Cucumber Onion Salad
This easy Cucumber Onion Salad recipe is a refreshing side dish with red onion, fresh herbs, and crisp cucumbers. This cucumber salad recipe is simple to make and required 8 simple ingredients, making it a perfect side dish to whip up as a quick lunch or to serve at a cookout.
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Cucumber Onion Salad uses a creamy dressing made with sour cream and mayonnaise. We also love to use our homemade mayonnaise in this creamy cucumber salad, it is healthier and tastier than anything you can get at the grocery store.
The creamy dressing is also a tangy dressing, with, lemon juice and white vinegar. Lastly, combine this all with fresh dill, oregano, and black pepper and you have a great tasting, refreshing cucumber salad.
This is an easy side dish to make up for a summer barbecue or if you need something light and fresh to go with your dinner. It’s also incredibly healthy for you, it’s very light, and cucumbers and onions have some serious health benefits. You’ll be surprised, too, how much flavor can come from such simple ingredients.
You can really make this Cucumber Onion Salad recipe your own, as there are many variations of cucumbers and onions that you can use that will maintain this cucumber salad recipe’s lightness and healthiness while providing a different taste that may better fit your personal preference.
We don’t make a distinction between regular cucumbers in this recipe and all the other variations. Most variations of cucumbers really just comes down to the size, so if you like bigger or smaller sliced cucumbers, you can explore using English cucumbers, Persian cucumbers, or even mini cucumbers in this fresh cucumber salad.
Why You’ll Love this Recipe:
Cool and refreshing: Crisp cucumber and red onion tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing, perfect for warm days.
Quick to make: Ready in just 10 minutes with simple ingredients.
Flavorful and balanced: The combination of lemon juice, vinegar, and herbs adds brightness and depth.
Creamy but light: Sour cream and mayo blend for a smooth dressing without feeling heavy.
Great side dish: Pairs perfectly with grilled meats, seafood, or summer picnics.
Customizable: Add sliced tomatoes, feta, or swap in Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
Ingredients to Make Cucumber Onion Salad:
- cucumber. Use English or Persian cucumbers for a crisp texture and mild flavor. If using regular cucumbers, peel and seed them to prevent excess water.
- red onion. Adds color and a mild sharpness. Slice thinly so it doesn’t overpower the salad. You can soak the onion in cold water for 10 minutes to mellow its flavor.
- sour cream. Gives the dressing creaminess and a slight tang, use full-fat for the best texture.
- mayonnaise. Adds richness and helps balance the acidity from the lemon juice and vinegar.
- lemon juice. Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens the flavor.
- vinegar. Provides a sharp tang that complements the creamy dressing and keeps the salad light and refreshing.
- dried oregano. Adds depth that rounds out the dressing flavor.
- fresh dill. Brings a bright, herbal note that pairs perfectly with cucumber. If using dried dill, substitute 1 teaspoon.
How to Make Cucumber Onion Salad:
- In a large bowl, combine the cucumber and red onion slices.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream, mayonnaise, lemon juice, vinegar, dill, and oregano. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Pour the dressing over the cucumber and onion mixture and toss gently to coat.
- Refrigerate the salad for at least 20 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
- Serve chilled as a side dish or light snack.
Recommended Equipment
Recipe Notes & Tips:
- Slice thinly: Use a mandoline or sharp knife to get evenly thin cucumber and onion slices for the best texture and flavor balance.
- Pat dry: If your cucumbers release too much moisture, pat them dry with paper towels before mixing with the dressing.
- Chill before serving: Let the salad rest for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator, this allows the flavors to blend and the cucumbers to absorb the dressing.
- Adjust creaminess: Add an extra tablespoon of sour cream or mayo if you prefer a thicker dressing.
- Milder onion flavor: Soak red onion slices in cold water for 10 minutes, then drain and pat dry before adding to the salad.
- Add freshness: Stir in a little extra dill or a squeeze of lemon juice right before serving.
- Make it lighter: Substitute half or all of the sour cream with Greek yogurt for a tangier, protein-packed version.
Serving Suggestions:
How to Store:
Refrigerator: Store cucumber onion salad in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Stir before serving, as some liquid may collect at the bottom as it sits.
Freezer: Not recommended, cucumbers will lose their texture and become watery once thawed.
Make ahead: Prepare the dressing and slice the vegetables up to a day in advance, but keep them separate until just before serving to maintain crispness.
FAQs:
Yes, white onion will work fine but has a stronger bite. Soak it in cold water for a few minutes to mellow the flavor if needed.
Yes, Greek yogurt makes a great substitute for sour cream and gives the salad a lighter, tangier flavor.
Cucumbers naturally release water as they sit. To reduce this, pat the slices dry before mixing and use a slotted spoon to serve.
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Cucumber Onion Salad
Ingredients
- 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon vinegar
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the cucumber and red onion slices.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream, mayonnaise, lemon juice, vinegar, dill, and oregano. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Pour the dressing over the cucumber and onion mixture and toss gently to coat.
- Refrigerate the salad for at least 20 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
- Serve chilled as a side dish or light snack.
Nutrition
Notes
- Slice thinly: Use a mandoline or sharp knife to get evenly thin cucumber and onion slices for the best texture and flavor balance.
- Pat dry: If your cucumbers release too much moisture, pat them dry with paper towels before mixing with the dressing.
- Chill before serving: Let the salad rest for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator, this allows the flavors to blend and the cucumbers to absorb the dressing.
- Adjust creaminess: Add an extra tablespoon of sour cream or mayo if you prefer a thicker dressing.
- Milder onion flavor: Soak red onion slices in cold water for 10 minutes, then drain and pat dry before adding to the salad.
- Add freshness: Stir in a little extra dill or a squeeze of lemon juice right before serving.
- Make it lighter: Substitute half or all of the sour cream with Greek yogurt for a tangier, protein-packed version.
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Ahhh this was soo good- my husband was obsessed