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A close-up view of the sweet and tangy cucumber onion salad served in a white ceramic bowl on a white marble cooktop. The glossy, chilled vegetables glisten under soft lighting, ready to be enjoyed as a refreshing side dish.

Cucumber and Onion Salad Recipe

This Cucumber and Onion Salad is a crisp, tangy, and slightly sweet side dish that’s perfect for summer meals. Light, refreshing, and easy to make, it pairs well with almost anything!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Additional Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 14
Calories 130 kcal

Equipment

  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Whisk or spoon (for mixing the dressing)
  • Airtight container (for chilling, optional)

Ingredients
  

  • 7 cups sliced cucumbers
  • salt as needed
  • 1 cup sliced onions
  • 1 cup sliced green bell pepper Optional

Dressing:

  • 2 cups white sugar
  • 1 cup white vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon celery seed Optional
  • 2 teaspoons salt or to taste

Instructions
 

  • Slice cucumbers, onions, and green bell peppers thinly and place them in a large mixing bowl.
    A close-up view of a wooden cutting board on a white marble cooktop with freshly sliced cucumbers, onions, and green bell peppers neatly arranged. A sharp chef’s knife rests nearby, highlighting the thin, even cuts of the crisp vegetables.
  • Sprinkle salt over the cucumbers and let them sit for 10 minutes to remove excess moisture. Drain if needed.
    A close-up view of a large glass mixing bowl on a white marble cooktop filled with sliced cucumbers. A hand is sprinkling salt over them, helping to draw out excess moisture while enhancing their texture and flavor.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together sugar, vinegar, salt, and celery seed (if using) until well combined.
    A close-up view of a glass bowl on a white marble cooktop as white sugar, vinegar, salt, and celery seed are whisked together. The smooth and glistening mixture is ready to be used as a sweet and tangy dressing for the salad.
  • Pour the dressing over the sliced vegetables and toss everything together until evenly coated.
    A close-up view of a large glass mixing bowl on a white marble cooktop as the prepared dressing is being poured over the sliced cucumbers, onions, and bell peppers. A wooden spoon is mid-motion, mixing everything together for an even coating.
  • Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld (optional but recommended).
    A close-up view of a covered glass mixing bowl on a white marble cooktop, chilling in the refrigerator. The vibrant cucumbers, onions, and bell peppers are soaking in the flavorful dressing, allowing the flavors to meld together.
  • Serve chilled as a refreshing side dish with grilled meats, seafood, or sandwiches.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
    A close-up view of the sweet and tangy cucumber onion salad served in a white ceramic bowl on a white marble cooktop. The glossy, chilled vegetables glisten under soft lighting, ready to be enjoyed as a refreshing side dish.