This Creamy Cucumber Onion Salad is the kind of simple summer side that never goes out of style. Cool, crisp cucumbers, sweet onions, and a silky dressing come together in minutes, making it perfect for cookouts, weeknight dinners, or whenever you need something refreshing on the table fast.
In summer I love a light cucumber salad. Here are two more I love: my Carrot Cucumber Salad and my Edamame Cucumber Salad.
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Why this Cucumber Onion Salad Recipe is a Keeper
This easy cucumber salad is as delicious as it is simple to make. Plus, it’s an excellent side or lunch for summer.
- Easy Side Dish: The cucumber salad comes together quickly with simple ingredients.
- Cool and Refreshing: Crisp cucumbers and creamy dressing are perfect for summer meals.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Tastes even better after chilling.
- Pairs with Everything: Great alongside grilled meats, sandwiches, and BBQ favorites.
- Serve With: Some dishes to serve with cucumber salad include Greek Chickpea Salad, Sweet and Spicy Pickles or Tri Color Rotini Pasta Salad.
How Do you Keep Cucumber and Onion Salad from Getting Watery?
You can salt the cucumbers to help draw out any moisture. Sprinkle a little salt to both sides of each cucumber slice, then wipe it off before adding. You can also just pat them dry with paper towels.
What Reader’s Are Saying…
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“So light and so refreshing! We all loved this one!”
~ Katie
Recipe Ingredient Notes to Make Cucumber Salad
You need just 7 pantry staples to make this cucumber and onion salad recipe.
This is an overview of key ingredients. Get the full printable recipe with specific measurements and directions in the recipe card below.
- English Cucumbers: Fresh cucumber is best for this summer side. Make sure to thinly slice the cucumber. Asian cucumber is a good cucumber to use too.
- Mayonnaise: Mayo will be the base for your white vinegar dressing.
- All Purpose Seasoning: Make your own All Purpose Seasoning to have on hand. It’s more flavorful than seasoning with just salt and pepper.
Variations for this Simple Cucumber Side Dish
Feel free to use different ingredients to substitute or experiment with flavors for this amazing salad.
➡️ Swap Herbs: Use fresh parsley or chives instead of dill. Chop it finely.
➡️ Onions: You can make it a cucumber and red onion, instead of with white or yellow onions. You could also try it with Vidalia onion slices.
➡️ Add Crunch: Stir in sliced radishes or celery with the sweet onions and cucumbers.
➡️ Lighten It Up: Use Greek yogurt in place of some sour cream.
➡️ Extra Tangy Dressing: Add extra vinegar, apple cider vinegar or lemon juice. Season with a little more freshly cracker black pepper if needed.
Kitchen Tools To Make Cucumber Onion Salad Easier
You don’t need anything fancy to make this easy recipe, but these tools make the process quicker and easier.
- Mandolin Slicer: Helps slice the cucumbers and onion quickly and consistently.
- Mixing Bowl with Lid: Makes chilling and storing easier.
How to Make a Creamy Cucumber Salad
This simple side dish comes together in 3 easy to follow steps. This crunchy cucumber is so good, it’s a favorite for a refreshing summer snack.
These are just highlights. Get the full printable recipe with specific measurements and directions in the recipe card below.
- Chop: Clean and chop your vegetables and add to your salad bowl.
- Make the Creamy Dressing: Mix together the mayonnaise, white wine vinegar, dried dill, sugar and All Purpose Seasoning for the tangy vinegar dressing.
- Add Veggies & Chill: Add the sliced cucumbers and onions into the dressing. Stir to coat completely. Cover and chill for at least 2 hours.
Prep Ahead and Short Cuts to Make a Cucumber Salad Recipe
Get this side salad on the table even faster with a few make-ahead steps. The salad is a simple, light and flavor dish.
➡️ Slice Early: Prepare the cucumbers and onions ahead and refrigerate separately to make this recipe.
➡️ Drain Thoroughly: Removing moisture early helps maintain creamy texture.
➡️ Mix Salad Dressing Ahead: Make the dressing in advance.
➡️ Chill Salad Before Serving: Gives flavors time to blend together for this perfect recipe.
Should Cucumbers be Peeled for this Summer Salad Recipe?
The cucumbers don’t need to be peeled, but the recipe calls for them to be. Really, it can be up to personal preference. Make the salad as you like.
How to Store Cucumber Salad and Use Leftovers
- Storing: Store in an airtight container, or covered with plastic, in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Stir before serving since moisture may collect at the bottom.
- Using Leftovers: Turn it into a sandwich topper, spoon it onto turkey, chicken, ham, or veggie sandwiches. Make it a pasta or grain‑bowl add‑in. Stir it into cooked, cooled pasta, quinoa, or farro.
Expert Tips for Making this Easy Summer Salad
This refreshing salad is one of my favorite salads. Here are a few things to remember:
➡️Salt First: Drawing moisture from cucumbers improves texture.
➡️ Use Fresh Dill: Fresh dill provide brighter flavor than dried.
➡️ Slice Thinly: Thin slices red onion absorb dressing more evenly.
➡️ Don’t Oversoak: Cucumbers can lose crunch if left too long before draining.
➡️ Serve Chilled: The flavor is best cold from the refrigerator.
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Creamy Cucumber and Onion Salad
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Ingredients
- 3 cups English cucumbers, Thinly sliced,if using regular cucumbers, peel them first
- 1 cup Onion, Thinly sliced,
- ½ cup Mayonnaise
- 1 Tablespoon White wine vinegar
- 1 Tablespoon Dried dill
- 1 teaspoon Sugar
- 1 teaspoon All Purpose Seasoning
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, stir together mayonnaise, vinegar, dill, sugar and All Purpose Seasoning.
- Add cucumber and onions; stir until fully coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
Christina’s Notes
- Drain Well: Removing excess cucumber moisture keeps the dressing creamy.
- Use Mild Onions: Sweet onions create balanced flavor.
- Slice Evenly: Uniform slices improve texture and presentation.
- Chill Before Serving: Cold salad tastes freshest and most flavorful.
- Add Dill Last: Fresh herbs stay brightest when added near serving time.
- Scale the recipe: Simply adjust the serving size in the recipe card and the ingredients will update automatically.
- Make your own All Purpose Seasoning: When a recipe calls for All Purpose Seasoning, you can use my homemade All Purpose Seasoning recipe or substitute salt and pepper to taste.
- Meat doneness: I always use a meat thermometer to test for doneness when cooking meat.
- Use unsalted butter: I use unsalted butter so I can control the salt level in the recipe.
- Preheat the oven: Unless otherwise noted, always preheat your oven before baking.
For more helpful information about this recipe, such as variations, substitutions and other pro-tips, check out the blog post.
Very good cucumber onion salad
Thanks
This is an old standard recipe that never fails! Grew up on this dish and I’m in my Late 70’s. People try to make things more fancy or but twists on things but sometimes simple is better. The ingredients work perfectly together. No need to improve.
This is hands down my favorite cucumber salad! So easy to make and the flavor is awesome.
I love the simplicity and elegance of this. Thank you so much!
This salad was so tasty and refreshing! Ended up adding the feta cheese and it was perfect!
This easy recipe has become our favorite side dish recently! I double the recipe and we have it all week!
So light and so refreshing! We all loved this one!