These Old-Fashioned Cucumbers and Onions in Vinegar are bold, fresh, and brighten up any plate. There are endless ways to serve them, including using them to enhance another dish. I love them on their own with a fork, too. If you love pickles, this recipe is worth trying!
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The cucumbers retain their crunch after pickling in the vinegar mixture but take on a lot of flavor, making them delightfully tangy and sweet. They are a great combination with the fresh red onions. I think they complement each other so well in this vinegar cucumber onion salad.
If you like tasty homemade pickle recipes, you will love these zesty Horseradish Pickles and my easy Spicy Pickles too!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s easy to make: I love how easy it is to prepare old-fashioned pickled cucumbers and onions. There are several steps you can complete in advance, so all you have to do is combine the ingredients and let them marinate in the fridge.
- It’s versatile: There are so many uses for cucumbers in vinegar. You can serve it as a side, a condiment, or a tasty snack. There are no rules here!
- It’s budget-friendly: All the ingredients used are cheap, so it’s definitely worth trying. I love a good homemade recipe that works on a tight budget.
Ingredients
These are all the components I used to make this cucumber and onions in vinegar recipe. I use simple vinegar, sugar, and dill to flavor the cucumbers and red onions.
- Cucumbers: I prefer English cucumbers for this because they hold less water and have fewer seeds. Persian cucumbers are great, too. They are sweet and smaller than regular cucumbers. You may use whatever variety you prefer.
- Red onions: The sharp flavor of red onions pairs great with the cucumbers and white vinegar. I love pickled red onions!
- Sugar: I use white sugar to sweeten the mixture. It balances the bright, acidic flavor of the vinegar.
- White wine vinegar: My favorite vinegar to use for this cucumber onion vinegar recipe is white wine vinegar or white vinegar. You may use red wine vinegar or even apple cider vinegar for a sweeter taste.
- Fresh dill: The fresh dill gives the cucumbers and onions that classic pickle flavor. You may even use another herb like mint and basil (or combine them) for a different result!
See the recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts, nutritional information, and detailed instructions.
Variations
- Spicy: Make these cucumbers with a kick! Add some red pepper flakes to bring subtle heat.
- Add veggies: Try more veggies like sliced bell peppers or carrots.
- Balsamic: Use balsamic vinegar for a bold version!
How to Make Cucumbers and Onions
Here are the easy instructions you’ll need to make old-fashioned cucumbers and onions. I like to have my strainer and bowl ready before I get started.
Step 1: Slice and scoop out cucumber seeds. Slice your cucumbers in half and scoop out the pulp and seeds.
Step 2: Thinly slice. Dry and slice the cucumbers into ¼ inch pieces and the onion into thin slices.
Step 3: Drain the cucumber and onion. Place the cucumber and onion slices into a strainer over a bowl and toss them with a teaspoon of salt. Pop it in the fridge and let it drain for about 1-3 hours.
Step 4: Boil water and spices. Once drained, grab a small saucepan and bring the water to a boil with salt and pepper.
Step 5: Add sugar and vinegar and chill. Take it off the heat once it’s boiling and pour in sugar and vinegar. When the sugar is dissolved, put the mixture in the refrigerator to cool down.
Step 6: Toss it all together. When it’s cooled, pour the vinegar mixture over the onions and cucumbers. Sprinkle it with fresh dill and let it marinate in the fridge for 30 minutes before you serve it.
Recipe Tips
- Let it sit for stronger flavors: I like to give the cucumbers at least a few hours in the refrigerator, if possible. It brings out even more flavor. However, 30 minutes is enough time to get a light, refreshing flavor.
- Don’t slice the cucumber too thick: If you slice the cucumber too thick, it won’t soak up the pickling liquid as well, and the flavors will be very diluted. About ¼ inch is perfect!
- Enjoy them cold: Don’t let them sit out on the counter for too long! The colder the cucumber and onions are, the better they taste.
- Storing: Store leftovers in an airtight container or mason jar in the refrigerator for 4-5 days.
If you love recipes like these marinated cucumbers and onions, you may also enjoy this Cucumber Sour Cream Salad or this Sauteed Zucchini and Onions side dish.
Serving Suggestions
- These sliced cucumbers in vinegar would be a lovely side dish or topping for a juicy bourbon burger or a club chicken sandwich.
- The brightness pairs well with the richness of this creamy shrimp pasta salad as side dishes for a picnic or cookout.
- Drizzle some pesto salad dressing on top for a citrus zing.
- Enjoy a pickle shot to complement the pickled flavors of this cucumber onion vinegar recipe.
Recipe FAQs
You may, but I take them out to keep the pickling liquid from becoming too watery and the cucumbers from becoming soft too quickly.
Adjust the ratios of water and vinegar to include more vinegar and less water. I typically start with ¾ cup water and 1 ¼ cup vinegar and adjust as needed.
