The refreshing tang of vinegar meets the natural crispness of cucumbers in this classic summer salad. Infused with a subtle sweetness and light seasoning, it’s a dish that balances brightness and flavor in every bite. Whether you’re prepping for a barbecue, picnic, or just need a quick side dish, this recipe delivers cooling relief and simplicity. Cucumber salads like this have been cherished across cultures, from German Gurkensalat to Thai spicy cucumber variations. This version keeps it beautifully minimal and clean, highlighting the cucumber’s crunch and the dressing’s zing. A sprinkle of fresh dill adds a herbaceous touch, turning this into a dish you’ll want to make again and again.Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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4 cups thinly sliced cucumbers (English or pickling cucumbers work best)
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1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
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1/4 cup white distilled vinegar
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2 tablespoons water
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2 tablespoons granulated sugar (or maple syrup for a refined sugar-free version)
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
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Optional: fresh dill, chopped
Directions:
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Place the sliced cucumbers and red onions in a large mixing bowl.
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In a separate small bowl, whisk together the vinegar, water, sugar, salt, and black pepper until sugar is dissolved.
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Pour the vinegar mixture over the cucumbers and onions. Toss well to coat.
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Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
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Before serving, toss again and garnish with fresh dill if using.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 0 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes (including chill time)
Kcal: 45 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
A Timeless Classic with a Refreshing Twist
Vinegar cucumber salad is a beloved dish found in countless kitchens across the globe. From German “Gurkensalat” to Southern-style marinated cucumber salads, this humble yet flavorful dish transcends cultures and continents. Its simplicity, affordability, and refreshingly tangy flavor profile make it a staple during warm months, especially at barbecues, picnics, and summer dinners. This version brings together the cool crispness of cucumber, the bite of red onion, and a sweet-tangy vinegar dressing that strikes the perfect balance on the palate.
The charm of this salad lies in its adaptability. You can serve it as a light appetizer, a zesty side dish, or even use it as a topping for sandwiches, grain bowls, or wraps. Whether you’re vegan, gluten-free, or simply health-conscious, this salad fits seamlessly into any diet without sacrificing taste.
Health Benefits of Cucumber Vinegar Salad
One of the reasons this cucumber vinegar salad is so well-loved is its outstanding nutritional profile. Cucumbers are over 95% water, making them ideal for hydration and cooling the body during hot days. They are also low in calories but rich in essential nutrients like vitamin K, magnesium, and potassium.
Red onions, meanwhile, bring in powerful antioxidants and sulfur compounds that promote heart health and reduce inflammation. The simple vinegar dressing not only enhances flavor but also supports digestion and blood sugar control. When combined, these ingredients create a guilt-free dish that boosts your body while satisfying your taste buds.
Why This Version Stands Out
Many cucumber salads can end up overly watery or too acidic. This recipe, however, strikes the perfect balance. It uses just enough sugar or maple syrup to offset the sharpness of the vinegar, making it appealing even to those who don’t usually love vinegar-based dishes. The brief marination time allows the cucumbers to soak up the flavor without losing their crunch.
Additionally, this salad is designed to be fridge-friendly. It actually tastes better after a few hours in the refrigerator, making it a great option for meal prep or entertaining. Plus, it requires no cooking—just slicing, mixing, and chilling—which makes it ideal for quick meals and hot summer days when you want something light and easy.
Versatility and Customization
One of the highlights of this cucumber salad is how easily you can tailor it to your preferences. Want more heat? Add a few slices of fresh chili or a pinch of crushed red pepper. Prefer it more herbaceous? Toss in some fresh dill, parsley, or even mint. Looking for a probiotic kick? Swap out distilled vinegar for apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar.
This adaptability makes the salad not only a go-to recipe but a blank canvas for creativity. You can transform it with different vinegars, add-ins like cherry tomatoes or radishes, or make it more hearty by topping it with chickpeas or vegan feta.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re planning a summer picnic, a backyard barbecue, or a quick lunch at your desk, this cucumber vinegar salad is a perfect fit. It complements grilled foods, balances out spicy dishes, and refreshes the palate after a rich or heavy meal. Because it’s light yet flavorful, it can be served with just about anything—from sandwiches and wraps to pasta and tofu dishes.
For hosts and home cooks, this recipe is a dream. It’s make-ahead friendly, which means less stress during party prep. It also travels well, stays fresh for hours, and pleases a wide range of dietary needs without requiring complicated substitutions or ingredients.
Budget-Friendly and Accessible
Another reason to love this salad? It’s incredibly economical. The ingredients—cucumbers, onions, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper—are all pantry staples or easily found at any grocery store. There’s no need for fancy equipment, special seasonings, or long prep time. This is a recipe that delivers maximum flavor with minimal cost and effort.
Especially for large gatherings or weekly meal prep, you can double or triple the recipe without breaking the bank. It’s one of those dishes that proves simple can still be exceptional.
Cultural Roots and Modern Variations
Versions of this dish can be found in cuisines around the world. In Korean cuisine, there’s “oi muchim,” a spicy cucumber salad that also uses vinegar and sesame oil. In Eastern Europe, vinegar-marinated cucumber salads are common accompaniments to meat-heavy meals. Even in the American South, cucumbers soaked in vinegar and sugar are a cherished part of Sunday dinners and summer potlucks.
Our version celebrates this global tradition while modernizing the approach—offering a vegan, refined-sugar-optional option that suits today’s diverse diets. It respects the old ways while welcoming new ones.
Storage and Meal Prep Tips
This cucumber vinegar salad is ideal for meal prepping. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days, and the flavors continue to develop with time. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container and stir before serving to redistribute the dressing.
If you prefer your cucumbers extra crisp, consider salting them lightly and letting them sit in a colander for 10–15 minutes before rinsing and adding the dressing. This draws out excess moisture, enhancing the final texture.
Pro tip: Make a double batch and enjoy it throughout the week as a topping for grain bowls, a crunchy element in sandwiches, or a refreshing bite between heavier meals.
Best Served With…
Pair this cucumber salad with:
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Grilled or roasted vegetables
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Vegan burgers or hot dogs
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Lentil or chickpea patties
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Cold noodle dishes or soba
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Baked tofu or tempeh
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Fresh pita or flatbread and hummus
It can also serve as a palate cleanser between courses or a refreshing component on a charcuterie-style platter.
Sustainability and Seasonal Eating
Cucumbers are often abundant in late spring and summer, making this salad a perfect seasonal dish. Using in-season produce supports local agriculture and reduces your carbon footprint. Because this recipe relies on minimal processing and simple ingredients, it’s also a more environmentally friendly choice compared to heavily packaged or processed sides.
Consider sourcing your cucumbers from local farmers markets or growing your own. This adds a personal and sustainable touch to the recipe, making it even more rewarding to enjoy.
Conclusion
This vinegar cucumber salad is more than just a side dish—it’s a timeless classic with modern appeal. It offers hydration, flavor, and flexibility, all while being easy to prepare and kind to your budget. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again, whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for something crisp and refreshing for yourself. Its ease of preparation, healthy ingredients, and ability to pair with so many meals make it one of the best salads to keep in your repertoire. Light, tangy, and always satisfying, this dish proves that the simplest recipes are often the most memorable.
