German cucumber salad has been a staple at our family picnics for as long as I can remember. There’s something so uniquely refreshing about crisp, thinly sliced cucumbers bathed in a creamy, tangy dressing, especially on a warm summer day. I especially love this German cucumber salad with dill because the fresh herb adds such a bright, delightful flavor that just sings. It’s truly an easy German cucumber salad to whip up, and the aroma of the dill and garlic as it chills is absolutely mouthwatering. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This German Cucumber Salad
This refreshing salad is a winner for so many reasons:
- Incredible Taste: Experience the perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and fresh flavors that make this authentic German cucumber salad so delightful.
- Super Quick Prep: With minimal chopping and no cooking required, you can have this salad ready in under 30 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight side.
- Healthy & Light: Packed with fresh cucumbers and a light, creamy dressing, it’s a fantastic low-calorie option that fits into many diets.
- Budget-Friendly: Cucumbers and pantry staples like sour cream and vinegar make this an economical choice for feeding a crowd or a family.
- Family Favorite: Its mild, slightly sweet, and tangy profile appeals to all ages, ensuring everyone at the table will enjoy this classic.
- Versatile Side Dish: This authentic German cucumber salad pairs beautifully with grilled meats, fish, or even as a light lunch on its own.
- Summer Staple: Its cooling properties make it the ultimate summer German cucumber salad, perfect for BBQs and outdoor gatherings.
- Simple to Customize: Easily adjust the tanginess or add extra herbs, proving how adaptable this dish is.
Ingredients for Authentic German Cucumber Salad
Gathering these simple German cucumber salad ingredients is the first step to creating this classic dish. I find that using fresh, firm cucumbers is key to the best texture. Here’s what you’ll need for this delicious German cucumber salad recipe:
- 2 large fresh cucumbers – I like to use English cucumbers as they have thinner skin and fewer seeds, but any firm cucumber will work beautifully.
- ½ cup sour cream – This forms the creamy base of our dressing, giving the salad that signature rich texture.
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar – For that essential tangy kick that balances the creaminess.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – Adds a touch of richness and helps the dressing emulsify.
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped – Fresh dill is a must for that authentic flavor; dried just isn’t the same here.
- 1 clove garlic, minced – A little garlic adds a subtle depth of flavor without overpowering the salad.
- 1 teaspoon sugar – Just a touch to balance the acidity of the vinegar and sour cream.
- Salt to taste – Essential for drawing out moisture from the cucumbers and enhancing flavor.
- Black pepper to taste – Freshly ground pepper adds a nice little bite.
How to Make German Cucumber Salad
Making this classic German cucumber salad is surprisingly simple and yields a wonderfully refreshing result. Follow these steps, and you’ll have the best cucumber salad ready in no time. I always start by prepping the cucumbers, as this is a crucial step for preventing a watery salad.
- Step 1: Wash your cucumbers really well. If you prefer a softer texture, go ahead and peel them. For this easy German cucumber salad, I sometimes leave the skin on for a little extra crunch and color.
- Step 2: Slice the cucumbers as thinly and evenly as you can. I use a mandoline slicer for perfect, uniform rounds, which helps them absorb all that delicious dressing.
- Step 3: Place your sliced cucumbers in a colander set over a bowl. Sprinkle them generously with salt and let them sit for about 20 minutes. This draws out excess moisture, ensuring your salad isn’t watery.
- Step 4: Gently pat the cucumber slices dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. This step is vital for achieving the perfect consistency for your German cucumber salad.
- Step 5: Now, let’s make the dressing! In a medium bowl, whisk together the sour cream, white vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, sugar, and chopped fresh dill.
- Step 6: Season the dressing with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking. Give it a good stir until everything is smooth and beautifully combined. The aroma of the dill and garlic is already amazing!
- Step 7: Add the dried cucumber slices to the bowl with the dressing. Toss them gently with a spoon or spatula, making sure each slice is coated evenly in that creamy, tangy goodness. This is where the magic happens in how to make German cucumber salad.
- Step 8: Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a lid. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, enhancing the overall taste profile.
- Step 9: Before serving your authentic German cucumber salad, give it one final gentle stir. This ensures the dressing is perfectly distributed throughout the salad.
- Step 10: Serve this refreshing dish chilled. It’s the perfect accompaniment to grilled meats or a light summer meal. Enjoy this simple yet flavorful German cucumber salad!
Pro Tips for the Best German Cucumber Salad
Want to elevate your German cucumber salad game? I’ve picked up a few tricks over the years that make a world of difference. These tips will help you achieve that perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and fresh every time you make this classic dish.
- Salting is Key: Don’t skip the salting step! It draws out excess water from the cucumbers, preventing a soupy salad and allowing them to better absorb the delicious dressing.
- Fresh Dill is Non-Negotiable: While dried dill can be used in a pinch, fresh dill truly shines here, imparting a bright, aromatic flavor that defines this salad.
- Chill Factor: Letting the salad chill for at least 30 minutes is crucial. It allows the flavors to meld together, creating a more cohesive and delicious taste experience.
- Adjust to Your Taste: Feel free to tweak the vinegar and sugar ratios to suit your preference for tanginess or sweetness.
What’s the secret to perfect German cucumber salad?
