Cucumber Onion Vinegar Salad with apple cider dressing is a quick and easy vegan recipe made with simple ingredients and no mayo.
This crunchy, flavorful side dish is light, refreshing, and ready in minutes.
For more wholesome salad recipes, try my cucumber carrot salad and cucumber tomato onion salad.
Cucumber onion vinegar salad is one of those recipes I make all the time. It's so versatile that it pairs beautifully with any meal, or on hot summer days, I love to enjoy it on its own.
Every bite is a delight: the crispy cucumber crunches perfectly against the tender, slightly sweet red onion, all coated in a tangy apple cider vinegar and olive oil dressing.
I love sprinkling toasted sesame seeds on top; they add a nutty flavor and a little extra crunch that makes this salad feel special.
If you love salads with cucumbers, check out my cucumber strawberry salad, beetroot cucumber salad, and red pepper cucumber salad.
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🥒Ingredients
- Fresh cucumbers: I used English cucumbers, but Persian or any cucumber you have on hand works too; slice thinly for maximum crunch.
- Onion: I chose red onion for its sweetness, but yellow or white onions are great alternatives.
- Sesame seeds: Lightly toast them to bring out a nutty flavor and extra crunch.
- Apple cider vinegar: Adds tang and brightens the salad.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Use a good-quality oil for richer flavor and a smooth dressing.
- Salt and sugar: Balance the tang of vinegar.
- Water: Use to mellow the dressing if it feels too strong or acidic.
- Freshly ground black pepper (optional): Adds a subtle kick.
As always, you can find the full recipe with a list of ingredients with measurements in a printable recipe card at the end of this post.
🔪How To Make Cucumber Onion Vinegar Salad
- Slice the cucumbers and onion: Slice the cucumbers into thin rounds and the onion into thin half-moons. The thinner the slices, the better they absorb the dressing. Combine in a medium bowl.
- Make the dressing: In a small jar or bowl, mix apple cider vinegar, olive oil, salt, sugar, black pepper, and water.
- Combine: Pour the dressing over the cucumbers and onions, then toss gently until the vegetables are evenly coated.
- Add toasted sesame seeds: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top for a nutty finish (optional but highly recommended). For toasting tips, check my homemade tahini recipe.
- Chill and serve: Chill the salad for at least 15 minutes to let the flavors meld. Stir before serving and enjoy as a refreshing snack or crunchy side dish.
📋Substitutions & Variations
- Cucumbers: Use regular cucumbers instead of English cucumbers, or try mini cucumbers for a slightly different crunch.
- Onion: Swap red onion for yellow or white onion, or use shallots for a milder, sweeter flavor.
- Sesame seeds: Try sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or toasted flax seeds for a different nutty crunch.
- Vinegar: Use white wine vinegar, rice vinegar, or lemon juice instead of apple cider vinegar for a slightly different tang.
- Olive oil: Substitute with avocado oil, sunflower oil, or light sesame oil for a subtle flavor twist.
- Sweetener: Replace sugar with maple syrup, agave, or coconut sugar if you prefer a natural sweetener.
💡Marinela's Tips
- Slice thin and even: Use a sharp knife or a mandoline to slice cucumbers and onions evenly so every bite has the perfect crunch.
- Chill before serving: Let the salad sit in the fridge for 10-15 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
- Toast your sesame seeds: Lightly toasting sesame seeds brings out a nutty aroma and extra crunch that elevates the salad.
- Adjust the tang: Taste your apple cider vinegar dressing and tweak with a pinch of sugar or a splash more vinegar, depending on your preference.
❓Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
You don't need to peel cucumbers for this salad. Keeping the skin adds extra crunch, color, and nutrients.
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a day.
Yes, sesame seeds are optional, but they add a nutty flavor and extra crunch that elevate the salad.
