Old Fashioned Cucumber Onion Vinegar Salad

This classic old fashioned cucumber onion vinegar recipe is sweet, tangy, refreshing, and crispy all packed in to one easy salad. This easy recipe combines crisp cucumbers and tangy onions in a simple yet satisfying vinegar-based dressing.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Refreshing and Light: The combination of cucumbers and onions creates a refreshing crunch that’s perfect for hot summer days.
• Tangy and Flavorful: The vinegar dressing adds a delightful tanginess to this simple cucumber salad.
• Quick and Easy: With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep work, you can whip up this salad in no time, making it a convenient choice for busy individuals seeking a fuss-free recipe.

One of our favorite ways to serve Old-Fashioned cucumbers is with pork chops. It’s a great side dish that goes with another family favorite, our pork chops in mushroom soup recipe. Pan fried pork chops and thick cut pork chops are 2 more great options.

Ingredients

Fresh cucumbers: Thinly sliced, about 1/4 inch thick. We typically peel our cucumbers, but feel free to leave the cucumber peels on if they aren’t too thick.
Yellow onion: The most common variety with a nice balance of astringent and sweet taste.
Kosher salt: Extracts water from the cucumbers and makes them crunchy.
White vinegar: Adds just a nice amount of tanginess.
Granulated sugar: Balances acidity and adds a touch of sweetness.

Exact ingredient measurements are included in the recipe card below.

Variations

• Use a different type of cucumber: If you like fewer seeds, English cucumbers or Persian cucumbers are a great choice. Even with the garden cucumber, there are many varieties to try.
• Swap the traditional yellow onions for red onions, white onion, or a sweet onion such as a Vidalia onion.
• Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs such as fresh dill, parsley or fresh basil to the top of the salad.a
• In place of the white vinegar, use apple cider vinegar, red wine vinegar, or rice vinegar.
• For a creamy cucumber salad, add sour cream.

How to Make Old Fashioned Cucumbers

1. Peel and slice cucumbers into thin slices using a sharp knife. Slice and separate onion rings.
2. Combine fresh cucumber slices and onion rings in a colander.
3. Sprinkle kosher salt over cucumbers and onions, mixing well. Place the colander over a large bowl. Let stand for 1 hour and up to 3 hours.
4. In a glass measuring cup, combine vinegar, white sugar, and water until the sugar dissolves. Chill the mixture.
5. Drain excess liquid from cucumbers and onions. Stir vinegar mixture and pour over cucumbers, ensuring even distribution.
6. Cover and refrigerate cucumber salad until chilled.

Salting the cucumbers is very important for their crispiness and losing moisture.

Another trick is to weigh down the cucumbers. Fill a food safe gallon bag with water and seal tightly. Place the bag on top of the cucumbers in the colander. The weight helps them get even crispier. Source: Cooks Illustrated

Storing

This easy cucumber onion salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s a great recipe to make ahead and bring to potlucks or picnics.