Simple, creamy, and incredibly refreshing, this Creamy Cucumber and Onion Salad is a farmhouse favorite that’s perfect for potlucks, BBQs, or an easy weeknight side. Made with crisp cucumbers, sliced onions, and a sweet-tangy dressing of Miracle Whip, sugar, and vinegar, this old-fashioned dish is a nostalgic bite of comfort. It’s easy to make, ideal for prepping ahead, and always a crowd-pleaser.
Why You’ll Love This Salad
Crisp and creamy texture that’s ultra-refreshing.
Easy prep with simple, budget-friendly ingredients.
Perfect make-ahead dish—the longer it chills, the better it gets.
Sweet and tangy flavor that pairs well with almost anything.
A classic side dish that never goes out of style.
Ingredients (Serves 12)
10 cups cucumbers, peeled and thinly sliced
1 onion, thinly sliced
1 ½ cups Miracle Whip
½ cup sugar
3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
Salt and water (for soaking cucumbers)
Instructions
Place sliced cucumbers in a large bowl or container. Cover with salt water using a ratio of 1 teaspoon salt per 1 cup of cold water. Let soak in the refrigerator for about 2 hours. Drain the cucumbers and rinse thoroughly to remove excess salt. Add thinly sliced onions to the cucumbers. In a separate bowl, whisk together Miracle Whip, sugar, and apple cider vinegar until smooth. Pour dressing over the cucumber and onion mixture. Stir to coat everything evenly. Refrigerate the salad for several hours or overnight. The flavors will intensify and blend beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
Serve chilled alongside grilled meats, burgers, or BBQ ribs.
Perfect with fried chicken, pork chops, or meatloaf.
Great addition to holiday meals, picnics, or potlucks.
Delicious paired with buttery cornbread or warm rolls.
Storage Tips
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Stir well before serving, as some liquid may separate over time.
Not ideal for freezing—best served fresh or after chilled marination.
Tips & Variations
Substitute Miracle Whip with mayo for a less tangy version.
Use red onions for color or sweet onions for a milder flavor.
Add a few sprigs of fresh dill for a herbaceous twist.
If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the sugar to ⅓ cup.
Add a dash of black pepper or paprika for an extra kick.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Cucumber and Onion Salad is a simple dish with big flavor payoff. It’s crisp, cool, and creamy—the kind of side that complements every summer meal. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just want something light and refreshing from the fridge, this is one recipe you’ll want to keep in rotation.
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Creamy Cucumber and Onion Salad – A Cool, Classic Favorite
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Simple, creamy, and incredibly refreshing, this Creamy Cucumber and Onion Salad is a farmhouse favorite that’s perfect for potlucks, BBQs, or an easy weeknight side.
Ingredients
- 10 cups cucumbers, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 1 ½ cups Miracle Whip
- ½ cup sugar
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- Salt and water (for soaking cucumbers)
Instructions
- Place sliced cucumbers in a large bowl or container.
- Cover with salt water using a ratio of 1 teaspoon salt per 1 cup of cold water.
- Let soak in the refrigerator for about 2 hours.
- Drain the cucumbers and rinse thoroughly to remove excess salt.
- Add thinly sliced onions to the cucumbers.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together Miracle Whip, sugar, and apple cider vinegar until smooth.
- Pour dressing over the cucumber and onion mixture.
- Stir to coat everything evenly.
- Refrigerate the salad for several hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld.
Notes
Substitute Miracle Whip with mayo for a less tangy version. Add fresh dill for an herbal touch, or a dash of black pepper for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: cucumber salad, creamy cucumber, onion salad, summer side dish