Super refreshing cucumber and onion salad is a low-carb winner for lunch or a side salad.
Fresh cucumbers and onions are tossed in a tangy vinaigrette for this easy salad.

Crunchy, Tangy Cucumber Creation
- Flavor: Sweet cukes and sharp onions perfectly contrast the tangy vinaigrette.
- Prep note: Slice cucumbers and onions thinly for best texture, and let the salad sit for at least an hour to develop flavor.
- Budget tip: Use regular cucumbers and white vinegar, both are cost-effective ingredients.
- Time-Saving Tip: Prepare and refrigerate ahead of time for a quick, easy snack or side dish.
- Serving suggestions: Serve as a side dish to grilled meats or as a light lunch keto bread or crackers. Or turn it into a main by adding bay shrimp, shredded chicken, diced ham, or bacon bits.
Easy Salad Ingredients
Cucumber: Fresh cucumbers are firm and taste slightly sweet. English cucumbers are longer and thinner than field cucumbers and are preferred for this recipe since the seeds and peels aren’t as tough. You can use either or a combination of both.
Onion: White onions are sweeter than other varieties but you can use Vidalia, yellow, or red onions. Be sure to cut (or dice) them small enough so as not to overpower the other ingredients.
Vinaigrette: I prefer rice or white wine vinegar for salads, as they are less tart than red wine or regular white vinegar. Use any variety of oil or vinegar in this recipe, just keep the amounts the same. You can still use red or apple cider vinegar in a pinch, although they might dull the color of the salad. For a creamy dressing, whisk in some Dijon mustard.
Variations: For a pop of color, add some halved cherry or grape tomatoes, chopped sundried tomatoes, or diced avocados. Finely chopped black olives or jalapenos will also add color and zesty flavor.
How to Make Cucumber and Onion Salad
- Cut cucumbers and onions and place in a large bowl.
- Whisk remaining ingredients in a small bowl (full recipe below).
- Pour dressing over cucumbers and onions and mix to combine.
- Refrigerate before serving.
Holly’s Recipe Tips & Tricks
- This recipe works best when the cucumber slices are thoroughly patted dry. This allows the dressing and seasonings to cling properly.
- Use a mandoline to slice the white onions uber-thin so their flavor doesn’t overpower the salad.
- This recipe tastes best when it’s extra chilled, so you can make it up to a day ahead and keep it covered until ready to enjoy. Double the dressing and use as a marinade or on other salads.
- Keep leftover cucumber & onion salad in a covered container for up to 5 days. Stir before serving.
Perfect Pairings for Cucumber u0026 Onions
Did you enjoy this Cucumber And Onion Salad recipe? Leave a comment and rating below.
Cucumber And Onion Salad
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 English cucumbers thinly sliced
- ½ white onion thinly sliced
- ⅓ cup white wine vinegar
- 3 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or olive oil
- 3 teaspoons sugar
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ⅛ teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Wash cucumbers and pat dry. Slice cucumber and onion, then place in a large bowl.
- Stir together remaining ingredients in a small bowl.
- Pour dressing over cucumber and onions and mix until coated.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
Notes
- Make this salad ahead of time, ready to take for a light lunch.
- Refrigerate leftovers in an air-tight container for 3-5 days.
- Double the vinaigrette recipe and store in the refrigerator to use in other salads or as a marinade for meat dishes.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
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REPIN this Cucumber And Onion Salad recipe
Perfect flavor for me. Light and flavorful. used sugar substitute (Lakanto) and it will be a regular dish.
I am so glad to hear you enjoyed this recipe Trish! Thank you for sharing.
No need for water in dressing, as enough water will come out of cucumber when sliced thinly.
Can this recipe be canned in jars?
I haven’t tried it so I can’t say for sure Pam. If you try it I would love to hear how it turns out!