This marinated cucumber salad could not be quicker or easier to throw together. Super simple, delicious and healthy, it’s perfect for casual summer feasting.
This cucumber salad is one of the recipes that remind me the most of my mom. My mom’s easy cucumber salad recipe wasn’t as chunky as my version. She grated the cucumber and onion which made the perfect accompaniment to many meals but I prefer a little more texture in my salads. The flavors are exactly the same though and I can honestly say there aren’t many salads that are as quick and easy to whip up while delivering such a flavor punch. It also happens to be our family’s favorite side dish; my daughter can eat entire bowl-fulls on her own!
Ingredients needed
This recipe couldn’t be simpler. I used English cucumbers but you can use Persian cucumbers too if you prefer. Although I don’t add them, fresh herbs like chives, mint, fresh dill or basil can also be added.
- Cucumber.
- Red onion.
- Vinegar. I used white vinegar but apple cider vinegar, white wine vinegar or white Balsamic vinegar will all work.
- Olive oil.
- Lemon juice.
- Salt.
- Pepper.
- Sugar.
How to make marinated cucumber salad (summary)
- Prepare the vegetables: Peel the cucumber then de-seed using a teaspoon.. Slice into ½cm slices and place in a large bowl. Peel and thinly slice the red onion and place in the bowl with the sliced cucumbers.
- Make the dressing: Stir together the vinegar, oil, lemon juice, sugar, salt and pepper then pour over the vegetables. Stir to coat then allow to marinate for at least 15 minutes but ideally up to an hour in the fridge before serving.
Serving suggestions
This salad is the perfect side dish and amazing served with grilled or roasted meat and curries.
Cucumber salad recipes
- Easy cucumber radish salad
- Cucumber, tomato and red onion salad
- Easy lemon orzo salad with cucumber and feta
Easy marinated cucumber salad
Ingredients
- 2 English cucumbers
- 1 red onion
- ¼ cup white wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1-2 teaspoons sugar/sweetener of your choice optional
- 1 teaspoon salt
- pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine the vinegar, lemon juice, oil, sugar, salt and pepper in a bowl and whisk together.
- Peel the cucumbers then halve lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds then slice into ½cm slices. Add the cucumber to the bowl with the dressing.
- Peel and thinly slice the red onion and place in a bowl with the cucumber.
- Toss the salad to combine.
- Allow to marinated for at least 15 minutes but up to an hour in the fridge before serving.
Love this Salad! I discovered this recipe in December & have made it a few times since!! Refreshing & tasty & pretty! What’s not to like??!!
Love this salad!! Not only does it look good but its tasty. So refreshing & easy to make! Whats not to like!!
Oh my goodness! It was so delicious I could have eaten the whole bowl, but I shared with the family. They all loved it. I definitely will be making again. I only used about 1/3 of the onion and it was just right proportions. Also I did not have white wine vinegar (I decided against using white wine, which I did have,) and used red wine vinegar instead. Thanks for such a “cool” and refreshing recipe that is so healthy.
So happy you liked it Martha.
So refreshing! I have made this twice now. We held back the onions, significantly, the second time as a whole onion is entirely overwhelming. I also used a mandolin for the cucumbers and the onions to get them very thinly sliced. I did not have lemons so didn’t worry about it it used honey for the sweetener. Much better cold. Enjoy.
Very glad you liked it.
I make this salad at least once a week and have never tired of it. It is so perfect with lamb chops and I make it every time I make curry. I just chop everything a bit smaller so that it’s more like a chopped salad. Delicious!
I love the idea of having it as a chopped salad. So glad you love this recipe Miranda.
This is so refreshing for hot summer days, the perfect salad!
Thanks Laura! x
I love cucumber salads too! Yours looks amazing!
Thanks so much Nadine.
I made this salad yesterday and my kids and I loved it. The sweet/sour flavour is really tasty. Thanks for a great recipe.
I’m so glad you and your family loved this salad Michelle.
Could you use Balsamic vinegar?
You could, it would just tint the vegetables so perhaps try a white Balsamic.
That salad looks so refreshing and vibrant. Those colors are so pretty.
Thanks so much Jenni. 🙂
I loved that vintage cucumber salad, my mom used to make it too. I love your updated version!
Thanks Christi.
Cucumber salads are my favorite Alida. And both my boys are fans of cucumbers too. Can’t wait to try your recipe!
Your boys have good taste. 🙂