Cool, crisp, and tangy, cucumber onions and vinegar is the ultimate summer side dish! This classic salad is incredibly easy to make and pairs perfectly with BBQ, grilled meats, or fried fish. Here are 5 delicious variations to try!
Recipe 1: Classic Southern Cucumber Onion Salad
Ingredients: 3 large cucumbers (peeled and sliced), 1 large red onion (thinly sliced), 1 cup white vinegar, 1 cup water, 1/2 cup sugar, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper. Instructions:
- Prep Veggies: Slice cucumbers and onions thinly. Place in a large bowl.
- Make Brine: In a saucepan, combine vinegar, water, sugar, salt, and pepper. Heat until sugar dissolves.
- Cool: Let the brine cool completely to room temperature.
- Marinate: Pour the cooled brine over the cucumbers and onions. Toss well.
- Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
Recipe 2: Sweet and Sour Cucumber Onion Vinegar Salad
Ingredients: 4 cups sliced cucumbers, 1 cup sliced white onions, 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar, 1/2 cup white sugar, 1/4 cup water, 1 tsp celery seed, 1/2 tsp salt. Instructions:
- Combine Veggies: Place cucumbers and onions in a large jar or bowl.
- Brine: Whisk vinegar, sugar, water, celery seed, and salt until sugar dissolves.
- Pour: Pour over the veggies, ensuring they are mostly submerged.
- Rest: Cover and let sit at room temperature for 1 hour.
- Serve: Chill before serving. Keeps well in the fridge for up to a week.
Recipe 3: Spicy Cucumber Onion and Vinegar Pickles
Ingredients: 3 cucumbers (sliced), 1 red onion (sliced), 1 cup rice vinegar, 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tbsp sugar, 1 tbsp sesame oil, 1 tsp red pepper flakes, 2 cloves garlic (minced). Instructions:
- Veggies: Place sliced cucumbers and onions in a bowl.
- Dressing: Whisk rice vinegar, soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, red pepper flakes, and garlic.
- Toss: Pour dressing over veggies and toss to coat.
- Marinate: Let sit for 30 minutes at room temperature.
- Serve: Serve chilled as a spicy, tangy side dish.
Recipe 4: Creamy Cucumber Onion Vinegar Salad
Ingredients: 3 cucumbers (sliced), 1/2 red onion (sliced), 1/2 cup white vinegar, 1/4 cup sugar, 1/2 cup sour cream, 1 tbsp dill, 1/2 tsp salt. Instructions:
- Marinate: Toss cucumbers and onions with vinegar and sugar. Let sit for 30 mins. Drain excess liquid.
- Creamy Dressing: Whisk sour cream, dill, and salt.
- Combine: Fold the drained veggies into the sour cream dressing.
- Chill: Refrigerate for 1 hour to let flavors meld.
- Serve: Serve cold as a creamy, tangy side.
Recipe 5: Apple Cider Vinegar Cucumber Onion Salad with Dill
Ingredients: 4 cups cucumber chunks, 1 cup red onion slices, 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp honey, 1/4 cup fresh dill (chopped), 1/2 tsp salt. Instructions:
- Prep: Place cucumbers and red onion in a bowl.
- Dressing: Whisk apple cider vinegar, olive oil, honey, salt, and fresh dill.
- Toss: Pour dressing over the vegetables and toss well.
- Rest: Let sit for 15 minutes before serving.
- Serve: Serve immediately or chill for up to 2 days.
