This 4-ingredient cucumber onion salad is one of those simple little recipes that proves fresh summer produce does not need much fuss to shine. It has an old-fashioned sweet and tangy flavor that feels right at home beside just about any warm-weather meal, and it is especially handy when the garden is giving you more cucumbers than you know what to do with. With crisp cucumber slices, thin onion, vinegar, and sugar, this chilled salad comes together quickly and tastes even better after a little rest in the refrigerator.
Serve this refreshing salad alongside grilled burgers, hot dogs, barbecue chicken, pulled pork sandwiches, or simple sandwiches for lunch. It also fits beautifully on a picnic table next to baked beans, potato salad, corn on the cob, or a plate of fresh tomato slices, and the bright vinegar dressing is especially nice with rich or smoky foods.
4-Ingredient Cucumber Onion Salad
Servings: 6
Ingredients
4 medium cucumbers, thinly sliced
1 medium white onion, thinly sliced
1 cup white vinegar
3/4 cup granulated sugar
Directions
1. Wash the cucumbers well and thinly slice them. Thinly slice the onion and place both into a large bowl.
2. In a separate bowl or large measuring cup, stir together the white vinegar and sugar until the sugar is mostly dissolved.
3. Pour the vinegar mixture over the cucumbers and onions, then gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
4. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving so the cucumbers can soften slightly and soak up that sweet and tangy flavor. Stir once more before serving.
Variations & Tips
Make It Ahead: This salad is a wonderful make-ahead side. A couple of hours in the refrigerator gives the cucumbers time to soak up the dressing, and many families think it tastes even better the next day.
For Milder Onion Flavor: If your onion tastes especially sharp, soak the slices in cold water for 10 minutes before adding them to the cucumbers. Drain well, and the flavor will be gentler for kids and picky eaters.
Adjust The Sweetness: If your family likes a more tart salad, reduce the sugar a little. If you love that old-fashioned sweet-and-sour taste, add an extra spoonful or two of sugar and stir until dissolved.
Try A Different Onion: White onion keeps the look classic, but sweet onion works nicely too and gives the salad a softer bite while still keeping that refreshing summer feel.