Old Fashioned Cucumbers and Onions in Vinegar

Old Fashioned Cucumbers and Onions in Vinegar is a refreshing Southern-style cucumber salad made with crisp cucumbers, onions, bell peppers, and a tangy vinegar marinade. It's perfect for summer cookouts, make-ahead sides, and light, refreshing meals. The vegetables stay crisp while the sweet and tangy marinade develops more flavor as it chills.

Love cucumber salads? Try this Creamy Cucumber Radish Salad, Easy Asian Cucumber Salad, or our Mediterranean Smashed Cucumber Salad.

Why We Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy Preparation: Perfect for busy weeknights. Just like this Southern Cucumber Tomato and Onion Salad or this Japanese Cucumber Salad (Sunomono).
• Versatile Side Dish: Complements a variety of meals.
• Family-Friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike.

Cucumber and Onion in Vinegar Ingredients

• Cucumbers: Fresh and crisp, ideal for absorbing the tangy dressing.
• Onion: Adds a sharp flavor that balances the sweetness of the vinegar.
• Green Bell Pepper: Provides a crunchy texture and vibrant color.
• Garlic: Adds a subtle depth of flavor.
• White Vinegar: The base of the tangy dressing.
• Sugar: Balances the acidity of the vinegar.
• Kosher Salt: Enhances all the flavors.
• Freshly Cracked Black Pepper: Adds a bit of heat.
• Water: Dilutes the vinegar slightly, making it perfect for marinating.

A full ingredient list with exact measurements can be found in the recipe card below.

Substitutions & Variations

• English Cucumbers: Use any variety.
• White Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar can be used.
• Green Bell Pepper: Substitute with red or yellow bell peppers for a sweeter taste.

How to Make Old Fashioned Cucumber and Onions in Vinegar

STEP 1: Prepare the Vegetables

Peel and slice the cucumbers. Thinly slice the onion and green bell pepper. Smash the garlic cloves.

STEP 2: Mix the Marinade

In a large bowl, combine white vinegar, white sugar, kosher salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and water. Stir until the sugar and salt are fully dissolved.

STEP 3: Combine Ingredients

Add the sliced cucumbers, onions, green bell peppers, and smashed garlic to the bowl with the marinade. Stir and make sure all the vegetables are well-coated with the marinade.

STEP 4: Marinate

Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld. For best results, marinate overnight.

Storage

Store any leftover marinated cucumber salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days.

Recipe FAQs

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• Classic Southern Potato Salad
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📖 Recipe

Old Fashioned Cucumber and Onions in Vinegar

Jami Powell

Old Fashioned Cucumbers and Onions in Vinegar is a refreshing Southern-style cucumber salad made with crisp cucumbers, onions, bell peppers, and a tangy vinegar marinade. It's perfect for summer cookouts, make-ahead sides, and light, refreshing meals. The vegetables stay crisp while the sweet and tangy marinade develops more flavor as it chills.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 2 hours hrs

Total Time 2 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

1x2x3x

Course Appetizer, Lunch, Salad

Cuisine American, Southern

Servings 4

Calories 90 kcal

Equipment

• ▢
  Cutting board
• ▢
  Sharp Knife
• ▢
  Large Mixing Bowl
• ▢
  Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• ▢ 2 English cucumbers peeled and sliced
• ▢ ¼ cup onion thinly sliced
• ▢ ¼ cup green bell pepper thinly sliced
• ▢ 2 large cloves garlic smashed
• ▢ 1 cup white vinegar
• ▢ ¼ cup white sugar
• ▢ 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• ▢ freshly cracked black pepper to taste
• ▢ ⅔ cup water

Instructions

 

• Peel and slice the cucumbers.
• Thinly slice the onion and green bell pepper. Smash the garlic cloves.
• In a large bowl, combine white vinegar, white sugar, kosher salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and water. Stir until the sugar and salt are fully dissolved.
• Add the sliced cucumbers, onions, green bell peppers, and smashed garlic to the bowl with the marinade. Stir and make sure all the vegetables are well-coated with the marinade.
• Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld. For best results, marinate overnight.
• Remove the garlic cloves before serving. Stir the salad again to redistribute the marinade, then serve chilled.

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Notes

Cooking Notes

Letting the cucumbers marinate long enough is the key to building flavor throughout the salad. Thin, even slices help the vegetables absorb the vinegar mixture without becoming overly soft.

Tips for Best Results:

• Slice the cucumbers and onions thinly for the best texture.
• Stir until the sugar and salt fully dissolve into the marinade.
• Chill the salad thoroughly before serving for the freshest flavor.
• Remove the smashed garlic cloves before serving so the flavor stays balanced.

How to Know It’s Ready:

The cucumbers should look slightly translucent while still holding their crunch. The marinade should taste balanced between tangy, salty, and lightly sweet.

Nutrition

Calories: 90kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 1gFat: 0.2gSaturated Fat: 0.1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.1gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.01gSodium: 1170mgPotassium: 259mgFiber: 1gSugar: 16gVitamin A: 192IUVitamin C: 13mgCalcium: 36mgIron: 1mg

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