Old Fashioned Cucumber Salad Recipe

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Old fashioned cucumber salad with its classic flavors, makes it a favorite among those who love the cucumber onion vinegar sugar recipe.

A bowl with cucumbers, onion, apple cider vinegar, sugar and dill.

One salad that never goes out of style is the classic cucumber onion vinegar sugar recipe. This simple cucumber salad recipe was passed down from my grandmother, to my mother and now I make it for my family.

This easy recipe combines crisp cucumbers, red onions, and a tangy vinegar dressing to create a delicious salad.

Whether you're attending a backyard BBQ, enjoying a picnic in the park, or simply looking for a quick side dish for dinner, cucumbers and onions in vinegar and sugar is a great way to showcase the flavors of fresh veggies.

Don't forget to look through all the variations listed below to see how many different ways you can customize this easy cucumber salad recipe.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Cucumber and onion salad is a classic summer recipe that's both easy to make and incredibly flavorful.
It's a great way to enjoy the fresh produce of the season.
This refreshing cucumber salad is a great make-ahead dish for parties and BBQs.

Recipe Ingredients

You'll need the following ingredients to make cucumber salad with apple cider vinegar.

The ingredients for a cucumber, onion and vinegar salad.

Fresh Cucumbers are the main part of salad. I prefer English cucumbers also called seedless cucumbers because they have very small soft seeds and the skin isn't very thick. However, any kind of cucumber that you enjoy will work in this simple recipe.

Onion adds flavor and is delicious to eat with the cucumbers. Red onion or sweet onions are preferred for this recipe. Be aware that the red onions will slowly start to lose their color after being stored in the vinegar mixture.

Apple Cider Vinegar adds a tangy twist to the salad. It also tones down the strength of the onion.

White Sugar balances out the tangy vinegar.

Water to dilute the apple cider vinegar.

Dried Dill or Fresh Dill gives it a mild anise flavor.

Substitutions

If you find yourself missing some ingredients or want to experiment with different flavors, don't hesitate to make substitutions

Honey can replace the sugar in this recipe.
Any type of onion will work in the recipe, but yellow onions will have a little more of bite to them.
Red vinegar or white vinegar can be substituted for apple cider vinegar, but the flavor will be slightly different.

How to Make Old Fashioned Cucumber Salad

Here are some quick visual instructions. The full recipe card for cucumber onion salad with vinegar is below!

In a medium bowl, prepare the vinegar mixture by mixing apple cider vinegar, water, white sugar, and dill. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved.

Slice the cucumbers thinly using a sharp knife or a mandolin slicer, depending on your preference. If you're using a garden cucumber with larger seeds, you can scoop them out for a crisper texture. Add them to the vinegar mixture.

Cucumbers being added to a bowl of apple cider vinegar, water, dill and sugar.

Next, thinly slice the red onion. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can use sweet onion or Vidalia onion. Add them to the bowl.

Toss everything together to ensure an even coating.

Red onion being added to a bowl of cucumbers, apple cider vinegar and water.

Allow the cucumber onion vinegar salad to marinate in the refrigerator for at least an hour, or longer if you have the time. This allows the cucumbers in vinegar to absorb the tangy dressing.

Serve in a large bowl as a side dish or in a serving bowl as a refreshing appetizer. Vinegar cucumbers are best served cold. Keep it in the refrigerator until you're ready to enjoy it

Recipe Tips & Tricks

Here are some valuable recipe tips to ensure you get the best results:

To get the best results, try using English cucumbers or Persian cucumbers, as they have fewer seeds and a crisper texture. However, any type of cucumber can work for this salad, depending on your personal preference.
You may want to peel the skin of the cucumber if it is thick.
When selecting red onions, look for ones that are firm and have a bright, deep color. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can use sweet onions or white onions instead.
Use a sharp knife or a mandolin slicer to achieve consistently thin slices of cucumbers and onions. Uniform slices not only look more appealing but also ensure an even distribution of flavors.
If you're using cucumbers with larger seeds, consider scooping them out before slicing.
Allow the salad to marinate in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving. This gives the cucumbers and onions time to absorb the tangy vinegar dressing, resulting in a more flavorful dish.

By following these recipe tips, you'll be well on your way to creating a cucumber onion vinegar sugar recipe that's bursting with flavor and sure to be a hit at any gathering or as a refreshing side dish for your meals.

Storage

If you have leftovers or want to prepare this salad ahead of time, storing it properly is essential to maintain its freshness.

Transfer any leftover salad to an airtight container and refrigerate it. This will keep it fresh for up to four days.

Variations

One of the great things about old fashioned cucumber and onion in vinegar is its versatility. You can customize it in many different ways to suit your taste. Here are a few variations to consider:

Feel free to get creative with the recipe by adding cherry tomatoes,

Create a Creamy Cucumber Salad: If you enjoy creamy salads, mix in some sour cream or Greek yogurt to create a creamier texture.
Fresh Herbs for Flavor: Don't skip the fresh dill or other herbs. They add a burst of freshness and flavor to the salad. Experiment with other herbs like basil or parsley if you like.
Include Cherry Tomatoes: For a burst of color and sweetness, toss in some halved cherry tomatoes.
Extra Crunch: Add bell peppers, or even thinly sliced radishes for added color and crunch.
Try Different Types of Vinegar: While apple cider vinegar is the classic choice, you can experiment with red wine vinegar, white vinegar, or even a tart vinegar like red or white wine vinegar for a different flavor profile.

What to Serve with Old Fashioned Cucumber Salad

This salad is a perfect side dish for a variety of meals.

Serve it alongside grilled meats, burgers, or hot dogs for a refreshing and tangy contrast.

Use it as a quick pickle to add a burst of flavor to sandwiches, burgers, or tacos.

Mix it into a pasta salad for a delightful twist on a classic summer dish. Combine it with a tomato salad for a colorful and flavorful summer side.

A fork with cucumbers and red onion on it.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you keep cucumber salad crisp?

To keep cucumber salad crisp, start with fresh and firm cucumbers. English cucumbers, Persian cucumbers, or garden cucumbers are great choices, as they tend to be less watery and have fewer seeds. If you're using cucumbers with larger seeds, consider scooping them out before slicing. This will reduce the moisture content in the salad. Store the cucumber salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This helps prevent moisture loss and maintains crispness. Cucumber salad is best served cold. Ensure it's properly chilled before serving to maintain its crisp texture.

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