Onion Cucumber Salad
A refreshing cucumber and red onion salad with tangy vinegar and a hint of sweetness, perfect as a light side dish for summer meals or gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Pull tines of a fork firmly down the length of the cucumber to create textured lines.
- Thinly slice the red onion, separating the rings.
- Combine oil, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper in a bowl to make the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the sliced cucumber and onions.
- Marinate for 1 hour to allow flavors to meld.
- Drain the vegetables before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using flavored vinegar such as apple cider or red wine vinegar in the dressing. If you prefer a milder onion taste, soak the sliced red onion in cold water for 10 minutes before adding it to the salad. You can also substitute the cucumber with zucchini for a different texture. This salad is perfect to accompany Mediterranean recipes like Bruschetta With Tomatoes And Capers.
Serving Suggestions
This onion cucumber salad serves well as a refreshing side dish for grilled meats or fish. It pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or as part of a summer picnic spread alongside dishes like Greek Cabbage Salad or Marinated Summer Salad. For a light lunch, serve it on a bed of greens topped with your favorite protein.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The vegetables may become a bit softer over time, so it's best enjoyed fresh. If you want to refresh the flavors, you can add a splash more vinegar or a drizzle of olive oil before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Onion Cucumber Salad contains roughly 488 calories, with 1g protein, 11g carbohydrates, and 50g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (27% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 493mg per serving (21% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, this salad can be made a few hours in advance. However, for the best texture, it's recommended to marinate it for no more than 2 hours before serving. If made too far ahead, the cucumber may become too soft.
What can I use instead of sugar in the dressing?
You can use honey or maple syrup as a natural sweetener instead of granulated sugar. If you want to keep it sugar-free, try using a sugar substitute like stevia or erythritol, adjusting to taste.
Is this salad suitable for vegan diets?
Absolutely! This onion cucumber salad is naturally vegan, as it contains no animal products. It's a great addition to any vegan meal plan, providing fresh flavors and a crunchy texture.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).