📖 Recipe
Cucumber Vinegar Onion Salad
Equipment
- 1 small jar or bowl
- 1 Salad Bowl
Ingredients
- 2 English Cucumbers thinly sliced
- 1 red onion thinly sliced
- 4 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 4 tablespoons water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil extra virgin
- 1 teaspoon salt ot to taste
- ½ teaspoon sugar
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper optional
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds toasted
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the thinly sliced cucumbers and onions.2 English Cucumbers, 1 red onion
- In a small bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar, olive oil, sugar, salt, black pepper, and water until well combined.4 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 4 tablespoons water, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon sugar, ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Pour the dressing over the cucumber and onion mixture and toss to coat evenly.
- Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top and freshly ground black pepper if desired.2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- Let the salad sit for 10-15 minutes in the fridge for flavors to meld, or serve immediately for extra crunch.
Notes
- Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a day.
- Add fresh herbs like dill or parsley, or try different seeds like sunflower or pumpkin for added texture.
Nutrition
If you try this cucumber vinegar onion salad, let me know! Leave a comment, rate it, and don't forget to tag a photo @go_eatgreen on Instagram.
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Julia says
What an awesome side dish and so full of flavour. This is perfect to go with so many summer dishes. Thank you.
Marinela says
Yes, it perfectly complements many summer dishes, thank you for sharing your feedback with us, Julia!
Lucy says
This salad is so light and refreshing. The perfect side dish for any meal during the summer months. So quick and easy to make too. Thank you for sharing.
Marinela says
I'm glad you loved my cucumber salad, Lucy, thanks for sharing your thoughts with us!
Kayla DiMaggio says
I love the brightness of this cucumber salad. It was so refreshing!
Marinela says
I'm glad you loved my fresh cucumber salad, Kayla, thanks for commenting!
Toni Okamoto says
Can't wait to try this one!
Marinela says
How lovely! Let me know if you try it, Toni!
Emily says
What a delicious and refreshing side dish! I'm going to enjoy this one over and over during the summer!
Marinela says
It's really enjoyable and pleasing, I agree 🙂 Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us!
Anaiah says
This was such a wonderful salad! So light and tangy and so easy to make. I love simple salads like this that leave me feeling refreshed.
Marinela says
Yes, super simple and refreshing! I'm happy to hear that you loved it, Anaiah! Thank you for sharing!
Maiko says
I love cucumbers in a salad! So fresh and perfect for summer. I must make this recipe!
Marinela says
Me too, love fresh cucumbers! Let me know if you try it, Maiko!
Choclette says
Cucumbers are so underrated and I love that you've made it the star of the show. The salad looks so refreshing and delicious too.
Marinela says
Totally agree with you Choclette, and yes, in this simple side dish they really shine! Thank you for your wonderful feedback!
Joshua says
Everybody should eat a more simpler diet like this. Your cucumber salad recipe is very easy to make but still so nutritious and flavorful!
Marinela says
Yes, simplicity is the key here, and in everything, I think 🙂 I'm glad you loved my easy cucumber salad, Joshua, thanks for taking the time to leave a comment!
MayMarie says
i love cucumbers exspecially the way we make it for party gathering we use soysauce and vinegar and hot pepper and black pepper and it is delicious as well ... i almost forgot i wanted to know is good for people that is diagnosed with Acute Chronic Kidney Disease stage 5 that is me so i am supposed to watch the potassium and no salt in take
Marinela says
I'm sure soy sauce, hot & black pepper would be a lovely addition! Yes, you can reduce or totally cut out the salt/sugar here, the salad will still be delicious. As for me, I love eating plain cucumbers without salt or anything, they're such a simple refreshing snack. Hope you'll love it, too. 🙂 I think the other ingredients are kidney-friendly, so you can enjoy this cucumber salad even without the salt. May God bless you and keep you, MayMarie! Thank you for your lovely feedback, I really appreciate it.
Belinda says
I tried this recipe omitted the oil and sesame seeds, added tomatoes and it was great. I ate it as a snack option i love cucumbers so it was the perfect snack. I also made it again without the tomato due to my acid reflux and i put a splash of italian dressing.
Marinela Malcheva says
Glad you enjoyed the recipe, Belinda! Love the Italian dressing swap and the tomato addition sounds refreshing. Thanks for sharing!