Cucumber Onion Salad Recipe

Robyn Stone

Published May 21, 2026

81 Comments

4.94 from 30 votes
Jump to Recipe
Add as Google Trusted Source

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

Discover this easy cucumber onion salad recipe — a crisp, tangy Southern classic with vinegar dressing. Ready in 15 minutes, perfect for summer BBQs, picnics, and quick weeknight sides. Beginner-friendly!

Fresh cucumber onion salad in a white bowl with tangy vinegar dressing and dill garnish.

Looking for a quick and easy cucumber onion salad that’s crisp, tangy, and perfect for summer? This classic Southern cucumber onion salad recipe combines fresh cucumbers, sweet onions, and a simple vinegar-based dressing. It’s a crowd-pleasing favorite for BBQs, picnics, potlucks, and weeknight dinners.

This simple cucumber onion salad has been a staple on our family table for as long as I can remember. My grandmother would make it every summer using crisp cucumbers and sweet onions picked fresh from her garden. Now, I make it for my own family as a quick and easy side dish that goes well with everything from hamburgers or grilled chicken to sandwiches. It is the perfect cool, tangy bite to balance hot Southern days. One taste and I’m instantly transported back to her kitchen. If you’re looking for a quick and easy cucumber onion salad recipe that’s crisp, refreshing, and full of nostalgic flavor, this is it.

Whether you’re a beginner cook or a seasoned pro, this no-fuss recipe comes together in about 15 minutes and only needs a handful of ingredients you likely already have. It’s light, refreshing, and pairs beautifully with grilled meats, sandwiches, or spicy mains to cool things down.

I originally shared my recipe back in 2013, but I have since updated it with new photos and additional helpful tips.

Why this cucumber onion salad is a must-make:

A timeless Southern classic that’s been loved for generations.

  • Ready in minutes with minimal prep.
  • Naturally low-calorie and gluten-free.
  • Make-ahead friendly — it tastes even better after marinating.
  • Customizable for sweet, tangy, or herby variations.

“Delicious recipe, just like my grandma used to make! There’s many variations out there but this one is the best. I make this at least once a year for my campground’s picnics.”

How to Make Cucumber and Onion Salad

This cucumber salad is quick and easy to make, coming together in about 10-15 minutes. It is perfect for serving right away or storing in the refrigerator to marinate in the simple dressing, making it even more delicious. Here’s how you’ll make it.

Ingredients

Be sure to see the recipe card below for the full listing of ingredients, instructions, notes, and estimated nutritional information.

Cucumber, Stone House Seasoning, Apple Cider Vinegar, and Onion on a Marble counter.
  • Cucumbers – English cucumbers or garden-fresh work great; use pickling cucumbers for extra crunch
  • Onions – A sweet Vidalia or red onion peeled and thinly sliced.
  • Simple Dressing – Use apple cider vinegar (or distilled vinegar), water and Stone House Seasoning.
  • Optional ingredients:
  • Fresh dill – use as a garnish or mix into the salad for additional flavor.
  • Sugar – for a sweet and tangy version of this salad.

Step by Step Instructions

Step-by-step prep: peeled and sliced cucumbers with red onions for beginner-friendly cucumber salad
  1. Prep the cucumber and onion.
Make the dressing: Whisk together the apple cider vinegar, water, and seasoning until combined.
  1. Make the dressing.
Add the dressing: Pour the dressing over the prepared cucumbers and onion.
  1. Add the dressing to the cucumber and onion.
Toss together the cucumber onion salad to serve.
  1. Toss together to combine the salad.
Serve the cucumber onion salad immediately or chill to serve later.
  1. Serve immediately or store in the fridge to serve later.
Add fresh dill for additional flavor, if desired.
  1. Include optional fresh dill and/or sugar, if desired.

Recipe Variations

I’ve seen so many versions of this iconic Cucumber Onion Salad. Here are some variations.

  • Cucumber and Tomato Salad – See my recipe for this version.
  • Creamy Cucumber Salad – See my recipe for this version.
  • Crunchier version – Use small pickling cucumbers for a crunchier result.
  • Dill version – Mix in or garnish with fresh dill.
  • Sweet and Tangy – Add sugar to the dressing.
Fresh cucumber onion salad in a glass bowl with tangy vinegar dressing and dill garnish

Storage Tips

Keep leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you mix the dressing separately, store it in an airtight jar in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Make it Twice!

Keep the dressing for a second batch! Save the leftover dressing in the fridge and add fresh cucumbers/onions for a second batch within a day or two.

Cucumber onion salad recipe served in glass bowl, perfect refreshing side dish for BBQs and potlucks

Pro Tips for Beginners and Seasoned Cooks

  • No Stone House Seasoning? Use the salt-pepper-garlic swap — it’s just as delicious.
  • Too tangy? Add a pinch more sugar or a splash of olive oil for a milder version.
  • Make it twice! Save the leftover dressing in the fridge and add fresh cucumbers/onions for a second batch within a day or two.
  • Storage: Keeps in an airtight container in the fridge up to 3 days. Drain excess liquid if needed before serving.
  • Variations: Add cherry tomatoes for a cucumber tomato onion salad, fresh herbs like dill, or a creamy cucumber salad.

This easy cucumber onion salad recipe is perfect for “what to serve with grilled chicken” or “quick summer side dishes.” It’s one of those recipes you’ll come back to all season long.

What do you serve your cucumber onion salad with? Leave a comment below — I love hearing your family traditions!

Here’s our quick recipe for this Cucumber Onion Salad. I think you’ll love it!

♥

Get This Recipe In Your Inbox

Share your email, and we'll send it straight to your inbox. Plus, enjoy daily recipe inspiration!

