Simple Cucumber Onion Salad (No Tomato, 3 Ingredients)

This simple cucumber onion salad comes together with just 3 ingredients in a light vinaigrette. No tomato here, just clean, crisp flavor. Craving one with tomato? Try my Marinated Cucumber, Tomato and Onion Salad.

It's a great side dish with simple ingredients to enjoy at the next barbecue!

Looking for more refreshing side salad recipes?

Try our Marinated Cucumbers and Tomatoes, Mediterranean Salad, or these Marinated Vegetables.

If you love fresh cucumber salads, don't miss my full Best Cucumber Salad Recipes collection.

Want to Save This Recipe?

Enter your email and we’ll send the recipe directly to you!

By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from The Yummy Bowl.

Ingredients

This salad has three main ingredients in addition to salt and black pepper.

Sugar is optional, and many readers reported great results without it.

English cucumbers - Persian, Japanese, or Kirby cucumbers can be used instead of English cucumbers.
Onion - Medium brown onion or sweet white onions, thinly sliced. Red onions are another option, and so is the Vidalia onion, albeit sweeter options.
Apple cider vinegar - I love a combination of two different vinegars but feel free to use just one you have on hand-preferably milder vinegar options. Rice wine vinegar would be an excellent alternative to apple cider vinegar, but I don't recommend using white wine vinegar as this will taste too overpowering.
Red wine vinegar - Apple cider vinegar, balsamic vinegar, or sherry vinegar are good alternatives.
Salt - Teaspoon salt to taste. Seasoned celery salt is great for more flavor, but you could also use regular sea salt.

📋 You can find the full ingredient list in the Recipe Card below the article.

A bowl of Cucumbers and Onions In Vinegar

Tips

For the best flavor, buy your cucumbers and onions directly from a farmers' market.
Vinegar - Vinegar enhances the natural flavor of the vegetables and adds freshness to the dish. I used a combination of red wine and apple cider vinegar. For a more robust vinegar taste, try white vinegar, or for a milder flavor, rice vinegar or just apple cider vinegar.
Leftover cucumber and onion salad can be added to a leafy green salad so that nothing goes to waste!
This salad is best enjoyed slightly chilled, although it can be served immediately at room temperature. Leftovers won't keep well for long since the cucumbers and onions will release more liquid as time goes on.
Add sour cream to the tart vinegar marinade for a creamy dressing if you want a creamy cucumber salad.
The cucumbers are sliced thin, which helps them absorb the tangy vinegar dressing. Thicker slices will not absorb as much flavor.
Sugar - For a low-carb version, prepare the marinade with a sugar substitute, such as erythritol or stevia. For a sweeter brine, add more tablespoons of sugar or sugar substitute.

How To Make Cucumber Onion Salad

Slice each cucumber into ¼-inch slices and add to a large bowl. You could use a Julienne slicer or a good Mandoline for skinny slices.
Slice the onion into thin half moons and add to cucumbers. Toss to combine.
Dressing. In a separate bowl, mix all the remaining ingredients. Pour the dressing mixture over the cucumber and onion and toss to coat them fully.
Keep in the fridge until ready to serve. Enjoy!

Serving Suggestion

I love to serve this cucumber and onion salad with grilled BBQ meats, seafood, or roasted veggies.
It's a great side dish for casseroles: try our cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole, creamy Chicken Enchilada Casserole, and veggie lovers' favorite Gluten Free Eggplant Parmesan.

Julia's Tip

Optional: To enhance the flavor, marinate the cucumbers and onions in the refrigerator for two hours or overnight before serving.

Remember that this will affect the texture, and cucumbers will lose their natural crunch.

Storing Instructions

To Store. These cucumbers in vinegar shouldn't be stored in the fridge for longer than 3 days as the leftover salad will start to lose its crispy texture.
To Make Ahead. To intensify the flavors in this simple salad, allow it to sit for 10-15 minutes before serving, or store it in an airtight container in the fridge until ready to enjoy.

Before You Head Out

If you gave this recipe a try, I'd be so thankful if you could leave a ★★★★★ rating and review below. It helps other readers, supports my work, and means the world to me. Thank you for being part of The Yummy Bowl family. Happy cooking! ❤️

Recipe Card

Julia

Cucumber and Onion Salad With Vinegar

4.77 from 30 votes

Cucumber onion salad consists of fresh cucumbers and onion slices in a simple vinaigrette - a great side dish made with simple ingredients to be enjoyed at the next barbecue!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Total Time 15

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Calories: 41

Ingredients Method Nutrition Video Notes

Ingredients

2 English cucumbers about 2 cups sliced thinly
1 medium brown onion or sweet onion sliced thin
3 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
2 teaspoon red wine vinegar
salt to taste i used seasoned celery salt for more flavor
1 teaspoon sugar
black pepper to taste

Method

Slice each cucumber in ¼-inch slices and add to a large bowl.
Slice the onion into thin half moon slices and add to cucumbers. Toss to combine.
Dressing. In a separate bowl mix together all the remaining ingredients.
Pour the dressing mixture over the cucumber and onion and toss to fully coat/combine.
Keep in the fridge until ready to serve.
Enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 41kcalCarbohydrates: 9gProtein: 1gFat: 0.2gSaturated Fat: 0.1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.1gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.01gSodium: 5mgPotassium: 270mgFiber: 1gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 158IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 31mgIron: 1mg

Video

Notes

To intensify the flavors in this simple salad, allow it to sit for 10-15 minutes before serving, or store it in an airtight container in the fridge until ready to enjoy.
To store. These marinated cucumbers and onions shouldn't be stored in the fridge for longer than 3 days as the leftover salad will start to lose its crispy texture.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!

Note: Nutrition information is estimated and varies based on the products used.

Full Nutrition Disclaimer can be found here.

FAQs

Is it good to eat cucumber and onion together?

Yes! Research reveals consuming cucumbers and onions can increase good cholesterol and lower blood sugar.

What are the benefits of eating cucumber and onion salad?

Cucumber and onion salad is very high in nutrients while low in calories.

In addition to vitamins and minerals, it also contains antioxidants, increases hydration and bowel regularity, lowers blood sugar, aids weight loss, promotes hydration, and is super easy to add to your weekly meals.

How long can you keep cucumbers and onions in vinegar?

These marinated cucumbers and onions shouldn't be stored in the fridge for longer than 3 days as the leftover salad will start to lose its crispy texture.

Do you have to peel cucumbers?

No. You don't need to peel cucumbers for this salad as the thin skin provides a great source of dietary fiber.