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Best Cucumber Salad with Pickled Onions

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You can never have too many salad recipes, and this Best Cucumber Salad with Pickled Onions is quick, delicious and the perfect side for meat or fish.

Overhead shot of Best Cucumber Salad with Pickled Onions in a bowl.

I am anxiously awaiting the warm weather and grilling season. With that comes outside eating and LOTS of salads. Potato, pasta, and green salads are great, but sometimes you want a change of pace. This simple Cucumber Salad fits the bill, and according to my husband the best cucumber salad he has ever eaten. Easy to make, crisp and tangy. Perfect for hot weather meals like backyard BBQ’s and picnics.

There are so many great ways to enjoy cucumbers. Do you know how healthy they actually are? I love adding them to water for a nice fresh flavour, and using them in appetizers too.

When I was a child, my mom, aunts and of course baba ALWAYS had gardens. So many great vegetables were at our fingertips. It was like having a farmers’ market in your own backyard. Somehow the green thumb did not get carried along with me. I am not a gardener at all. Not even close.

Cucumbers slices draining in a mesh strainer, salad ingredients off to the side.

However, I do recall having to pick the vegetables at “just the right time”, especially when it came to cucumbers. You see, my mom was adamant on the perfect size of cucumber to make dill pickles. I also remember she would just happen to go on vacation right around the time the “perfect cucumbers” would be ready.

So guess who she would leave in charge of this chore? Yup, me! Since I did not like spending time in the garden, this was not a chore I welcomed. If I left them for a day too long (heaven forbid), I would certainly hear about it when she got home.

Close up of cucumbers and pickled onions in a bowl ready for the salad dressing.

If the cucumbers got too large, she would use them in a salad. You have probably eaten something similar? Her version consisted of cucumbers, onion, and mayonnaise.

Best Cucumber Salad Variations

If you search the web you will see so many variations for this simple cucumber salad. Russian, Greek, Italian, Thai, Scandinavian, I think every culture has a form of this kind of salad. Some are creamy, some are tangy, some are on the sweet side. The basic cucumber salad recipe includes:

  • cucumbers
  • dressing
  • seasonings

Some cucumber salad recipes will add other items like onions, tomatoes or radishes. The cucumber can be peeled (or not), cut in circles or chunks. Seeded by removing the pulp (or not), and some people like to sprinkle salt over the cucumber slices/pieces and let them drain (sweat) for a few minutes to release excess moisture. 

WOW, there are A LOT of variations for one humble salad. Yet they are all so simple to make, and the end result is a crisp, refreshing great side dish (or even a great lunch all on its’ own). Perfect with Grilled Chicken Skewers or  Zucchini Burgers.

Closeup shot of the best cucumber salad in a bowl ready to eat.

I took my mom’s version and switched it up. Since hubby does not like eating raw onion (even red ones), I used pickled onions instead (the secret to making this the best cucumber salad he has ever eaten). I replaced mayo with sour cream and seasoned with dried dill. I also used the salt method to get excess water out of the cucumber before mixing it all together.

Speaking of pickled onions, have you ever tried pickled eggs?

The result was a light, refreshing and tasty side dish to our grilled burger. Feel free to switch things up and use greek yogurt, fresh dill and raw onions. There is not a right or wrong way to make and enjoy this great salad.

A fork full of cucumber salad.

This Best Cucumber Salad with Pickled Onions is quick to make, and the perfect party salad. Easy on the budget and you can make a HUGE batch in no time. I know this will be a staple this summer. Give this a try!

Do you have a cucumber salad recipe you love?

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Overhead shot of Cucumber Salad with Pickled Onions in a bowl.

Best Cucumber Salad with Pickled Onions

Course: bbq side, Salad, Side Dish
: Canadian
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Calories: 79 kcal
Author: Homemade & Yummy
Best Cucumber Salad with Pickled Onions is light, refreshing and a great change of pace from potato or pasta salads. Quick to make, economical and the added benefits of eating healthy cucumbers. Perfect for hot weather meals like backyard BBQ’s and picnics. 
Print

Ingredients

  • 1 English cucumber
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 tsp dried dill
  • 1/2 cup pickled onions
  • 1 tsp salt
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  1. Wash and slice the cucumber into 1/4" rounds. Place in a mesh sieve (over a bowl or in the sink) and sprinkle with the salt and mix a bit to distribute.

  2. Let the cucumbers sit for 10-30 minutes (depending on how much time you have). 

  3. Mix the sour cream and dill in a bowl and set aside. Feel free to use more if you like.

  4. Slice the pickled onions into thin strips, and place in a bowl.

  5. Take the cucumbers out of the sieve, and place in either paper towels or a kitchen towel. Give this a good squeeze to release as much moisture as possible. Place the cucumbers in the bowl with the onions.

  6. Add the sour cream mixture, stir to combine.

  7. ENJOY!!

Recipe Notes

There is no right or wrong way to make this salad. Feel free to use yogurt, fresh dill and raw onions if you wish.  If you don't have time to get moisture out of the cucumber...no problem. This recipe will still work just cutting the cucumber up and using as is. The choice is yours....have fun.

Nutrition Facts
Best Cucumber Salad with Pickled Onions
Amount Per Serving
Calories 79 Calories from Fat 45
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 5g 8%
Saturated Fat 3g 15%
Cholesterol 14mg 5%
Sodium 1189mg 50%
Potassium 261mg 7%
Total Carbohydrates 6g 2%
Sugars 3g
Protein 1g 2%
Vitamin A 6.7%
Vitamin C 5.1%
Calcium 5.6%
Iron 2.3%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Best Cucumber Salad with Pickled Onions long pin image.

