Cucumber Salad (cucumbers onion vinegar sugar recipe)
An old-fashioned cucumber salad recipe is the perfect thing to have in your back pocket for a dinner party or just a regular ol' Tuesday night. Dressed with a simple vinegar and sour cream dressing over thinly sliced cucumbers and onions, this is a creamy and delicious summer classic. If you've been searching high and low for a cucumbers onion vinegar sugar recipe just like grandma used to make, this is it!
To make this recipe easier for you, I've broken it down into bite-sized pieces and included a helpful jump-to table of contents (below) and a jump-to recipe button (located at the top of this post).
Take what you need, and please don't feel bad about skipping the rest. I hope this helps!
Jump to:
- Why this creamy cucumber salad recipe is the BEST!
- What is cucumber salad?
- Ingredients for cucumber salad
- How to make cucumber salad
- Recipe
- EASY CUCUMBER SALAD RECIPE VARIATIONS
- HOW TO STORE CUCUMBER SALAD
- TOP TIP
- What variety of cucumbers are best in a cucumber salad?
- How to cut a cucumber
- Serve this cucumber salad with...
- Easy cucumber salad recipe variations
- How to store cucumber salad
- Top tip
- FAQ
- Still hungry?
- Comments
Why this creamy cucumber salad recipe is the BEST!
This healthy recipe is a staple at church suppers, funerals, or backyard get togethers in the midwest. It's popular all through the summer when gardens are bursting with fresh cucumbers. If you are looking for a flexible and fast summer salad, this is it! Add fresh herbs or garden tomatoes to make this salad unique to your tastes!
Best part? This easy salad comes together quickly with just 8 simple ingredients and is the perfect side dish to take to a backyard barbecue!
What is cucumber salad?
This simple side dish is made with thinly sliced skinless cucumbers, sweet onions cut into rings and a mildly sweet vinegar and sour cream dressing. Some people call it vinegar cucumbers or old fashioned cucumbers. If you are searching for the perfect cucumber onion salad recipe, this is it!
When you search for an easy cucumber salad recipe, you'll find so many versions online. It can be overwhelming! This easy cucumber onion salad is a very simple version that is popular at backyard parties all throughout the midwest. It's simple and low-fuss, and can be made with ingredients you already have in your garden or refrigerator.
Ingredients for cucumber salad
Cucumbers | The best cucumbers for cucumber salad are going to be cucumbers that are picked fresh and have not grown too big for their variety.
White Vinegar | I've included variations for this recipe that discuss using other vinegar types, but for a tasty and easy cucumber salad, nothing beats regular old white vinegar.
Sour Cream | This is the secret ingredient! If you like it saucier, you can double the vinegar and sour cream in this recipe!
Onion | The kind of onion you use will determine the flavor profile of this recipe. For a milder salad that will please a broader range of guests, choose a sweet yellow onion. It will also work with red or white onions.
Salt & Pepper | Fresh ground black pepper and sea salt are just what this recipe needs! I've included recommendations for how much to use, but you can adjust it to taste. My husband firmly believes that this recipe needs 2 teaspoons of each. I like to go a little lighter.
Sugar | I like to add between one teaspoon and one tablespoon of sugar to this recipe. When my grandma makes it, she adds up to ⅓ of a cup, but I think it's a bit too sweet for my taste. I recommend tasting the cucumbers before deciding how much sugar to add. Mild and sweet flavored cucumbers won't need as much sugar as a larger or bitter cucumber.
How to make cucumber salad
- Use a knife or vegetable peeler to remove the cucumber skin. If the variety of cucumber you are using has a tender and thinner skin, it can be left on if you want to.
- Next, cut or use a mandolin slicer to chop the cucumbers into thin slices and put the cucumber slices in a medium bowl. Slice the onions into rings and add them to the bowl.
3. In a separate bowl, combine vinegar, sugar, and sour cream and whisk until smooth. If you are adding fresh herbs, such as dill, add it here.
