This Vinegar Marinated Cucumber and Onion Salad is the ultimate refreshment! With only a handful of ingredients, it comes together quickly and adds a zesty, tangy crunch to any meal.
I love making this salad whenever I want something simple yet flavorful that pairs beautifully with grilled meats or sandwiches. It’s also the perfect side dish for a summer BBQ or a light weeknight dinner!

🛒Ingredients
- English cucumbers. I like using English cucumbers because they have thinner skin and fewer seeds, making them extra crunchy. Regular cucumbers work too, just peel them if the skin is tough.
- Brown or sweet onion. Thinly sliced onions add a nice bite. Red onions work too if you like a sharper flavor.
- Apple cider vinegar. This gives the salad its signature tangy kick and a slight sweetness.
- Red wine vinegar. Adds an extra layer of tang and a little more depth.
- Salt. I love using celery salt for extra flavor, but regular salt works just fine.
- Sugar. Just a little to balance out the acidity.
- Black pepper. Freshly cracked black pepper adds a little warmth.
👩🍳 You'll find the complete list of ingredients below the recipe card.
🥣How To Make Cucumber Onion Salad
- Slice the cucumbers into ¼-inch slices and add them to a large bowl.
- Slice the onion into thin half-moon slices and add them to the cucumbers. Toss gently to combine.
- Prepare the dressing: In a separate bowl, mix together the apple cider vinegar, red wine vinegar, salt, sugar, and black pepper.

For more ideas, check out our 15 Cucumber Salad Recipes I Make On Repeat.

- Combine the dressing with the cucumbers and onions, tossing everything together to coat evenly.
- Chill the cucumber salad in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving, allowing the flavors to meld together.

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- If you prefer a milder onion flavor, soak the slices in ice water for 10-15 minutes before adding them to the salad. It takes the sharpness down a notch.
- Want a little heat? Toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a few slices of fresh chili.
- Not a fan of sugar? You can skip it or use a small amount of honey instead.
- Need extra crunch? Add thinly sliced radishes or bell peppers.
- No apple cider vinegar? White vinegar works in a pinch.
- Prefer a sweeter taste? Add a little more sugar or a drizzle of agave syrup.

Storage Leftovers
Keep the salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The cucumbers will soften a little, but the flavor will continue to develop.
👪What to Serve with Vinegar Marinated Cucumber and Onion Salad
This refreshing salad is so versatile and can be served with many different dishes. Here are some of my favorite pairings:

Easy Salad Recipes
Before You Go
If this recipe made its way to your dinner table, I'd love to hear what you thought! Leaving a ★★★★★ rating and review below helps other readers and supports the work I do here at Cookrita. Thank you so much for being here. ❤️
FAQ
It keeps well for about 3 to 4 days, and actually gets more flavorful as it marinates, though the cucumbers soften a little the longer it sits.
Yes, white vinegar works in a pinch if you don't have apple cider or red wine vinegar, though the flavor will be a touch sharper.
It's not required for this recipe, but if you want extra crisp cucumbers, salt the slices and let them sit for 10 minutes, then pat dry before marinating.
Fun Variations to Try
- Dill Version. Add fresh chopped dill for a classic herby twist.
- Creamy Version. Stir in a spoonful of sour cream or Greek yogurt for a creamy cucumber salad.
- Spicy Version. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or sliced fresh chili for heat.
- Make it Korean. Add gochugaru and toasted sesame to the vinegar dressing, which is how this Korean cucumber salad comes together.
📖Recipe

Marinated Cucumber and Onion Salad
Video
Ingredients
- 2 English cucumbers, about 2 cups sliced thinly
- 1 medium brown onion or sweet onion, sliced thin
- 3 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 teaspoon red wine vinegar
- salt to taste, i used seasoned celery salt for more flavor
- 1 teaspoon granulated white sugar
- black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Slice the cucumbers into ¼-inch slices and add them to a large bowl.2 English cucumbers
- Slice the onion into thin half-moon slices and add them to the cucumbers. Toss everything together.1 medium brown onion or sweet onion
- For the dressing: In a separate bowl, mix together all the remaining ingredients.3 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 2 teaspoon red wine vinegar, salt to taste, 1 teaspoon granulated white sugar, black pepper
- Pour the dressing over the cucumber and onion mixture, then toss to coat everything evenly.
- Chill in the fridge until you're ready to serve.
- Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition




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