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Jump to Recipe Watch Video PrintThis Old Fashioned Cucumbers and Onions in Vinegar dish is an old family recipe, and our go-to summer salad for BBQs, potlucks, and parties in the summer. It’s bright, fresh, and loaded with fresh herbs and flavor.
A great recipe for garden cucumber and homegrown herbs! Whether you have extra cucumbers from the garden, or just stocked up from a sale at the store – this is one recipe you’ll make again & again!
This tangy cucumber and onion salad has always been one of my favorite summer dishes growing up! So many great memories of my dad making a big bowl while we ate with the windows open in the kitchen. And to this day, I’ve had the pleasure of introducing it to my husband and friends (who also love it).
Its sweet and tangy, super light and delicious, and a great way to use extra cucumbers from the garden and the store. The great thing about this recipe too is that is stores really well and leftovers always taste better. I actually like to make this a day or two ahead of time, so all the flavors marinate in the cucumbers.
This Old Fashioned Cucumbers and Onions in Vinegar Recipe Is:
- Bright
- Fresh
- Sweet
- Herby
- Loaded with Flavor
- Vegan, Vegetarian, and Gluten Free
Easily Grow Fresh Dill & Herbs All Year Long
We got this great countertop Aerogarden which is fantastic for growing herbs in the winter. We actually got it when we lived in a smaller apartment, but even now that we own an acreage we still use it year-round!
I love growing herbs on my countertop like fresh basil, dill, mint, sage, thyme, parsley, and lemon balm – perfect for this cucumber salad. It uses LED lights and water, so no messy soil needed – you can have fresh herbs at your fingertips any time.
I love picking a few springs of parsley to chop on pastas, adding basil leaves to soups, and tossing some dill in with my pasta salads. It also makes a great gift for anyone who would like fresh herbs… no big kitchen or green thumb required!
What’s In This Sweet Cucumber Salad Recipe?
See the recipe card below for full ingredient amounts and recipe instructions!
- Cucumbers, Onions, and Herbs
- Granulated Sugar – for a little sweetness. You can also substitute a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup instead if desired.
- Rice vinegar: I love this sweet & tangy rice vinegar, I always keep seasoned vinegar stocked in my pantry for dressings and salads.
- Sea Salt: I like to use a pink Himalayan Sea Salt in my kitchen.
- Black Pepper
A No-Cook Cucumber Salad Recipe That’s Perfect for Summer
This no-cook cucumber salad with vinegar and sugar is a quick and simple recipe. I love a good no-cook recipe for those days when I’m not feeling like standing around the stove, or for summer nights when it’s too hot to cook. I have a whole collection of recipes that require zero cooking at all, check them out here!
This salad comes together in about 10 minutes, and doesn’t require the stove or microwave to make. Just use a few pantry staple ingredients and you have a tasty meal ready in no time. And very little to clean up afterwards… an added bonus!
How Do I Make Cucumber Salad with Vinegar?
- Peel and thinly slice the cucumbers. Place them in a mixing bowl. Add the rest of the ingredients to the bowl and stir well to combine!
- You can also add thinly sliced garlic, so if you’re feeling a little spicy add them in as well.
- Refrigerate for a few hours, or overnight if you can. Remove cucumber salad from the fridge an hour or two before serving, so the oil incorporates well into the salad.
30 Minute Side Salads for Entertaining
This cucumber salad is what I call an Easy Entertaining Recipe – which is on your table in under 30 minutes. These quick and simple recipes are perfect for those last-minute potluck invites, or when you just want a home cooked meal but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.
Browse all our Easy Weeknight Meals, that are great for the whole family. From soups and stews, to pastas and proteins – an easy meal can be on your table in no time.
Just as fast as grabbing a quick prepared side dish from the store (and way more impressive too)! If you’re heading to a party, potluck, or BBQ, check out my list of top host gifts for summer entertaining for that next-level gift your host will love!
More Simple Summer Salad Recipes You’ll Love!
Macaroni Salad with Greek Yogurt Recipe (Vegetarian, High Protein)
Apple Walnut Salad Recipe with Dijon Vinaigrette (Vegan, Gluten Free)
Pomegranate Pasta Salad with Arugula Recipe (Vegetarian, Gluten Free)
Avocado Black Bean Salad Recipe (Vegan, Gluten Free)
Thai Quinoa Salad with Peanut Sauce Recipe (Vegan, GF)
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Old Fashioned Cucumbers and Onions in Vinegar
Ingredients
- 4 cucumbers roughly 1 lb (recipe says preferably Kirbys)
- 1 medium red onion thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh chopped dill
- 1/4 cup rice wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/3 teaspoon Sea Salt
- Black Pepper
Instructions
- Peel (if desired) and thinly slice the cucumbers. Place them in a large bowl. Add the red onions, and mix well.
- To the bowl, add the vinegar, sugar, olive oil, salt and pepper, and the fresh dill. Mix well to combine all ingredients together.
- Cover, and refrigerate for a 2-3 hours, or overnight if you can. Remove cucumber salad from the fridge an hour or two before serving, so the oil incorporates well into the salad.
Video
Nutrition
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I could eat these every day
Love it
That sounds excellent! We make a cucumber salad with Italian dressing and thinly sliced red onion, but this sounds even better.
I’ve done that. The recipe above was how my grandmother (WWII era) made cucumber salad – made it with other veggies, too! Yum!