Pour the dressing over the cucumbers and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve immediately or refrigerate until suppertime. It's best to eat this salad right away, but can be stored in the fridge for 1-2 days.
Hint: If you are using really large cucumbers that have big seeds, remove the seeds. Just trust me on this one. If you are using regular or small cucumbers, the seeds will be totally fine to leave in.
If you make this recipe, please leave a comment below! This provides helpful feedback to both me and other readers. For more delicious recipes from scratch and homesteading tips, follow me on instagram @NinnescahHomestead
Recipe
Cucumber Salad
Equipment
- bowl
- knife or mandolin
Ingredients
- 2 cucumbers large
- 1 yellow onion
- ⅓ cup white vinegar
- ⅓ cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon sugar optional
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper fresh ground
Instructions
- Use a knife or vegetable peeler to remove the cucumber skin. If the variety of cucumber you are using has a tender and thinner skin, it can be left on if you want to.
- Next, cut or use a mandolin slicer to chop the cucumbers into thin slices and put the cucumber slices in a medium bowl. Slice the onions into rings and add them to the bowl.
- In a separate bowl, combine sugar, vinegar, and sour cream and whisk until smooth. If you are adding fresh herbs, such as dill, add it here!
- Pour the dressing over the cucumbers and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate until suppertime. It's best to eat this salad right away, but can be stored in the fridge for 1-2 days.
Video
Notes
EASY CUCUMBER SALAD RECIPE VARIATIONS
Red Onions – For a spicier cucumber salad, try swapping the sweet onion for red or white onion. Yellow onions, like vidalia onion, will make a sweeter and milder salad. Apple Cider Vinegar –Apple cider vinegar is a great alternative to white vinegar if you are wanting to make a slightly milder and less acidic salad. Red wine vinegar or rice vinegar would also be options for adding your own spin on this recipe. Try creating your own vinegar mixture with a little bit of this, a little bit of that to create your own vinegar dressing! Fresh Herbs & Fresh Veggies – This salad can be taken to a new level by adding fresh garden herbs. While we prefer to keep it simple and just use dried or fresh dill, other herbs like fresh basil, green onions, a little celery seed, or cherry tomatoes would be delicious in this simple salad. There are so many different ways to make this salad! Cucumbers – Crisp cucumbers are key for making a refreshing cucumber salad. When you are planting your garden, choose a type of cucumber that is smaller than your hand and thinner than a banana. The larger the garden cucumber, the bigger the seeds. The type of fresh cucumber will determine how large it can grow before the flesh begins to taste bitter. I always remove the cucumber peels because they can add a tough texture to this salad that isn't our personal preference. Pasta Salad – For a heartier version of this salad, add 2 cups of cooked and cooled pasta to make your very own garden fresh pasta salad recipe.HOW TO STORE CUCUMBER SALAD
After preparing the salad, cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. Place it in the refrigerator as soon as possible. Store the cucumber salad in the refrigerator at a temperature below 40°F (4°C). This will help retain its crispness and flavors. This cucumber salad is best consumed within 1-2 days for optimal taste and texture. As time passes, the cucumbers will lose their crunch and may become softer. It's recommended to make smaller batches if you anticipate leftovers. If you're planning to serve the salad outdoors or at a picnic, keep it in a cooler with ice packs to maintain its freshness. The ingredients in this salad won't stand up to freezing.TOP TIP
This salad has a lot of liquid. I prefer to transport it to cookouts or summer night dinner parties in a ½ gallon mason jar with the lid tightly closed. Another storage and transport option would be a pyrex bowl with tight fitting lid. No one wants a sloshy mess in their car!Nutrition
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What variety of cucumbers are best in a cucumber salad?
The best cucumbers for cucumber salad are going to be cucumbers that are picked fresh and have not grown too large for their variety. We all have a different flavor and texture that we find appealing in cucumbers, so choose the slicers you love! My favorite varieties are Marketmore 76, Chicago Pickler, English Cucumbers, Tendergreen Burpless, Muncher and Lemon Cucumbers.
