Old-Fashioned Cucumbers and Onions is a classic cucumber and onion salad recipe made with crisp English cucumbers, sliced red onions, and a sweet and tangy vinegar mixture. This easy fresh cucumber salad is the perfect side dish for summer cookouts, potlucks, or any hot summer day. Made with simple ingredients and just a few minutes of prep, it’s a refreshing family favorite that’s even better after chilling in the refrigerator.

Cucumbers & Onions

Some recipes never go out of style, and this one has been passed down through generations. It came from my friend’s great-grandma, and it was one of her favorite dishes growing up.

Every summer, a large bowl of these sweet and tangy cucumbers sat on their dinner table. We had something similar growing up, and using this recipe was always a great way to use up fresh garden cucumbers.

As the cucumbers soak in the simple vinegar dressing made with white vinegar, a little sugar, and water, they become even more flavorful while staying cool and crisp.

This great side dish is always a crowd favorite. It’s an easy recipe that uses all of those fresh veggies and has the perfect blend of tangy and sweet.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• A treasured family recipe passed down through generations.
• Made with just a handful of simple ingredients 
• The perfect make-ahead fresh side dish for hot days
• Sweet, tangy, crisp, and incredibly refreshing.
• Great for backyard barbecues, picnics, and hot summer days.
• Easy side dish that can be customized with your favorite herbs and vegetables.

Tools You’ll Need

• Small saucepan
• Whisk
• Large bowl
• Sharp knife or mandolin
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups
• Spoon
• Airtight container for storage

Ingredients

Just 5 simple ingredients and you’re ready to make this side dish!

• Water
• Sugar
• White vinegar
• English cucumbers, sliced
• Red onion, thinly sliced

Ingredient Notes

English cucumbers are my favorite because they have thin skins, fewer seeds, and are still wonderfully crisp cucumbers after marinating. They’re usually wrapped in plastic at the grocery store.

Don’t have them? Other varieties of cucumbers work! Regular cucumbers, garden cucumbers, or even Persian cucumbers all work well. If you’re using larger regular cucumbers, you may want to peel them if the skins are tough.

Red onion slices add beautiful color and just the right bite, but sweet onion, Vidalia onions, yellow onions, or even white onions make delicious substitutions.

Find the complete recipe with ingredient measurements in the recipe card below.

How to Make Cucumbers and Onions

This cucumber onion salad recipe is SO easy to make!!

1. In a small pot over medium heat, whisk water, sugar, and vinegar just until the sugar is melted. Set aside to cool.

2. In the meantime, cut the cucumbers and onions into thin slices. Combine in a bowl.

3. When the liquid mixture is cool, pour over the sliced cucumbers and onions.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight.
5. Use a slotted spoon to serve.

Tips for Success

• If you have a mandolin, it makes perfectly uniform cucumber slices in just minutes. And I have a full tutorial for ways to cut onions here.
• Use a bowl larger than you think you’ll need, because the vegetables release additional liquid as they marinate.
• Refrigerating overnight gives the cucumbers time to fully absorb the sweet and tangy dressing.
• If your cucumbers seem especially wet after washing, pat them dry with a paper towel before slicing.
• Store the salad in an airtight container so it stays crisp.

Variations

One of my favorite things about this simple recipe is how easy it is to customize.

Add Fresh Herbs

Fresh dill, fresh basil, parsley, or other fresh herbs add wonderful flavor.

Add Some Heat

Sprinkle in a little red pepper flakes or freshly ground black pepper for extra zip.

Change the Vinegar

While white vinegar creates that classic flavor, you can also use:

• Apple cider vinegar
• Red wine vinegar
• Rice vinegar
• Rice wine vinegar

Each gives the salad a slightly different personality while still creating a delicious, simple vinegar dressing.

Add Tomatoes

Fresh tomatoes make a great addition, especially during peak garden season.

Reduce the Sugar

If you prefer a less sweet salad, simply reduce the amount of sugar or use your favorite sugar substitute.

Serving Suggestions

This refreshing side dish pairs beautifully with almost any summer meal.

Serve it with:

• Grilled pork chops
• Hamburgers
• Grilled or BBQ chicken
• Ribs
• Pulled pork sandwiches
• Hot dogs
• Fried catfish
• Smoked sausage

It’s the perfect side dish for family dinners, potlucks, picnics, and summer cookouts.

Storage

Store your cucumbers and onions in their marinade inside an airtight container in the refrigerator.

They’re best enjoyed within 3 to 4 days, although the onions continue softening as they sit.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best cucumbers to use?

I recommend English cucumbers because they have thin skins and fewer seeds, but regular cucumbers, garden cucumbers, and Persian cucumbers all work well.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, it’s even better after chilling overnight because the vegetables have more time to absorb the dressing.

Can I use another onion?

Yes! Sweet onion, Vidalia onions, yellow onions, or white onions all work beautifully.

Do I have to heat the dressing?

Heating simply helps dissolve the sugar quickly and evenly. Be sure to let it cool completely before pouring it over the vegetables so the cucumbers stay nice and crisp.

Can I turn this into creamy cucumber salad?

Yes! Drain most of the marinade, then stir the cucumbers into a mixture of sour cream or Greek yogurt for a delicious creamy cucumber salad with a tangy twist.

Recipe Tips & Variations at a Glance

• Use English cucumbers for the crispiest texture.
• Slice everything very thin for the best results.
• Let the salad chill overnight whenever possible.
• Add fresh dill, parsley, or fresh basil.
• Try red wine vinegar, rice vinegar, or apple cider vinegar for a different flavor.
• Sprinkle in black pepper, celery seed, or red pepper flakes.
• Add tomatoes or even chopped bell peppers for extra color and crunch.

Cucumber & Onion Salad

There are plenty of salad recipes, but sometimes the simplest ones are the most memorable. This Old-Fashioned Cucumbers and Onions Recipe has been part of my family’s table for generations, and every bite reminds me of childhood summers, backyard gatherings, and family meals.

With crisp fresh cucumbers, sweet onions, and a perfectly balanced tangy vinegar dressing, it’s an easy cucumber salad recipe you’ll find yourself making all season long. Whether you’re serving it at summer cookouts, alongside grilled meats, or simply enjoying a bowl on a hot summer day, this nostalgic delicious side dish never disappoints.

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