
Cucumber Red Onion Salad
Mediterranean Recipe
Combine the refreshing crunch of cucumber, zing of red onion, and tangy citrus dressing to make this Mediterranean Cucumber Red Onion Salad!
Quick Info:
Step-by-Step Video:
Ingredients
- 2 cucumbers
- 1 red onionmedium
- 1/2 juice lemon3-4 tablespoons
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon white sugar
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
Blending the cool crunch of cucumber, the zesty kick of red onion, and the tangy citrus dressing, this Mediterranean Cucumber Red Onion Salad hits all the right notes for a satisfying dish!

What part of the year is it best to make it?
While cucumbers and onions are available year-round in many places, this salad truly shines in summer when these vegetables are at their peak freshness.
The cool, refreshing flavor of this salad makes it a great choice for hot summer days and picnics near the water.
Where can I buy the ingredients to make Cucumber Red Onion Salad ?
You can find the ingredients for this salad at your local grocery store or farmer’s market.
Look for firm, unwrinkled cucumbers and vibrant red onions.
Fresh lemons and limes are typically available in the produce section, and high-quality olive oil can be found in the oil and vinegar aisle.
Can I substitute any of the recipe ingredients?
Absolutely! This recipe is versatile, and you can customize it to suit your taste preferences.

If you don’t have red onions, you can use white or yellow onions instead.
Additionally, you can swap the lemon juice for lime, orange, or grapefruit.
Olive oil can be substituted with sunflower, canola, or avocado oil. Feel free to get creative and experiment with different flavor combinations!
Can I make Cucumber Red Onion Salad part of a menu?
Yes, you can! Cucumber Red Onion Salad pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes.
For an appetizer, serve my delicious Shrimp in Garlic Sauce or Tuna Carpaccio.
Serve this salad alongside Poached Salmon in White Wine, Octopus in Port Wine or with Mediterranean Boiled Red Potatoes. Simple and delicious!
For a dessert, go with my Apple Cinanamon Cake or Raspberry Pavlova.

Recipe tips & tricks
- To achieve thin slices of cucumber and onion, consider using a mandoline slicer or a sharp knife.
- For a more intense flavor, marinate the salad in the dressing for at least 30 minutes before serving. 🙂
- Garnish the salad with fresh herbs like parsley or dill for an extra burst of flavor and color.
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste preferences by adding more salt, pepper, or citrus juice as needed.
This Cucumber Red Onion Salad recipe is so easy to make and only requires 10 minutes! Enjoy! 😉
Wine pairings and non-alcoholic options
Curated by sommeLeo.
This salad is usually served with something more substantial, so the choice of the drinks will depend on what else you will have on the table.
But as a rule of thumb, lighter meals like this, pair well with chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio – quintessential Mediterranean wine. Or you can serve Portuguese Encruzado with it – the perfect accompaniment for those hot days.
For a non-alcoholic option, try sparkling water infused with citrus slices. It will perfectly complement the salad.
How long can I store the leftovers?
While this salad is best enjoyed fresh, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days.
Keep in mind that the cucumbers may release some liquid over time, so give the salad a quick toss before serving any leftovers to redistribute the dressing.
Ingredients
| 2 cucumbers |
| 1 red onion medium |
| 1/2 juice lemon 3-4 tablespoons |
| 2 tablespoons olive oil |
| 1 teaspoon white sugar |
| to taste salt |
| to taste black pepper |
Nutrition per 1 serving
Please note that I am not a nutritionist. The nutrition information is provided for reference only.
How to make Cucumber Red Onion Salad
Step 1. Peel and slice 5 minWash and peel cucumbers and onion. Slice red onion and cucumbers. |
Step 2. Squeeze lemon juice 1 minIn a large mixing bowl, combine the thinly sliced cucumbers and onions. Squeeze the lemon juice on top of the vegetables. |
Step 3. Season 1 minSeason with salt, pepper and sugar. |
Step 4. Add oil and toss 2 minAdd 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice according to your preference. |
Step 5. Serve 1 minCover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. (This step is optional.) |


2 comments Hide comments
This is the recipe I was referring to. And yes, I’ve tried it, too! LOVED IT!
Thank you, Sam – super happy to hear it!
Did you like the recipe?
Please rate ★★★★★ if you do. It is an easy way to show your appreciation, and it helps me bring you more gourmet recipes like this in the future. Thank you!
Not subscribed yet?