Cucumber Onion Salad Recipe

By Rena Awada | Updated On June 27, 2022

This refreshing cucumber and onion salad recipe is filled with bright tangy flavors and is easy to make in less than 20 minutes. Cucumber salad with onion slices is made with a homemade Italian dressing consisting of white wine vinegar, olive oil, honey, and garlic–you will love it!

top view of cucumber and onions in bowl with Italian dressing


Cucumber salad made with onions is a great way to use up additional cucumbers or red onions you may have sitting in the refrigerator. This cucumber salad recipe is made with zesty fresh onion to deliver the best flavors everyone looks for in a refreshing salad. A little bit sweet with robust flavors–cucumbers and onions in an Italian dressing taste perfect whenever you are in need of a light meal or side dish.

Cucumber salads are delicious served alongside your next main course or paired with your favorite BBQ cookouts and backyard parties. We love to enjoy this cucumber onion vinegar salad for special occasions like the Fourth of July, birthday parties, potlucks, or just traditional cookouts. This cucumber onion salad with vinegar is versatile and fitting for all occasions!

Did we mention how healthy this salad recipe is? The cucumbers are neutral in acidity and will balance out the onions which make this salad wholesome and well-rounded. The homemade Italian salad dressing dredges the entire veggies and gives them that zest that is so well-known in cucumber vinegar salads.

onion and cucumbers in bowl with Italian dressing

What to Serve With Cucumber Onion Vinegar Salad

Here are some of our favorite main courses to pair with this fresh salad. There are so many options; here are our top picks:

You can serve this salad with all sorts of side dishes, too, like roasted veggies, potatoes, etc. The list is endless.

Why This Recipe is the Best

You will love this recipe for your next celebration or dinner at home because it is so flavorful and fresh! Here are some other reasons why these cucumbers with onion are the best:

  • Quick and easy: This cucumber and onion salad recipe will come together in no time! Just prepare all of the ingredients, toss to combine, and serve. It’s that easy!
  • Fresh and tasty: The crispy fresh cucumbers add plenty of texture while the red onions provide tangy elements–the best of both worlds! The dressing is slightly sweet so it balances out all of the savory flavors.
  • Healthy and gluten-free: Cucumbers are high in vitamins and fiber and great for cooling down on a hot day. The dressing is completely made from scratch so there are no extra additives.
  • Vegetarian: Totally plant-based, this cucumber salad recipe is made with bright veggies and will satisfy the salad lovers in your life. To make this recipe vegan, simply omit the honey and use maple syrup instead.
  • Versatile: Garnish this salad with your favorite herbs such as dill or parsley or feta cheese. You can enjoy this salad as a side dish or just your main feast for lunch.
two cucumbers, white wine vinegar, olive oil, salt, pepper, red onion, honey, garlic

Ingredients for Cucumber Salad With Onion

You can find most of these ingredients in a local grocery store. You may already have these ingredients in your kitchen, too.

Cucumbers: We use English cucumbers here because they are crisp and the perfect base for the cucumber salad. Persian cucumbers will also be will fine for this easy salad recipe.
Red onions: Freshly sliced red onion is robust and balances out the neutral flavors of the cucumbers. The onion absorbs the savory Italian dressing and really highlights the recipe.

Italian Dressing

Extra virgin olive oil: We recommend using extra virgin olive oil for the best aromatic flavors. Olive oil is rich with diverse flavors and allows this salad to stand out even more.
White wine vinegar: Tangy white wine vinegar is used for the salad dressing and gives the cucumbers and onions slightly acidic flavors that are balanced with the rest of the ingredients.
Honey: Sweet honey provides a subtle sweetness to the Italian dressing and rounds out the tangy flavors.
Oregano: Dried oregano is a fragrant herb that provides plenty of flavor to the dressing. Dried oregano can be found in most spice aisles in grocery stores.
Garlic: Fresh garlic provides an extra layer of flavor to the dressing and makes it extra savory.
Salt and pepper: Kosher sea salt and pepper are used to season the dressing until perfect. Use as little or much as you would like.

cucumber slices on surface

How to Make This Cucumber Salad Recipe

First, wash and prepare the cucumbers and onion. Next, thinly slice the cucumbers as well as the red onion. Set the veggies aside until ready to use.

Meanwhile, add the extra virgin olive oil, white wine vinegar, sweet honey, dried oregano, freshly minced garlic, salt, and pepper to a large bowl. Whisk everything with a whisk or fork until blended.

You can also use an emulsifier for blending the Italian salad dressing.

red onions and cucumber slices in bowl

Place the cucumbers and red onion into the bowl with the dressing. Next, lightly toss the ingredients until combined. Be sure to coat the entire cucumber and onion slices.

one bowl of cucumber salad with Italian dressing and onions

Serve the salad immediately or place it in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Enjoy!

Recipe Notes and Tips

  • Red onions have the best flavors for this recipe, but white onions will work, too.
  • You can use apple cider vinegar in place of the white wine vinegar.
  • Maple syrup can be used in place of honey.
  • Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to three days.
  • You can use Persian or regular cucumbers if you do not have access to English cucumbers.

cucumber onion salad in bowl with Italian dressing

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is cucumber salad good for?

This salad is best when eaten fresh so we recommend storing the salad in the refrigerator for two to three days. Fresh is the best!

Are cucumbers and onions good for you?

Yes, this cucumber salad is a healthy alternative to other side dishes one may enjoy. This salad is gluten-free and filled with nutrients and fiber!

Should I leave the skin on the cucumber for a salad?

That is up to personal preference, but we like to use English cucumbers due to the thin skin they have. Some cucumbers have thicker skin.

How do you keep cucumber salad from getting soggy?

Be sure to enjoy the salad right away and sprinkle the pieces of cucumber with salt.

onion and cucumbers in bowl with vinegar

Other Recipes You Will Enjoy

If you’re in the mood for some more fresh salads, then you will love these recipes for your next BBQ cookout and casual celebration:

Also, if you try a recipe and you like it, leave us some feedback in the comment section below. Don’t forget to rate the recipe, too! We would love it if you shared it with friends and family.

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top view cucumber salad in a white bowl

Healthy Cucumber Onion Salad Recipe

This refreshing cucumber and onion salad recipe is filled with bright tangy flavors and is easy to make in less than 20 minutes. Cucumber salad with onion slices is made with a homemade Italian dressing consisting of white wine vinegar, olive oil, honey, and garlic–you will love it!
5 from 3 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Appetizer, Main Course, Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free, Low Fat, Vegetarian
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 168kcal
Author: Rena

Ingredients

  • 2 English cucumbers thinly sliced
  • 1 red onion thinly sliced

Italian Dressing

  • ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons white wine vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons honey
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 garlic clove grated
  • Kosher sea salt to taste
  • Kosher pepper to to taste

Instructions

  • To a large bowl, add all the dressing ingredients and whisk well to emulsify.
  • Add the sliced cucumbers and onion to the bowl.
  • Lightly toss everything until combined and serve.

Notes

 
  • Red onions have the best flavors for this recipe, but white onions will work, too.
  • You can use apple cider vinegar in place of the white wine vinegar.
  • Maple syrup can be used in place of honey.
  • Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to three days.
  • You can use Persian or regular cucumbers if you do not have access to English cucumbers.

Nutrition

Calories: 168kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Sodium: 6mg | Potassium: 276mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 167IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 41mg | Iron: 1mg
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