For this crunchy salad, I recommend soaking the cucumbers in an ice bath for 20 minutes before skinning and slicing. If your cucumber happens to have big seeds, I would remove them. The fewer seeds, the better!
Below is our most recent cucumber harvest from the garden. Pictured here are Marketmore 76, Chicago Pickler and Muncher.
How to cut a cucumber
I generally like to cut my cumbers in thin circles for this recipe, just like the photos above. If the cucumber has tender and smooth skin, I don't mind leaving it on. When the cucumber is bumpy, blemished or has thick skin, it's best to peel it before slicing.
A creative way to make this salad unique is by slicing the cucumbers and onions in different ways. Julienned (aka match sticks), grated, or even small squares are all fun variations. I like to use my handy veggie chopper to cut my cucs into uniform little squares.
Serve this cucumber salad with...
This fresh and light cucumber salad pairs well with any summer meals! I like to serve it with Pulled Pork in the Instant Pot for a quick weeknight supper. It is also delicious when paired with a Tabouli Salad served on lettuce greens. Wash it down with a refreshing Ranch Water and grab a slice of Rhubarb Sour Cream Cake for dessert!
Easy cucumber salad recipe variations
Red Onions – For a spicier cucumber salad, try swapping the sweet onion for red or white onion. Yellow onions, like vidalia onion, will make a sweeter and milder salad.
Apple Cider Vinegar –Apple cider vinegar is a great alternative to white vinegar if you are wanting to make a slightly milder and less acidic salad. Red wine vinegar or rice vinegar would also be options for adding your own spin on this recipe. Try creating your own vinegar mixture with a little bit of this, a little bit of that to create your own vinegar dressing!
Fresh Herbs & Fresh Veggies – This salad can be taken to a new level by adding fresh garden herbs. While we prefer to keep it simple and just use dried or fresh dill, other herbs like fresh basil, green onions, a little celery seed, or cherry tomatoes would be delicious in this simple salad. There are so many different ways to make this salad!
Cucumbers – Crisp cucumbers are key for making a refreshing cucumber salad. When you are planting your garden, choose a type of cucumber that is smaller than your hand and thinner than a banana. The larger the garden cucumber, the bigger the seeds. The type of fresh cucumber will determine how large it can grow before the flesh begins to taste bitter. I always remove the cucumber peels because they can add a tough texture to this salad that isn't our personal preference.
Pasta Salad – For a heartier version of this salad, add 2 cups of cooked and cooled pasta to make your very own garden fresh pasta salad recipe.
Cucumber Salad Tea Cakes - Remember those old fashioned crustless cucumber sandwiches served with white bread, butter and cucumbers? Choose your favorite bread, I recommend a long baguette, and cut it like a sandwich and top with this cucumber salad.
How to store cucumber salad
After preparing the salad, cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. Place it in the refrigerator as soon as possible. Store the cucumber salad in the refrigerator at a temperature below 40°F (4°C). This will help retain its crispness and flavors.
This cucumber salad is best consumed within 1-2 days for optimal taste and texture. As time passes, the cucumbers will lose their crunch and may become softer. It's recommended to make smaller batches if you anticipate leftovers.
If you're planning to serve the salad outdoors or at a picnic, keep it in a cooler with ice packs to maintain its freshness. The ingredients in this salad won't stand up to freezing.
Top tip
This salad has a lot of liquid. I prefer to transport it to cookouts or summer night dinner parties in a ½ gallon mason jar with the lid tightly closed. Another storage and transport option would be a pyrex bowl with tight fitting lid. No one wants a sloshy mess in their car!
FAQ
Yes, you can use different varieties of cucumbers such as English cucumbers, Persian cucumbers, or regular slicing cucumbers. Just ensure they are fresh and firm for the best texture.
If you prefer a lighter option, you can substitute the sour cream with Greek yogurt or plain yogurt. The taste and texture may vary slightly, but it will still be delicious.
