Onion and Cucumber Salad
Crisp cucumber slices and thinly shaved red onion tossed in a light, tangy vinegar dressing. This refreshing side dish comes together in minutes and adds a cool, bright crunch to any meal.
For 4 servings
- prep · ~5 min
Slice the vegetables.
1.Wash cucumbers and cut into thin rounds, about 3 mm thick.2.Peel the red onion, halve it, and slice into thin half-moons.3.Place both in a large mixing bowl. - mix · ~1 min
Whisk the dressing.
In a small bowl, whisk together white vinegar, olive oil, sugar, salt, and black pepper until the sugar and salt dissolve.
- mix · ~1 min
Toss the salad.
Pour the dressing over the sliced cucumbers and onions. Toss well to coat every piece evenly.
TIPUse your hands or two large spoons — it distributes the dressing more evenly than a single spoon. - rest · ~10 min
Rest the salad in the fridge.
Cover the bowl and let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 10 minutes. This mellows the onion and lets the cucumbers absorb the tangy dressing.
- garnish
Garnish with parsley and serve.
Toss the salad once more, transfer to a serving bowl, and scatter fresh chopped parsley on top.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Slice cucumbers uniformly thin (about 3 mm) so they absorb the dressing evenly.
- 2After slicing, sprinkle the red onion with a pinch of salt and let it sit for 5 minutes, then rinse and pat dry — this tames raw onion bite.
- 3Let the salad rest in the fridge for at least 10 minutes (up to 30) to allow the flavors to meld and soften the onion.
- 4Taste the dressing before pouring; adjust sugar or vinegar to balance sweet and tangy to your preference.
- 5Do not dress the salad more than 1 hour ahead — cucumbers release water and become soggy.
- 6For extra crunch, peel the cucumber in alternating stripes and remove the seeds with a spoon before slicing.
Adapt it for your goals.
Herb swap
Replace parsley with fresh dill, mint, or cilantro for a different aromatic profile — dill pairs wonderfully with vinegar and cucumber.
vinegar variationVinegar variation
Substitute white vinegar with apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar for a fruitier, milder tang that complements the vegetables.
add crunchAdd crunch
Toss in 2 tablespoons of toasted sesame seeds or sliced almonds right before serving for added texture and nuttiness.
creamy twistCreamy twist
Swap the olive oil for 2 tablespoons of plain Greek yogurt (or sour cream) and reduce vinegar to 1 tablespoon for a creamy, tangy dressing.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Low-Calorie Hydration
Cucumbers are over 95% water, making this salad a hydrating, low-calorie side that helps maintain fluid balance.
Rich in Antioxidants
Red onions provide quercetin, a powerful antioxidant that may help reduce inflammation and support heart health.
Heart-Healthy Fats
Olive oil contributes monounsaturated fats, which are linked to better cardiovascular health when used in place of saturated fats.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, but dress it no more than 1 hour before serving. The cucumbers release water over time and will become soggy if dressed too early.
