It was a sticky July afternoon, and I was standing barefoot in my kitchen with a handful of cucumbers from the garden. Cucumber and onion in vinegar is what my grandma always made when the heat kicked in. They sat chilled in a glass jar, ready to cool you from the inside out. I needed that same refreshment and maybe a bit of nostalgia too.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Cucumber and Onion in Vinegar Recipe
This recipe for cucumber and onions in vinegar is pure summer simplicity. No boiling. No fancy equipment. Just a quick mix, a short chill, and you’ve got something crisp, tangy, and refreshing.
It pairs beautifully with BBQ ribs, grilled shrimp, or a simple sandwich. Plus, it’s a smart way to use up a bumper crop of cucumbers without turning on the stove. You’ll love how fast it comes together and how long it keeps in the fridge.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make about 2.5 cups, gather the following:
- ⅓ cup distilled white vinegar or white wine vinegar
- ¼ cup very warm water
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large cucumbers or 1 large English cucumber (about 2 cups sliced)
- ½ cup thinly sliced sweet onion
- Optional: black pepper for serving
Ingredient Notes & Tips
If you’re using regular cucumbers, go ahead and peel them. They can be a bit bitter otherwise. English cucumbers? Leave the skin on they’re tender and seedless, which makes prep even easier.
Warm water helps dissolve the salt and sugar faster, so don’t skip that part.
You can use white wine vinegar for a gentler tang. If you want something bolder, go with apple cider vinegar, but keep in mind it may tint the onions and cucumbers slightly.
How to Make Cucumber and Onion in Vinegar at Home
This is a no-fuss kind of prep. Here’s how it goes:
- Whisk vinegar, warm water, salt, and sugar (if using) in a bowl.
- Peel cucumbers (optional), remove seeds if you like, and slice into rounds about ⅛ to ¼ inch thick.
- Slice the onion into thin slivers—almost like paper.
- Toss the cucumbers and onions into the bowl and stir gently to coat.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least an hour—though 2 or more is even better.
- Serve with a slotted spoon, and top with black pepper if desired.
Pro Tips for Best Results
- Want thin, even slices? Use a mandolin. It’s quick and neat.
- Let it marinate longer if you can. The flavors soak in better with time.
- Store in a glass container for best flavor and freshness.
Flavor Variations and Add-Ins
You can absolutely play with this base recipe. Try these:
- For a creamy twist, swap the vinegar brine for ranch dressing or plain Greek yogurt with a bit of dill.
- Add fresh dill, mint, or parsley for a herbaceous kick.
- Toss in red onion for a pop of color.
- Mix in extras like radish, tomato, carrot, or even zucchini slices.
- Craving a little heat? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- If you’re not a fan of onions, skip them and use more cucumber instead.
Serving Suggestions
I love serving cucumber and onion in vinegar beside fried chicken. It cuts through the richness with bright, tangy crunch. It’s also perfect with burgers, hot dogs, or grilled shrimp.
Planning a cookout or potluck? This makes a great make-ahead side dish that won’t wilt or get soggy in the heat.
Want more ideas? You might also enjoy this cucumber tomato salad for summer BBQs or this refreshing Greek cucumber salad with feta.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Once chilled, these pickles keep well for up to 2 weeks in the fridge. Just store them in a tightly sealed jar or container.
Over time, the onions and cucumbers get even more flavorful kind of like a reward for forgetting about them for a day or two.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long do cucumber and onion last in vinegar?
Stored in the fridge, they last up to 2 weeks. They taste even better after a couple of days.
What does soaking onions in vinegar do?
It softens the bite of raw onion, making it milder and slightly sweet. The texture also becomes more tender.
How do you make cucumber salad with vinegar and onions?
Combine sliced cucumbers and onions with a vinegar-based brine (like in the recipe above). Let it chill, and serve cold.
Is cucumber soaked in vinegar good for you?
Yes! It’s low-calorie, refreshing, and hydrating. Plus, vinegar may help with digestion.
Cucumbers and Onions in Vinegar (Printable Recipe Card)
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Cucumber and Onion in Vinegar | Quick, Tangy & Easy Pickles
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 2.5 cups
Description
A cool, tangy, and refreshing old-fashioned summer pickle made with cucumbers, onions, and a simple vinegar brine.
Ingredients
⅓ cup distilled white vinegar or white wine vinegar
¼ cup very warm water
1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
1 teaspoon table salt (or Kosher salt)
2 large cucumbers or 1 English cucumber (2 cups sliced)
½ cup sweet onion slivers (half of a small onion)
Freshly ground black pepper (optional, for serving)
Instructions
1. Whisk together vinegar, warm water, sugar, and salt in a medium bowl.
2. Peel cucumbers (optional), remove seeds if desired, and slice ⅛ to ¼ inch thick.
3. Peel and slice the onion into thin slivers.
4. Add cucumbers and onion to the vinegar mixture and stir gently.
5. Cover and refrigerate at least 1–2 hours; longer for more flavor.
6. Serve cold with a slotted spoon; top with pepper if you like.
Notes
Use warm water to fully dissolve salt and sugar.
English cucumbers don’t need peeling or seeding.
Add herbs like dill, mint, or parsley for extra flavor.
Store in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
Great paired with grilled meats, fried chicken, or sandwiches.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Summer Veggies Recipes
- Method: Refrigerator
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ¼ cup
- Calories: 7
- Sugar: 0.1g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 0.25g
- Fiber: 0.1g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
More Such Recipes
Looking for other cucumber-based salads? You might love:
- Creamy cucumber salad with fresh dill
- Marinated cucumber, tomato, and onion salad
- Refreshing Greek cucumber salad with feta
Final Thoughts
This simple cucumber and onion in vinegar recipe brings big flavor with almost no effort. It’s the kind of recipe you make once, then on repeat all summer.
If you try it, I’d love to hear how you make it your own. Drop a comment or leave a star rating and don’t forget to save it for later on Pinterest or follow along on Facebook for more easy kitchen wins.