This cucumber salad is best consumed within 1-2 days. The cucumbers tend to release water over time, which can make the salad watery. However, you can drain any excess liquid before serving if needed.
Absolutely! This recipe serves as a base, and you can customize it to your liking. Feel free to add sliced bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or fresh herbs like basil for added freshness and flavor. See my variations category for more ideas!
Yes, you can adjust the sugar and vinegar quantities to suit your taste preferences. If you prefer a sweeter salad, increase the amount of sugar, or decrease it if you prefer a tangier flavor. Similarly, adjust the vinegar amount for a milder or stronger tang.
Still hungry?
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Been making this for years without measuring anything many different ways ❤️
Len, that's exactly how we do it, too! It's such a flexible and easy recipe. We just 'guestimate' based on the flavor and size of the cucumbers. Thank you so much for leaving a comment!
Omg I love this recipe! It’s so good! I actually prefer it without the sugar. I always made it with mayonnaise, but this sour cream version is so much creamier! Also, I almost always leave the sugar out, unless the cukes are bitter.
Aaaaah! I'm so glad you love this cucumber recipe! I know the mayo style is a popular version, and it's good, too! And I agree with you about the sugar. I usually add as little as possible, but that's just my personal taste. Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a review! I really appreciate it and it helps everyone else when they read your feedback. Have a great day!
So easy and delicious!!Yum!!! This reminds me of my grandma. I’m not a mayo fan, so appreciate the sour cream substitute!
Hi Dana! I totally get it about the mayo. I've also had good results using Greek yogurt or heavy cream with this recipe. I'm glad you found a version to your taste!
Recipe description repeatedly references Sugar, but Sugar is never listed in ingredients
Hello Bea! I royally messed up and somehow didn't even catch it during the final proof read. My sincerest apologies. The recipe is fixed now and I appreciate you letting me know. I add as little as 1 teaspoon of sugar, but generally 1 tablespoon tastes perfect. If your diet is sugar reduced, you can skip it completely. If you really like the sweet cream flavor, add up to 1/3 of a cup and it will be sweet and delicious. Thank you so much for taking the time to let me know. Happy cooking!
Hi
I don't see any sugar in this recipe even though it's listed in the recipe name.
How much sugar should be added?
Thank you
Hi Joanne! I am so sorry. I think I looked at this recipe so many times while I was writing this post that my mind filled in blanks that the keyboard did not. Thank you for bringing it to my attention and it is fixed now. The amount of sugar is between 1 teaspoon and 1 tablespoon, depending on the flavor you prefer. It's also okay to leave it out completely if you are on a sugar reduced diet. Have a happy day, and again, thank you!
You forgot how much Dill to use.
Hi Keeb! When I add dill to this recipe, I add one teaspoon of dried dill (not the seeds) or one sprig of finely chopped fresh dill. Have a wonderful evening!
The title states “sugar” is in the recipe
I don’t see sugar as an ingredient for this recipe
Did I misunderstand something here?
Hi Clutch! You didn't miss anything... that was all me, I'm afraid! I've fixed it now, but I'm sorry for the confusion. I generally add between 1 teaspoon and 1 tablespoon of sugar. My grandma likes it really sweet, so she adds 1/3 of a cup and it still tastes good, but in my opinion it's a tad too much. You can also leave it out completely if you are on a sugar reduced diet. Again, thanks for bringing it to my attention. I hope you have a great day!
I've made this same recipe for years and it is a winner. I have added cucumbers and onions to the remaining juice and kept it overnight in the fridge and had a second day of enjoyment.
Hi Mary! I love eating it the next day for lunch! The cucumbers really soak up the flavor, don't they? Thank you for taking the time to leave a message. I hope you have a wonderful day! Happy cooking!
Why does this say if you're searching for a cucumber, onion, vinegar, sugar recipe like grandma used to make this Is it when there's no sugar listed in this recipe? And that you can adjust the sweetness by the amount of sugar that you put in it?
