Old Fashioned Cucumber and Onions in Vinegar

southern cucumber and onion salad feature image close up photo seasoned

5 from 1 vote

Old Fashioned Cucumber 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.

Prep Time15

Cook Time2

Total Time2 15

Course: Appetizer, Lunch, Salad

Cuisine: American, Southern

Servings:

Calories: 90kcal

Author: Jami Powell

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.

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