This easy Cucumber Onion Salad combines crisp cucumber, tangy red onions, and fresh dill with a sweet and savory vinaigrette. This recipe is so easy to make, comes together quickly, and it’s the perfect side dish for all your main courses!
Why You’ll Love This Cucumber Onion Salad
- It’s quick and easy – with no cooking required, this recipe couldn’t be easier to make. Just chop the veggies, make the dressing, and then toss until everything is well combined.
- It’s great for meal prep – this salad actually tastes better after it sits so it’s great to meal prep in advance.
- You can easily customize the ingredients – the base of this recipe is simple, but that doesn’t mean you can mix and match different add-ins! Feel free to experiment with different herbs, spices, and added veggies to really to make this salad your own.
Recipe Ingredients
Cucumber: we’re using Persian cucumbers for this recipe because they have fewer seeds and a thinner skin than traditional cucumber. If you can’t find Persian cucumbers, English cucumbers (also known as hot house cucumbers) will also work.
Red Onion: we’re using red onion for this salad which gives great flavor and crunch. You can rinse the red onion slices under cold water before adding them to the salad to take away some of that onion “bite” if you like.
Dill: This salad is full of delicious and herby fresh dill which pairs perfectly with cucumber.
Olive oil: this forms the base of the dressing. Be sure to choose a high-quality oil that you love the taste of!
Lemon juice: this adds a bit of brightness to the salad dressing. Freshly squeezed is the best if you have it.
Apple cider vinegar: this is what gives the dressing that signature tang.
Maple syrup: for a touch of sweetness to balance some of the tang. You can also use honey if that’s what you prefer.
Whole grain Dijon mustard: this adds some delicious flavor to the dressing.
Garlic: you’ll need at least one clove of garlic for this recipe, but feel free to add more!
Should I Leave the Skin on the Cucumber?
You can peel the cucumber skin if you like. However, I don’t find it necessary for this recipe, because Persian cucumbers have a very thin skin that’s very mild and not bitter.
Recipe Variations
- Add avocado – this salad is great as is but a little chopped avocado is also a great addition.
- Make a double batch – I love making a double batch of this cucumber salad to have on hand as a quick side.
- Swap the dressing – substitute any store-bought or homemade dressing you like best. Greek salad dressing, tahini Caesar dressing, lemon herb tahini dressing, and dairy free ranch all make great options.
How to Make a Cucumber and Onion Salad
Step One: Add the cucumbers, red onion, and dill to a mixing bowl.
Step Two: In a separate small mixing bowl, whisk the dressing ingredients until smooth.
Step Three: Pour the dressing over the salad. Then, use a spoon to gently mix until everything is well coated in the dressing.
Step Four: Give the salad a taste, adjust the seasonings as needed, and enjoy!
Ways to Serve
Simple and refreshing, this cucumber onion salad pairs well with pretty much any main course. However, if you’re looking for ideas, some of my favorite options include:
- Slow Cooker Ribs
- BBQ Chicken Wings
- Chipotle Chicken Sandwiches
- Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken
- Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
- Baked BBQ Chicken Thighs
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! Feel free to make this salad a day in advance before serving. The flavors will really be able to meld and the salad will be even more flavorful. Here are a few make-ahead tips:
- Store the dressing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
- Chop the veggies, and store them in a separate container for 1 to 2 days.
More Delicious Salad Recipes to Try
- Creamy Cucumber Salad
- Cucumber Feta Salad
- Italian Chopped Salad
- Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
- Couscous Salad
- Kale Caesar Salad
I hope you give this Cucumber Onion Salad a try! It’s refreshing and so easy to make. If you do give this recipe a try, I want to know! Leave a comment with a star rating below. You can also snap a photo & tag @allthehealthythings on INSTAGRAM. Your reviews help support All the Healthy Things and make it possible for me to continue to create the recipes you know and love.
Print
Quick & Easy Cucumber Onion Salad
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 1x
- Category: Sides
- Method: No Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This easy Cucumber Onion Salad combines crisp cucumber, tangy red onions, and fresh dill with a sweet and savory vinaigrette. This recipe is so easy to make, comes together quickly, and it’s the perfect side dish for all your main courses!
Ingredients
- 2 pounds Persian cucumbers, sliced into 1/4 inch rounds
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh chopped dill
Dressing
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1/2 tablespoon whole grain dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, finely minced or crushed
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Instructions
- To a mixing bowl add the cucumbers, red onion, and dill.
- Add the dressing ingredients to a small mixing bowl and whisk together until well combined.
- Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients. Use a spoon to gently mix until everything is well coated in the dressing.
- Give the salad a taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Serve and enjoy!
Recipe by: Ashlea Carver / All the Healthy Things | Photography by: Sierra Inn
