YES, that salad that was always on the table at family gatherings!

This post contains affiliate links if you purchase through those links I earn a small commission. Thank you!

I know this sounds like a simple little salad, and I guess it is. But for me it is also for time traveling. One whiff of the onions in vinegar and I’m 7 and setting the table in the summer. Cucumber Onion Salad, to me, is one of the quintessential summer salads.

This is definitely an old fashioned salad! I can remember it at every single summer gathering we had as a child. When I made it for my my family it was like taking a step back in time.

The Ulitmate Potluck Salad

Why is this the ultimate potluck salad? Somewhere in the line of rich heavy dishes at the potluck you need a little palate clenaser. A quick pickle or a sour relish, or this salad will do the trick!

About your Cucumber Onion Salad:

you can swap out the onion with a shallot if you like them better
I use braggs apple cide vinegar but any brand you have on hand will work!
if you don’t have any apple cider vinegar you can use other vinegars but it will change the flavors
if it looks like you won’t have enough brine don’t worry the cucumbers will juice up once the salt hits them
make this at least 4 hours in advance to really give the flavors a chance to meld, but really overnight is best if you can give it that long
cover it well or your whole fridge will smell of vinegar

Recyle the Brine!

Once you’ve served all the cucumbers and onions out of the brine you can add more cucumbers and onions. I’ve recycled the brine for an extra salad with success!

Can you use it more than that?? I don’t know I haven’t tried it! But if you try it let me know how it turns out!!

Other Summer Cookout Favorites!

Cucumber Onion Salad

5 from 2 votes

YES, that salad that was always on the table at family gatherings!

Course: Salad Recipes

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 10

refrigeration: 4

Total Time: 4 10

Servings: servings

Calories: 19kcal

Author: Laura

Print Recipe

Ingredients

1 pound cucumbers
1/2 sweet onion medium sized onion, or use shallots
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
1/2 cup water
1 tsp minced garlic
2 tsp kosher salt taste for more salt after they rest in the fridge
1 tsp sugar

Instructions

wash and peel cucumbers, I like to peel just a little strip off with a carrot peeler, slice the cucumbers into thin round slices
peel off the outer layer of onion skin, then thinly slice the onion, if you're using a shallot peel it and slice it the same way
toss the cucumbers slices and onions together in a bowl and set aside
mix the last of the ingredients together until the sugar and salt dissolve, pour over the cucumbers
stir to combine, don't worry if it looks like their isn't enough brine, the salt with bring out the cucumber juices
cover tightly and refrigerate at least 4 hours before serving
taste before serving and add any extra salt you may need, you can also sprinkle them with ground pepper if you like

Notes

if it looks like you won’t have enough brine don’t worry the cucumbers will juice up once the salt hits them
make this at least 4 hours in advance to really give the flavors a chance to meld
cover it well or your whole fridge will smell of vinegar
once you’ve served all the cucumbers and onions out of the brine you can add more cucumbers and onions, I’ve recycled the brine for an extra salad with success! Can you use it more than that?? I don’t know I haven’t tried it!