You know, sometimes the simplest things are the absolute best, especially when it comes to food. I’m talking about those recipes that just hit different, perfectly refreshing, and don’t require you to spend hours in the kitchen. For me, that’s exactly what this classic Cucumbers and Onions salad is all about. It’s light, it’s tangy, and honestly, it’s just pure joy in a bowl.

I remember the first time I truly appreciated this dish. I was at a family potluck, and everyone was raving about this super simple side. I took a bite, and *wow*. It was just so crisp and bright, the perfect counterpoint to all the richer foods. It instantly became one of my go-to recipes, proving that delicious doesn’t have to mean complicated. Trust me, if you’re looking for a refreshingly easy side that everyone will love, you’ve found it right here. I’ve made more than my share of simple, delicious dishes over the years, and this one consistently earns rave reviews.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe for Cucumbers and Onions

Oh, where do I even begin with why this simple gem is going to become your new favorite side dish? First off, it’s ridiculously easy to throw together. Seriously, we’re talking minutes of active prep time here! But beyond the speed, it’s just so incredibly refreshing. On a hot summer day, or really any day you need a little bright tang, this salad delivers. It’s light, it’s crisp, and it pairs with just about anything you can imagine.

Quick & Easy: No cooking, minimal fuss.
Super Refreshing: Perfect for warm weather or a palate cleanser.
Incredibly Versatile: Goes with so many meals.
Pantry Friendly: You probably have most of these ingredients already!

The Simplicity of Cucumbers and Onions

Honestly, the beauty of this dish is in its pure, unadulterated simplicity. You don’t need fancy equipment or a million ingredients. Just a few fresh veggies, a quick whisk for the dressing, and a little chill time. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you feel like a kitchen wizard without really trying. Minimal effort, maximum deliciousness – that’s my kind of recipe!

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Cucumbers and Onions

Alright, let’s talk ingredients! This salad is a testament to how a few simple, good-quality items can create something truly magical. You don’t need a crazy long list here, just the right stuff. Here’s what you’ll be grabbing:

3 medium cucumbers, thinly sliced: These are the star, right? We want them crisp and fresh.
1 large sweet onion, thinly sliced: This adds that lovely, mild oniony bite without being overpowering.
1/2 cup white vinegar: This is our tang master! It gives the salad that classic pickle-like zest.
1/4 cup water: Just to mellow out the vinegar a tiny bit.
1/4 cup granulated sugar: This balances the tartness of the vinegar beautifully. Don’t skip it, even if you’re not a huge sweet fan – it’s crucial for flavor harmony.
1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors.
1/2 teaspoon black pepper: A little kick, just because.
1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (optional): Oh, if you have fresh dill, please, please add it! It takes this salad from great to absolutely divine. It’s totally optional, but trust me on this one.

The vinegar and sugar are really the dynamic duo here. They create that perfect sweet and sour dressing that just coats everything so wonderfully and really makes the cucumbers and onions sing!

Choosing the Best Cucumbers and Onions

Okay, a quick word on picking your produce, because it really does make a difference! For cucumbers, go for ones that are firm, bright green, and heavy for their size. Avoid any with soft spots or blemishes. As for the onions, I always reach for a sweet onion, like a Vidalia or Walla Walla. They’re much milder and won’t give you that harsh, biting flavor. Make sure it feels firm and has no sprouts.

How to Prepare Refreshing Cucumbers and Onions

Alright, now for the fun part – putting it all together! This is seriously so easy, you’ll wonder why you haven’t been making this salad forever. There’s no cooking involved, just a little slicing and whisking, and then letting time do its magic. It’s pretty foolproof, but I’ll walk you through it just in case, sharing a few little tips I’ve picked up along the way.

First things first, make sure you have a nice big bowl for mixing. You want enough room to really toss everything without it spilling over. And for slicing, a mandoline is your best friend here, especially for those super thin, almost translucent onion slices. If you don’t have one, no worries! A sharp knife and a steady hand will totally work, just aim for consistent thickness. That’s the key to getting every bite just right.

Don’t be afraid to taste the dressing before you pour it over. Everyone’s taste buds are a little different, and you might prefer it a touch sweeter or a bit more tart. This is your salad, after all! And the chilling time? Super important. It’s not just about getting it cold; it’s about letting those flavors truly meld and soak into the cucumbers and onions. That’s when the magic really happens.