 

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  4. This looks amazing!! What an awesome salad, especially with warmer weather heading our way soon. I love that you use sour cream .. it looks so creamy and inviting. Great recipe!

    Reply

  7. We have grilling season all year ’round in south Texas, and I would love your cucumber salad anytime… We just smoked a couple of chickens, and it would have been the perfect side! Pinning!

    Reply

  12. Oh this salad brought back so many memories for me! I was born and raised in Poland, and my nana had a huge garden where we all had to pull the shift in, but it was amazing, having all these fresh fruit and veg, straight from the garden. I make a very similar version of this salad often (I’ve been using raw onion rather than pickled one) , and I just love the combo of sour cream and cucumber.Looks delicious!

    Reply

  14. I may have missed it but would love to have your pickled onion recipe! I’m a big fan of cucumber salad and have my favorite but this might be even better!

    Reply

  16. Our weather in WV has been unseasonably cold this spring. I actually woke up to an unexpected blanket of snow this morning– unreal! I can’t wait for summer BBQs and cold veggie salads like this.

    Reply

  17. This looks like the perfect summer pinic dish! The cucumbers are so refreshing and accessible! I’ll have to keep this in my mind for next work potluck too. Can’t go wrong with salad.

    Reply

  18. I eat a side of salad every single day and often with every meal..!! The only way to maint that waist. So I’m always looking for ways to make my salad more fun. This sounds perfect for my next meal. Yum!

    Reply

  19. I love cucumbers in every single way! The onions here are genius – I never thought of adding pickled onions but it makes so much sense and adds so much flavor. I love dill too so this is perfect for me. I can see serving this salads with things like grilled meats and fish. Perfect for warm weather!

    Reply

  20. This is so so perfect for Spring and Summer! Some days, here in Raleigh, it just gets too hot to want to cook or eat. But I mean, ya *gotta* eat! So my husband and I have a go-to cucumber salad recipe we make especially for those days. I’m going to add this one to the rotation for sure! Nothing like feeding yourself while also nourishing your bod and quenching your thirst.

    Reply

  21. This really does sound wonderful and reminds me of the cucumber salads I would eat in Germany. I’m totally making this with the Greek yogurt variation this summer.

    Reply

  22. I make curry with cucumber and sour cream never tried as salad. Your version of salad looks really creamy, I am going to try this one. Also the addition of pickled onions sounds interesting combo with cucumber .

    Reply

  23. I completely understand not having a green thumb! At least I keep the local farmers in business. 🙂 And I love that you used pickled onions in this salad. Pickled onions are so wonderful and I’m always looking for new recipes to use them in. Thanks!

    Reply

  24. I love a good cucumber salad in the summer! It’s so refreshing. This is my favorite combo for it, too, with the sour cream and dill. Perfect with grilled foods, and sometimes I eat it on its own for lunch! I wish I had a green thumb and could grow cucumbers in a garden at home!

    Reply

  26. I can not wait for the weather to warm up just so I can make this! This looks delicious and super easy! I love cucumbers in all forms, but believe it or not I never made a salad with them as the primary ingredient. This would be perfect with chicken skewers like you suggested. Yum!!

    Reply

  27. I agree that you can never have too many cucumber salad recipes, I have never had pickled onions, sounds so delicious. This recipe is on my to-do list now!

    Reply

  28. This dish absolutely screams summer! I’m not usually a fan of pickled veggies, but I do like that you used them here, to cut down on some of that bite

    Reply

  29. I like this Cucumber Salad with Pickled Onions looks delicious, creamy and healthy. I have to try this sometimes.

    Reply

  31. I like to take a white onion, chopped, and a bag if little cucumbers, slice with mandoline, and soak them in a mixture of white vinegar, Italian seasoning, and Himalayan pink salt. After that has marinated for a day I mix it with sliced cherry tomatoes and cottage cheese. So good!

    Reply

  32. I love the pickled onion in it! (OK, so I’m not fond of raw onion either…) And everyone needs a few more variations of cucumber salad – it’s such a constant in hot summer weather.

    Reply

  34. The cool and refreshing look of this salad just grabs you and begs to be eaten! I love the addition of the pickled onions and can’t wait to try this with some tasty chicken kebabs!

    Reply

  36. I am absolutely wishing for summer right now. The cucumber salad looks great and I can’t wait to try this out with the cucumbers fresh out of my garden. This will be a great side with any dish.

    Reply

  37. I have a son and daughterinlaw who are crazy about cucumber anything .Wait until I make this at the next barbecue oh boy they will be thrilled and I will let them know about your site so they can follow your yummy recipe collections! This look awesome!

    Reply

  38. Yes, I have tried pickled eggs and they are delicious! They look really neat when you use pickled beet juice. And I think using the pickled onions a great idea. There are lots of people who can’t handle them so the brined ones solve the problem. I’m not a huge fan of mayo but I do like our cream and Greek Yogurt. This recipe is a keeper!!

    Reply

  40. I don’t think I’ve ever had a salad like this, and I certainly would like to! I love pickled onions! Giving this a try on the weekend!

    Reply

  44. I will make this with fresh dill — to stick to Swedish flavor. 😉 Seriously though, I am taking a note of this when we finally experience ‘barbecue/grilling weather’ here in Stockholm. I bet it will go with any type of grilled meat!

    Reply

  45. This looks so delicious…I can’t believe how much I want this right now, esp with the warmer weather! So simple, easy, and I’m sure great for any party! I’ll be making this soon!

    Reply

  46. Our weather has been so weird here in Ohio. It’s April 4th and still only 40 degrees! I’m anxiously awaiting warmer weather and grilling season too! I love fresh cucumbers and pickled onions so I’d definitely love this salad.

    Reply

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