Hi Diane! My sincerest apologies. There is supposed to be sugar in this recipe, and it is fixed now. Some how I missed one of the main ingredients during my final proofread. I usually add 1 teaspoon or up to 1 tablespoon of sugar. I like to taste the cucumbers first and see how much sweetness they need for balance. Thank you for taking the time to let me know. I really appreciate it!
Sugar is mentioned in the name of this cucumber salad but it's not in the ingredient list? Why??
Hi Deena, I apologize. It is one of the most important ingredients in this recipe, but somehow when I started typing I forgot to add it. It's fixed now! I'm sorry for the confusion. If you like a tiny bit of sweetness, just add a teaspoon when you are mixing up the sour cream sauce. If you really like it sweet, add 1 tablespoon or even up to 1/3 of a cup. I like to taste the cucumbers before deciding how much sweetness they need for balance. I hope this helps, and thank you for bringing it to my attention so I could fix it. I'm so embarrassed.
Hi this recipe sounds just like my gram's except sugar is not mentioned in the ingredient list. How much sugar? Thanks for sharing!!
Hi Candy! I am SO sorry that I forgot one of the main ingredients. There is supposed to be between 1 teaspoon and 1 tablespoon of sugar in this recipe. The hint of sweetness really balances the flavors. If your family is on a low or no sugar diet, it is fine to omit this ingredient. If you really love the sweet cucumbers, I'd go up to 1/3 of a cup of sugar. Hope this helps and thank you so much for taking the time to let me know. Have a wonderful day!
Where's the sugar in the recipe?
Hello! I somehow forgot to add it to the ingredients while I was typing this recipe. So sorry for the confusion, but it is fixed now! Thanks for letting me know and I hope you have a great day.
There is no "sugar" listed in the ingredients; it was mentioned in the article.
Hi Frank! It is fixed now. Thank you for letting me know!
Delicious and refreshing! Perfect summer side.
How much sugar ? It did not say ? Dottie, Ga.
Hi Dottie! Thank you for bringing that to my attention. I must have been day dreaming of cucumbers while I was writing this post and somehow forgot one of the key ingredients. I appreciate you taking the time to tell me so I could fix it quickly. Have a great day!
In the recipe ingredients, dill isn't listed. What kind? How much?
Hello Diane! I love to add fresh or dried dill to this recipe. I generally add 1 teaspoon of dried dill (the greens, not the seeds) or I'll finely chop a sprig from the garden and sprinkle it on top. I would start with just a little, then add more to taste.
This recipe is not clearly described.
Yellow onion is not sweet unless specified which variety.
Sugar is in the description but no sugar is listed. Dill is also in the description but it is not an ingredient.
Please review and correct this.
You called this cucumber onion vinegar sugar recipe yet you had no mention of how much sugar to add---duh!!! Boy,oh,boy!!
Rose, thank you for catching that! I'm not sure what happened, but the recipe is fixed now. I appreciate you letting me know! Have a great day!
I'd love to try this recipe...is there supposed to be sugar in it? It's not listed in the ingredients.
Mary, you are a lifesaver! Some how I forgot to add the sugar to this recipe. Thank you for catching it! I updated the post and am so grateful that you let me know. Have a wonderful day!
Can you freeze cucumber salad years ago I use to help my aunt make cucumbers salad an freeze it
My gut instinct was no, but now I'm very interested in your experience! Did the texture change after it had been frozen? And was it this sour cream version, or more of a pickled style? I'm so glad you mentioned this!
5 out of 5 recommend this recipe. I made it to go with our chicken dinner and it was the first thing gone!
Hi Molly! I think this salad would be so delicious with chicken. Yum! Excellent idea! Thanks for the review! Hope you have a wonderful day!
This is such a refreshing summer recipe and a great way to use up cucumbers!
We had this last night as a side for dinner and oh my goodness was it yummy!! Definitely adding it into our favorite sides list!