I'd like to receive more tips & recipes from Add A Pinch.
Fresh cucumber onion salad in a glass bowl with tangy vinegar dressing and dill garnish.
Save Pin Print

Cucumber Salad Recipe

Robyn Stone
4.94 from 30 votes
Discover this easy cucumber onion salad recipe — a crisp, tangy Southern classic with vinegar dressing. Ready in 15 minutes, perfect for summer BBQs, picnics, and quick weeknight sides. Beginner-friendly!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 8

Ingredients

  • 2 cucumber, peeled and sliced
  • 1/2 sweet onion, peeled and thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar , or distilled white vinegar
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 ½ teaspoon Stone House Seasoning
  • fresh dill, optional
  • 2 teaspoons sugar , optional

Instructions 

  • Place cucumber slices into a large bowl. Cut onion into long, thin strips and add to the bowl.
  • In a 2-cup measuring cup, add vinegar, water, Stone House Seasoning, and sugar (if using). Mix well with a fork and pour over the cucumber and onions. Serve immediately or store in the fridge in an airtight container.

Notes

Seasoning:
If you do not use Stone House Seasoning, use 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, 1 teaspoon of ground black pepper, and one finely minced garlic clove. 
Storage Tips:
Keep leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
If you mix the dressing separately, store it in an airtight jar in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Make it Twice – Keep the vinegar dressing in the fridge after you eat all the cucumber and onion, and add those veggies back to the dressing in the bowl within the next day or two.
Recipe Variations:
Adjust the vinegar – You can add a little more or less vinegar in the dressing to suit their taste.
Add tomatoes – Add in diced tomatoes (Cucumber, Tomato and Onion Salad)
Use small pickling cucumbers – Use these small, very crisp cucumbers instead of English or another type.
Add a little sugar – Sugar is listed as an optional ingredient if you wish to give the salad a sweet and tangy taste.
Add fresh dill – Dill is also listed as an optional ingredient. Add it to the cucumber and onions in the beginning or garnish with it at the end before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 17kcal
Carbohydrates: 3g
Protein: 0.5g
Fat: 0.1g
Fiber: 1g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Join today & start saving your favorite recipes

Create an account to easily save your favorite recipes.

Save recipe

Enjoy!
Robyn xo

Welcome to Add A Pinch

About Robyn

Robyn Stone is a passionate home cook, baker, food photographer, and cookbook author. As the creator of Add a Pinch, she has been sharing cherished family recipes and practical cooking tips since 2010, inspiring home cooks to create delicious meals with ease. A devoted wife and mom, Robyn’s warm, approachable style has cultivated a loyal community of food enthusiasts. Her culinary expertise has been showcased on Food Network, Southern Living, Southern Lady, People Magazine, Hallmark Channel, and more.

Read more about Robyn
4.94 from 30 votes (5 ratings without comment)

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Review




81 Comments

  1. Brenda says:

    How would it be with red wine vinegar or such?

    Reply
    1. Robyn Stone says:

      Should be fine to use red wine vinegar but you may notice that the vegetables discolor a bit from the red wine vinegar.

  2. Scott says:

    5 stars
    I have no idea where the poster/author got the idea that this is a “Southern” thing. My Grandma and my Mom made this every summer all summer long. In Minnesota. Which is about as not Southern as you can get. I’ve also eaten this or variations on this salad in the Middle East, Europe (and Great Britain) and Australia.

    There’s something about the South (which is where I live now and love it and the people who live here) that makes Southerners think that if they do, make, or eat something it must therefor be “Southern”. That’s OK, I love them anyway.

    I had a bumper crop of cukes in my garden and a hankering for this particular salad that I have so much “history” with so I went looking for a recipe that seamed somewhere in the vicinity of what Grandma and Mom used to make. This looks like it or close enough. So thank you very much to this Southern person for this not-necessarily Southern recipe.

    This stuff is better the longer it sits in the sauce so I’m making it tonight to go with my country style ribs and tater tots tomorrow night.

    Thanks again for the recipe.

    Reply
    1. Robyn Stone says:

      Scott,
      I hope this recipe is close to the one your Mom and Grandma use to make. Like I said in my post, I’m not sure where this recipe originally came from but I grew up with my Grandmother making it. I love those old recipes my grandmother used to make, too.

  3. Cynthia says:

    5 stars
    My Mom used to make this all the time and my family is from Germany. My ex husband never heard of it and he grew up in the south. I never knew it was considered a southern recipe.

    Reply
  4. Bob says:

    My mom made this every summer. I have made it a few times, basically the way as these recipes.Maybe not with the same quanities.Always good. Sometimes teal good.

    Reply
  5. Kim Honeycutt says:

    We have a garden full of spring onions right now that would be so good in this. Take away the garlic and this whole bowl is mine! You know I’m pinning it!

    Reply
  6. Anny Fischer says:

    My mom was from Germany and made this every summer, but added chopped fresh dill, dried dill if none available. She’d change it up and use sour cream.

    Reply
  7. Mary says:

    This needs updated – should be 5 minute prep 1:05 total

    Reply
  8. Tina Hubbard says:

    4 stars
    My mom makes another version of this cucumber salad. We call it “Sour Cream and Cucumbers.” It makes a delightful summer salad, perfect for any BBQ.

    Reply
    1. Karen says:

      My German Grandma used to make this with sour cream also. Plus she used to do the same with warm green beans. 

  9. Tim Simons says:

    Just made this from another recipe without salt. I also added more liquid without compensating for sugar. Would it work to drain of liquid and add a little salt and sugar and marinate more. My salad is currently 8 hours old.

    Reply
  10. First time gardener Gina says:

    I’m going to try this today, I picked my first cucumber today from my garden. I like the comment from Mika adding the peppers as well.

    Reply