If you’re looking for a simple, crowd-pleasing salad, you’ve found it in this healthy cucumber onion salad. This cucumber red onion salad is fresh, tangy, and perfect for summer with just 6 ingredients (plus salt and pepper) and a few minutes of hands-on prep. Enjoy it with marinated proteins at a BBQ or as a simple side to a plant-based spread! This definitely isn’t the first time that cucumbers have appeared in a simple summer salad on my blog. In fact, I’ve recently taken to sharing some of my all-time favorite salads. These have included Shirazi salad (with tomato, cucumber, and onion), cucumber tomato avocado salad, cucumber and tomato salad, pineapple and cucumber salad, and even a creamy cucumber salad and Korean cucumber salad. Did I mention that I’m obsessed? I mean, why not. Cucumbers are low calorie and yet filled with several vitamins and minerals and tons of water content. They make for the perfect addition to any salad. When combined with tangy onions and a simple sweet and sour lemon (or vinegar) and olive oil dressing, the simplicity of this salad may fail to inspire much confidence in its deliciousness. But try it and see for yourself! Simple doesn’t necessarily mean boring! I’m not sure where this cucumber onion salad recipe originated, though it’s extremely popular in Southern America. What I do know is that it comes together in just a few minutes (marinating time not included). Allow it to marinate for depths of unexpected flavor and then enjoy immediately or save for later! Looking for more summery salad ideas? You might like this herby watermelon feta salad, beet and goat cheese salad, or summery Panzanella (Tuscan tomato and bread) salad!
How to make cucumber onion salad
How to serve cucumber and onion salad
Thanks to the simplicity of this cucumber and onion salad, it is a very versatile side salad. Here are just a few ways you could enjoy the dish.
Avocado: add some diced avocado for a creamy element and healthy fats. Cheese: this onion and cucumber salad works particularly well with a creamy cheese like mozzarella (or tiny mozzarella pearls). You could use vegan mozzarella too. Olives: sliced or halved – the salty flavor works well against the fresh and tangy flavors in the cucumber red onion salad. Tomatoes: during tomato season, a handful of cherry/grape tomatoes halved is a delicious (juicy) addition to the fresh salad. Chili: you could add just a little finely chopped chili or a small pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
Then add the cucumber to a bowl or colander with ½ tsp salt, mix well and allow it to sit for 10 minutes. This will extract excess liquid from the cucumber for a less watery cucumber and onion salad. Allow the cucumber and onion salad to marinate for 30 minutes (though 2-3 hours is best), then give it a quick taste test, adjust any ingredients (like extra lemon, honey, salt/pepper, etc.), and enjoy!
As a side to your favorite proteins at a BBQ – like kebabs, meat, fish, tofu, etc. It works particularly well with spicy dishes too. Serve with toasted pita bread as a simple appetizer. Add to wraps and sandwiches like this Eggplant and Halloumi Wrap or falafel wraps (traditional fried or baked). Serve as part of a nourishing summer salad bowl/grain bowl with quinoa or brown rice.
Let me know in the comments how you’d serve this cucumber onion salad.
How to store
The fresher this cucumber onion vinegar salad, the better, as it will be the most crunchy. I recommend enjoying it within a day for the best results, though it will last 2-3 days in an airtight container in the fridge. Make ahead: If you’d like to prepare this salad in advance, I recommend storing the chopped vegetables in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Then add the dressing 30-60 minutes before serving (to allow time to marinate).
Recipe notes
For thin, even slices: you could use a mandolin instead of a sharp knife. Just be careful as it can be dangerous – wear hand protection! To mellow the onion: as the onion sits in the dressing, it will naturally calm to harsh “bite” of raw onion. However, if you want to minimize that, soak the chopped onion slices in cold/ice water for 15 minutes before patting dry and adding to the salad. Allow the salad time to “marinate”: I love to allow the onion and cucumber salad at least 10 minutes for the flavors to marinate. You won’t regret it!
More simple side salads
Thai green papaya salad (Som Tam Thai) Classic Caprese salad Traditional Lebanese Fattoush salad Traditional tabbouleh salad Simple Eggplant Salad Simple Salad with Roasted Peppers Roasted Vegetable Salad with Grains
If you try this simple cucumber onion salad recipe, I’d love to hear your thoughts/questions below. Also, I’d really appreciate a recipe card rating below, and feel free to tag me in your recipe recreations on Instagram @Alphafoodie!