Step-by-Step Guide to Cucumbers and Onions Preparation

Slice ‘Em Up: Grab those beautiful cucumbers and the sweet onion. Slice them as thinly as you possibly can. I’m talking almost see-through if you can manage it! Pop them into your large mixing bowl.
Whisk the Dressing: In a separate, smaller bowl, combine the white vinegar, water, granulated sugar, salt, and black pepper. Whisk, whisk, whisk! Keep going until the sugar and salt have completely dissolved. You want a clear liquid, not grainy.
Pour and Toss: Pour that lovely dressing right over your sliced cucumbers and onions. Now, gently toss everything together. Make sure every single piece gets coated in that tangy, sweet goodness.
Chill Out: Cover the bowl tightly and tuck it into the refrigerator. Let it chill for at least 30 minutes. An hour is even better, and if you can manage a few hours, or even overnight, the flavors will be absolutely incredible!
Dill Time (Optional): If you’re using fresh dill, stir it in just before you’re ready to serve. This keeps its flavor super bright and fresh.

Tips for Success with Cucumbers and Onions

Okay, so while this recipe is super simple, there are a few little tricks I’ve picked up that can take your Cucumbers and Onions from good to absolutely amazing. First, don’t skimp on that chilling time! Seriously, letting it sit for at least an hour, or even overnight, really lets those flavors meld and deepen. It’s worth the wait, trust me.

Also, don’t be afraid to taste and adjust! Everyone’s palate is different. If you like it a little sweeter, add another tablespoon of sugar. Prefer more tang? A splash more vinegar will do the trick. You can even try a touch of apple cider vinegar for a slightly different flavor profile. And remember, those super thin slices are key for the best texture!

Storage and Serving Suggestions for Cucumbers and Onions

So you’ve made your delicious batch of Cucumbers and Onions, and maybe you have some leftovers (though I doubt it, this stuff goes fast!). Don’t worry, it stores beautifully. Just keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and it’ll be perfectly good for up to 3 days. The cucumbers might soften a tiny bit, but the flavor will still be fantastic!

As for serving, this salad is a chameleon! It’s incredible alongside grilled chicken or fish, perfect with a juicy burger, or even just as a light, refreshing snack all on its own. It cuts through richness perfectly, making it an ideal companion for BBQ, fried chicken, or even heavier pasta dishes. Honestly, you can’t go wrong!

Frequently Asked Questions About Cucumbers and Onions

Got questions about this simple yet delicious Cucumbers and Onions salad? I’ve got answers! These are some of the common things people ask me:

Q: Can I use other types of vinegar?
A: Absolutely! While white vinegar gives it that classic clean tang, apple cider vinegar works beautifully for a slightly fruitier, milder flavor. Some folks even love a splash of rice vinegar for an Asian-inspired twist. Experiment and see what you like best!

Q: How long does this salad last in the refrigerator?
A: Good question! This salad is best enjoyed within 2-3 days. The cucumbers do tend to soften over time as they sit in the dressing, but the flavor will still be great. Just make sure it’s stored in an airtight container.

Q: Can I add other vegetables to Cucumbers and Onions?
A: Oh, totally! This recipe is super flexible. Thinly sliced bell peppers (any color!), cherry tomatoes, or even some thinly sliced radishes would be delicious additions. Just remember that some veggies might release more water, so eat it a bit quicker!

Estimated Nutritional Information for Cucumbers and Onions

I know some of you like to keep an eye on the numbers, so here’s a rough idea of the nutritional breakdown for this lovely Cucumbers and Onions salad. Just a quick heads-up: these values are estimates, and they can totally vary depending on the exact brands you use, how big your veggies are, and even how much dressing you end up pouring. Think of it as a general guide, not a strict rule!

Serving Size: about 1 cup
Calories: 80
Sugar: 12g
Sodium: 390mg
Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Unsaturated Fat: 0g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Share Your Experience with Cucumbers and Onions

So, there you have it – my absolute favorite way to make refreshing Cucumbers and Onions! I really hope you give this simple recipe a try. When you do, please come back and let me know how it turned out for you in the comments below. Did you add any fun twists? I’d love to hear all about it! And if you snap a pic, be sure to tag me on social media – I just love seeing your creations!

Cucumbers and Onions: 3 Unbelievable Reasons to Try This!

Author: ferecipe.com
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A refreshing and simple salad featuring crisp cucumbers and thinly sliced onions, perfect as a side dish.

Ingredients

Scale

3 medium cucumbers, thinly sliced
1 large sweet onion, thinly sliced
1/2 cup white vinegar
1/4 cup water
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (optional)

Instructions

Combine sliced cucumbers and onions in a large bowl.
In a separate small bowl, whisk together white vinegar, water, sugar, salt, and pepper until sugar and salt dissolve.
Pour the dressing over the cucumber and onion mixture.
Toss gently to coat all the vegetables.
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Stir in fresh dill, if using, just before serving.

Notes

For best results, chill the salad for at least an hour.
This salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Adjust sugar and vinegar to your taste preference.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: No Cook
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: about 1 cup
Calories: 80
Sugar: 12g
Sodium: 390mg
Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Unsaturated Fat: 0g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: cucumber salad, onion salad, vinegar salad, summer salad, simple salad