Cucumbers and onions in vinegar is a combination of crispy cucumbers and onions in a tangy yet slightly sweet vinegar. It’s a classic summer side dish that can be made in minutes.
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A Simple Cucumber Salad
When I was growing up, cucumbers and onions in vinegar were a regular on our dinner table in the summer. Early July through most of August my dad’s garden was overflowing with cucumbers and quite a few other vegetables, but this salad is the one most vivid in my memory.
It was easy for my mom to slice up healthy cucumbers and soak them in vinegar until it was time for dinner. The longer the cucumbers and onions soaked in the vinegar, the better the salad would taste.
Cucumbers are low in calories and full of nutrients and water. They are cool, hydrating and nutritious which makes this salad perfect for a simple side dish.
Even though this salad reminds me of summer, it tastes great with Swedish Meatballs any time of the year.
The Ingredients
Some of the simplest recipes are the best and cucumbers in vinegar is no exception. The ingredient list is a short one. Here is what you will need to make this salad:
- Cucumbers
- Red Onions
- White Vinegar
- Sea Salt
- Coconut Sugar
- Fresh Dill
- Pepper
Cucumbers with Onions and Vinegar Recipe Steps
Please note that this a list of steps to give you an idea how to make this recipe. Full details are in the recipe card below.
- Slice the cucumbers and onions and place them in a mixing bowl
- Sprinkle the vegetables with sea salt and coconut sugar and stir
- Place the dish in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the cucumbers to release water
- Pour the vinegar over the cucumbers and onion and stir
- Top the salad with fresh chopped dill and fresh ground pepper
Total Estimated Time to Make this Recipe: 45 to 50 Minutes
Cucumbers and Onions with Vinegar Tips and Variations
- The best type of cucumber to use in this salad is the standard slicing cucumber or pickling cucumber.
- Don’t peel the cucumbers completely. The skin is where most of the nutrients are. If the skin seems tough peel strips off leaving part of the skin on.
- The cucumbers should release enough water to dilute the vinegar, if you need to adjust the taste, add a few tablespoons of water.
- Red onions can be substituted with vadilia onions, which are a little bit sweeter than red onions
- Change up the Cucumbers and replace them with thinly sliced zucchini
- Change up the vinegar, replace the white vinegar with red or apple cider vinegar
- Store cucumbers with vinegar and onions the refrigerator for up to a week.
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PrintCucumbers and Onions in Vinegar
Cucumbers and onions in vinegar is a combination of crispy cucumbers and onions in a tangy yet slightly sweet vinegar. It’s a classic summer side dish that can be made in minutes.
Ingredients
- 3 medium cucumbers
- 1 medium red onion
- 1 1/2 tablespoons sea salt
- 3/4 tablespoon coconut sugar
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons fresh chopped dill
- pepper to taste
Instructions
- with a sharp knife or mandolin slice the cucumbers and onions very thin
- place the onions and cucumbers into a bowl; sprinkle with 1 1/2 tablespoons sea salt and 3/4 tablespoon sugar and mix well
- set the mixture aside for at least one hour to allow the cucumbers to release water
- add the vinegar and stir – adjust the salad with salt, pepper and sugar to taste
- top them with fresh dill
Notes
- Red onions can be substituted with vadilia onions.
- Change up the vinegar, replace the apple cider vinegar with red or white vinegar
- The cucumbers should release enough water to dilute the vinegar, if you need to adjust the taste, add a few tablespoons of water.
Nutrition information is provided by Nutrifox, an online calculator and is meant to be used for informational purposes only. Even though I try to provide accurate information, these figures should still be considered as estimates.
what a healthy and fresh salad! I printed out your recipe so I can make it this weekend. There are so many cucumbers in my garden it will be a great way to use them up!
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I have the same problem with the cucumbers!
What a great way to use up those summer veggies! This is perfect for any summer gathering as well! YUM!
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Sometimes the most simple recipes are simply the best! This zesty cucumber and onions in vinegar recipe is perfect for summer time! I can see myself making this for bbq’s and parties. Thanks for sharing!
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Wow! This Cucumber salad looks refreshing! I should try making this for my husband.
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Cucumber salad is a must in my house during summer months, it’s just sooo refreshing and cooling, perfect on a hot day! Fresh dill goes beautifully with cucumber, and it’s one of my favourite herbs! Great job, thanks for sharing!
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You are welcome Anna!
This will go over so well in our house — my 4 year old loves pickles and any sort of ‘quick pickled’ vegetables. Perfect for summer!
Thank you Julie!
I love all of the flavors in this! These would pair perfectly with a German spread of wursts for dinner. Easy, delicious, and healthy too!
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Thanks Jenni, I love that idea of the German spread!
I also have have good memories of cucumber salad as a child. My grandma would make it for us and use some sort of seasoning packet she could only find on her travels to Germany. I’m excited to give this salad a try, it will bring back great memories!
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I could seriously live on this all summer long. Toss anything in fresh dill and I am a happy girl!
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This recipe sounds perfect to brink to a bbq or picnic this summer! I can definitely think of a few things I would love to bring it to in the coming weeks. Can’t wait to make up a batch!
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I also grew up eating cucumbers and vinegar all the time growing up! Such an easy, healthy recipe that everyone will enjoy. Thank you for sharing!
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Such a simple but refreshing salad perfect for summer. I must give this a try soon. I never used white vinegar for making cucumber salad.
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