Yes! This helps the sugar to dissolve and helps the mixture to penetrate the vegetables for plenty of flavor.
Grandma's Best Cucumber Salad Video
More Delicious Pickled Recipes
Do you like pickled recipes?? Here are some recipes you may also like to try.
If you try this recipe and love it please leave a star rating in the recipe card below or even better, drop a review in the comment section, I always appreciate your feedback. Be sure to follow along with me on Facebook, Pinterest, and YouTube for more easy recipes!
Old-Fashioned Cucumbers and Onions in Vinegar
Equipment
- Knife
Ingredients
- 3 cucumbers thinly sliced
- 1 small red onion sliced
- salt to taste
Vinegar Dressing
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 1 cup white wine vinegar apple cider vinegar, rice vinegar, red wine vinegar or white vinegar
- ⅓ cup sugar more or less to taste
- ¼ cup fresh dill chopped or mint, parsley, basil or
Instructions
Prepare Cucumbers and Onions
- Peel cucumbers if desired. I usually use english cucumbers so I don't have to peel them.
- Slice your cucumbers in half lengthwise and using a spoon scrape the seeds and pulp from the cucumbers.
- Dry your cucumbers with paper towel along the freshly scooped center.
- Thinly slice your cucumber. Make each slice around ¼ of an inch thick.
- Thinly slice onions.
- In a strainer with a bowl underneath, toss your cucumber and onion slices with 1 tablespoon of salt. Excess water will drain into the bowl while it sits in your fridge for 1 to 3 hours.
- But wait! First you must fill your biggest resealable bag with water and place it on top of your onions and cucumbers. If you only have smaller sized resealable bags, use enough of them to cover the top of your bowl and weigh down the veggies.
- Once drained, Transfer cucumber and onions to medium bowl.
Vinegar Dressing
- In a small saucepan boil water and add salt and pepper.
- Remove from heat. Add sugar and vinegar and stir until dissolved.
- When cool enough place sugar mixture in to the refrigerator.
- When sugar mixture is cold pour it over all of the cucumber and sliced onions.
- Sprinkle with chopped fresh dill.
- Leave the cucumber salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Serve chilled and enjoy!
Notes
- Allow the cucumbers and onions plenty of time to drain so they will be as crunchy as possible.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container or jar for about 4-5 days in the refrigerator. Don’t freeze it!
- These vinegar cucumbers and onions are best when enjoyed cold straight from the refrigerator, so leave them in until it’s time to serve.
Nutrition
This post was originally published in June 2022. It's been updated with new content and images.
Rachel says
I am making both your vinegar and creamy cucumber salads tonight with our bbq chicken. Perfect for the backyard. Great ideas as always! Thank you.
Karin and Ken says
You’re most welcome! I can’t decide which one I like better myself. Both the vinegar and creamy cucumber salads are delicious! Enjoy the rest of your day. Karin
Ryah says
Oh goodness. The recipe is super simple and delicious! I absolutely adore the dill inside of this salad. My grandmother used to make this for me too. Love the vinegar as well. thanks so much!
Karin and Ken says
As always you’re most welcome. My grandma made both of them (creamy and vinegar). So did my mother. It’s a trip down memory lane for me every time I make them. All the best. Karin
Emily says
I love fresh vinegar cucumbers! This is the perfect recipe. You can do anything with it! Lovely recipe as always!
Karin and Ken says
We make this recipe all year ‘round! We love it too. All the best. Karin
Carol says
Hello again Karin & Ken...
Cukes, seasonings & vinegar! SUPER recipe always!! Brings back GREAT memories when my Mom would make it, back in the day.
I promised you I'd get back to you Karin about the frozen strawberries for your 'Strawberry Fluff' recipe..
It was good..but just a tad on the 'too moist' side!!! lol!!! The whipped topping got a tad 'leaky' from the frozen strawberry juice..but it was tasty, all the same..
Would only use fresh not frozen strawberries for future use...
Thanks again for the recipe...
Regards,
Carol
Karin and Ken says
My grandma and mom used to make it too. So happy you enjoyed it. Glad the strawberry fluff tasted ok. I love that dish! Thanks for letting me know. Take care. Karin
Fran says
This is the salad my Grandma made and we knew summer was here. 60+ years later and it is still one of my favorites. I was a weird kid because I would drink the vinegar when the salad was gone; still do so today. However, I have learned that my blood does not dry out like my Grandma warned me it would!
Karin and Ken says
My grandma said the exact same thing lol Thank you for sharing your memory. You just made my day. All the best. Karin
Rilla Caswell says
These salads are awesome and I'll be making them for years to come!!
Karin and Ken says
They’re both amazing in my opinion too! Thank you for taking the time to comment! You made my day. All the best. Karin