Looking for a refreshing and tangy side dish that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion? This Old Fashioned Cucumbers and Onions in Vinegar offers a crisp, flavorful bite that pairs well with a variety of meals, making it a great choice for a healthy go-to salad idea.
We love to serve this salad with Low and Slow Oven Baked Ribs and Oven-Roasted Corn on the Cob for a complete meal.
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Southern-Style Cucumber and Onion Salad with Vinegar is a classic Southern dish known for its refreshing taste and tangy flavor. Made with fresh cucumbers, onions, and a simple vinegar dressing, it's a perfect side dish for barbecues, family dinners, or summer picnics.
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.
- Healthy and Refreshing: Low in calories, high in flavor.
- 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.
Expert Tips for Success
👩🍳Jami's Pro Tips: Want to take this recipe to the next level? Check out my expert tips below for the best flavor, texture, and meal prep hacks!
✔️ DO Use the freshest cucumbers and onions for the best flavor.
✔️ DO Marinate overnight for best flavor.
Storage
Store any leftover marinated cucumber salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days.
Recipe FAQs
For the best flavor, cucumbers should marinate for at least 2 hours. However, allowing them to marinate overnight improves the taste significantly because they better absorb the tangy vinegar and seasonings.
Yes, apple cider vinegar can be used as a substitute for white vinegar in a Southern cucumber salad. It provides a slightly sweeter and more complex flavor. Other alternatives include rice vinegar and red wine vinegar.
To make a Southern cucumber salad more flavorful, consider adding fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or basil. For a spicy kick, include red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños. Incorporating vegetables such as tomatoes can add to the salad's flavor.
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📖 Recipe
Old Fashioned Cucumber and Onions in Vinegar
Equipment
- Cutting board
- Sharp Knife
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 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
- 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.
Jami Powell says
This is a great little side salad to serve with barbecue. We love it!