Easy Vinegar Cucumber Onion Salad – The Easy Vinegar Cucumber Onion Salad is a refreshing side dish. That combines the crispness of cucumbers. With the tanginess of vinegar. And the sweetness of onions. Perfect for summer picnics. Or a light side at dinner. This salad is both simple and delicious. Ready in just over an hour. It offers a delightful crunch. And a burst of flavor. With every bite. The combination of white vinegar, sugar, and freshly ground black pepper. Makes this salad irresistible.
The first time I made this Easy Vinegar Cucumber Onion Salad. Was a last-minute decision. Before a family barbecue. I wanted something fresh. And easy to balance. The richness of grilled meats. As I tossed the cucumbers and onions. Into the tangy vinegar dressing. My husband wandered into the kitchen. Drawn by the enticing aroma. He sampled a slice. And immediately claimed. “This is exactly what we needed!” Later, as we gathered around the table. My child—ever the picky eater—surprisingly took a liking to the salad. Declaring it “crunchy magic!” It’s now a staple in our home. Loved by all.
What makes this Easy Vinegar Cucumber Onion Salad truly special?
What sets this salad apart? Is its simplicity. And versatility. The ingredients are likely already in your pantry. Making it a quick and accessible choice. For any meal. The cucumbers add a refreshing crunch. While the sweet onions offer a gentle bite. Perfectly balanced by the tangy vinegar dressing. Plus, it’s a healthy option with minimal calories. Ideal for those looking. For a guilt-free side dish. This salad can be customized to your taste. Whether you prefer a hint of sweetness from the sugar. Or the optional kick of freshly ground black pepper. Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering. Or seeking a quick snack. This salad delivers a burst of fresh flavors.
What You Need To Make This Easy Vinegar Cucumber Onion Salad Recipe?
Vinegar: White vinegar offers a sharp, clean bite. While white wine vinegar. Adds a milder, more nuanced flavor. Experiment to find your preference!
Cucumbers: Regular cucumbers are fine. But English cucumbers are seedless. And have thinner skin. Which can enhance. The salad’s texture.
Onions: Sweet onions work well. For their gentle flavor. But if you prefer more zing. Try red onions. For a colorful twist.
Sugar: The sugar is optional. And can be adjusted. Or omitted. Based on your taste preference.
Pepper: A dash of freshly ground black pepper. Adds a hint of heat. Complementing the overall flavor profile. Of the salad.
Steps To Make Easy Vinegar Cucumber Onion Salad:
Step 1: Mix the Dressing: Start by whisking together the vinegar, warm water, sugar, and salt. In a medium-sized bowl. This creates the tangy base. That will marinate the cucumbers and onions. Infusing them with flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the Cucumbers: If you’re using regular cucumbers. Peel them first. English cucumbers have thin skins. And are seedless. So there’s no need to peel. Or seed them. Slice the cucumbers into 1/8 to 1/4-inch thick rounds. For the perfect crunch.
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Step 3: Combine Ingredients: Add the sliced cucumbers. And onion slivers to the vinegar mixture in the bowl. Stir gently, ensuring that the vegetables. Are evenly coated in the dressing. This step is crucial. For allowing the flavors to meld together.
Step 4: Chill and Marinate: Cover the bowl. And place it in the fridge for at least 2 hours. To let the cucumbers. And onions marinate or “pickle.” The longer you leave them. The more intense the flavors become. This resting time. Allows the salad to reach its full potential.
Step 5: Serve: When you’re ready to enjoy. Use a slotted spoon. To transfer the salad to a serving dish. This drains off excess liquid. While preserving the vibrant taste. For an added touch. Sprinkle some freshly ground black pepper over the top, if desired. Dive into the refreshing goodness!
Tip:
To elevate the flavors. In your Easy Vinegar Cucumber Onion Salad. Try using freshly cracked black pepper. And freshly picked herbs, like dill or cilantro. These ingredients can add an extra layer of flavor. And aroma to your salad. Enhancing its taste. And making it even more refreshing. Also, consider letting the cucumbers. And onions marinate for at least 4 hours. Or overnight. This longer marination. Allows the vegetables. To fully absorb the tangy flavors of the vinegar and salt. Resulting in a more intense. And delicious taste experience. If you’re planning to serve this salad at a gathering. Prepare it the night before. And let it chill in the fridge. Until ready to serve. Just before serving. Give the salad a gentle toss. To redistribute the dressing. And flavors. For an extra burst of freshness. Garnish with finely chopped fresh herbs. Right before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use a different type of vinegar?
Absolutely! Apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar. Can be great alternatives. If you want to try something different. They bring their own unique flavors. Adding complexity to the salad.
How long can I store this salad in the fridge?
This salad is best enjoyed fresh. But can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge. For up to 2 days. Just remember that the cucumbers. Might lose some of their crunchiness over time.
Can I add other vegetables or herbs to this salad?
Definitely! Feel free to add cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, or fresh herbs like dill or basil. For extra flavor. And color. This salad is versatile. And welcomes creativity.
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<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Easy Vinegar Cucumber Onion Salad
Ingredients
- 1/3 c distilled white vinegar or white wine vinegar
- 1/4 c very warm water
- 1 tsp sugar optional
- 1 tsp table salt or 1 tsp Kosher salt
- 2 large cucumbers or 1 large English cucumber 2 c sliced
- 1/2 c sweet onion slivers half of a small onion
- Freshly ground black pepper optional
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: In a medium-sized bowl. Whisk together 1/3 c of vinegar, 1/4 c of warm water, 1 tsp of sugar (if using), and 1 tsp of salt. Until everything is well combined. This mixture will be the tangy dressing. For your salad.
- Prepare the Cucumbers: If you're using regular cucumbers. Peel them first. If you're using English cucumbers. You can skip the peeling. Slice the cucumbers into thin rounds. About 1/8 to 1/4-inch thick. Ensuring they are evenly sliced. For consistent texture.
- Combine the Ingredients: Add the sliced cucumbers and 1/2 c of sweet onion slivers. Into the bowl with the vinegar mixture. Gently stir everything together. To ensure the cucumbers and onions. Are well coated with the dressing.
- Marinate: Cover the bowl with a lid. Or plastic wrap. And place it in the refrigerator. For at least 2 hours. This allows the cucumbers and onions to marinate. And absorb the flavors of the dressing.
- Serve: Once marinated, use a slotted spoon to serve the salad. Allowing any excess liquid to drain off. Sprinkle freshly ground black pepper on top if desired. And enjoy the refreshing taste!
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
