing.

5. Marinate:
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour. This allows the cucumbers and onions to absorb the flavors of the dressing.
- For best results, marinate the salad for 2-3 hours or even overnight.

6. Serve:
- Before serving, give the salad a final toss to redistribute the dressing.
- Serve the crisp Dutch cucumber salad chilled as a refreshing side dish.

This Cucumber Salad with Sweet Onions is not only easy to make but also highly versatile. Its combination of crunchy cucumbers and flavorful onions makes it an ideal side dish for picnics, barbecues, or everyday meals. With minimal ingredients and simple preparation, this salad is sure to become a favorite in your household.

Cucumber salad with sweet onions FAQ:

How long should I marinate the cucumber salad?

For best flavor, marinate the cucumber salad for at least 1 hour. You can also refrigerate it for 2-3 hours or even overnight for deeper flavor absorption.

Can I use different types of vinegar for the dressing?

Yes, you can use other types of vinegar like apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar, but the flavor profile will change slightly. Each type of vinegar adds its own unique tang.

How should I store leftover cucumber salad?

Store leftover cucumber salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It is best consumed within 2-3 days for optimal freshness.

What kind of cucumbers are best for this salad?

English cucumbers or Persian cucumbers are recommended for their mild flavor and crisp texture, but regular slicing cucumbers will also work well.

Can I add additional vegetables to the salad?

Absolutely! You can add bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or radishes for extra crunch and flavor, just be mindful of balancing the dressing.

Tips:

- Use fresh, firm cucumbers for the best texture.

- Slice the cucumbers and onions as thin as possible to ensure they absorb the vinegar and sugar mixture well.

- Let the salad marinate in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving to enhance the flavors.

- You can adjust the sugar to vinegar ratio based on your personal preference for sweetness or sourness.

- For added flavor, consider garnishing with fresh dill or a sprinkle of black pepper.

Nutrition per serving

8 Servings
Calories 45kcal
Protein 0.80g
Carbohydrates 10g
Fiber 0.80g
Sugar 7g
Fat 0.14g

Cucumber salad with sweet onions