The secret lies in properly preparing the cucumbers by salting them to remove excess water. This ensures they stay crisp and don’t dilute the rich German cucumber salad dressing, making all the difference in texture and flavor.
Can I make German cucumber salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! This dish is perfect for meal prep. You can prepare it up to 24 hours in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. The flavors will only deepen, making it even more delicious.
How do I avoid common mistakes with German cucumber salad?
The biggest mistake is not salting the cucumbers, which leads to a watery salad. Also, be careful not to overmix after adding the dressing, as this can bruise the cucumbers and make them mushy.
Best Ways to Serve German Cucumber Salad
This refreshing salad is incredibly versatile and makes a wonderful addition to many meals. Its bright, tangy flavor cuts through richer dishes beautifully, making it a standout German cucumber salad side dish. I love serving it alongside grilled sausages or schnitzel for a classic German meal. It’s also fantastic with roasted chicken or pork loin, offering a cool contrast to the savory meats. For a lighter option, pair it with some crusty bread and a simple fish fillet. You can even enjoy it as a light lunch on its own on a hot day!
Nutrition Facts for German Cucumber Salad
When enjoying this delightful dish, it’s helpful to know the approximate nutritional breakdown. This traditional German cucumber salad is known for being light and refreshing, making it a great choice for many diets. Here’s what you can expect per serving:
- Calories: 180 calories
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 350mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used, especially the type of sour cream or any added salt.
How to Store and Reheat German Cucumber Salad
Proper storage is key to keeping this delicious German cucumber salad fresh and flavorful. Once you’ve enjoyed this quick recipe, make sure to cool it down completely before storing. I always transfer any leftovers into an airtight container. You can store this creamy German cucumber salad in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. While it’s best enjoyed fresh, the flavors actually meld and deepen nicely over the first day. Unfortunately, this salad doesn’t freeze well due to the high water content of the cucumbers and the creamy dressing; it can become watery and lose its texture. If you need to revive it after a few days, give it a gentle stir. If it seems a little dry, you can add a tablespoon of milk or a splash more vinegar to freshen up the dressing.
Frequently Asked Questions About German Cucumber Salad
What is German cucumber salad?
German cucumber salad, or “Gurkensalat” in German, is a classic side dish featuring thinly sliced cucumbers tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing, often made with sour cream or yogurt, vinegar, and fresh dill. It’s a refreshing and light accompaniment to hearty German meals and is celebrated for its simple yet delicious flavor profile.
Can I use a different type of cucumber for German cucumber salad?
Absolutely! While English cucumbers are fantastic for this traditional German cucumber salad because they have fewer seeds and thinner skin, you can use regular slicing cucumbers too. Just be sure to seed them if they have large seeds and consider peeling them for a softer texture. The goal is crisp, fresh cucumber slices.
What can I serve with German cucumber salad?
This creamy German cucumber salad is incredibly versatile! It pairs wonderfully with grilled meats like bratwurst or schnitzel, roasted pork, or even simple baked chicken. It also makes a fantastic side for potato pancakes or a light lunch alongside some crusty bread. Think of it as the perfect refreshing contrast to richer, savory dishes.
How do I make German cucumber salad with dill extra creamy?
To achieve an extra creamy texture in your German cucumber salad with dill, ensure your sour cream or yogurt is full-fat and at room temperature before mixing. You can also add a tablespoon of mayonnaise or a little extra sour cream to the dressing mixture. Whisking the dressing ingredients thoroughly until smooth also helps emulsify everything for maximum creaminess.
Variations of German Cucumber Salad You Can Try
This classic German cucumber salad is fantastic as is, but I love experimenting with different flavors and dietary needs. Exploring these German cucumber salad variations can add new dimensions to this beloved dish. For a lighter, dairy-free option, try swapping the sour cream for a plant-based sour cream alternative or a thick, unsweetened coconut yogurt. If you prefer a vinaigrette-style salad, you can omit the sour cream entirely and increase the white vinegar and olive oil, perhaps adding a touch of Dijon mustard for emulsification. Some people also enjoy adding thinly sliced red onion or radishes for a bit of peppery bite and extra crunch, creating a more complex flavor profile.
- Low-Carb/Keto: Use sour cream or a full-fat Greek yogurt and omit the sugar. You can also add a few tablespoons of cream cheese to the dressing for extra richness.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a finely minced jalapeño to the dressing for a touch of heat that complements the cool cucumbers.
- With Other Veggies: Incorporate thinly sliced radishes, red onion, or even bell peppers for added texture and flavor complexity.
- Herb Swap: While dill is traditional, fresh parsley or chives can also be lovely additions or substitutions for a slightly different aromatic profile.
Authentic German Cucumber Salad: 2 Cups Dill
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A classic German cucumber salad recipe, featuring crisp cucumbers in a creamy, tangy dressing with fresh dill. This refreshing side dish is perfect for summer meals and traditional German cuisine.
Ingredients
- 2 large fresh cucumbers
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash cucumbers thoroughly and peel them if preferred for a softer texture.
- Slice cucumbers thinly into even rounds to ensure they absorb the dressing well.
- Place the cucumber slices in a colander, sprinkle lightly with salt, and let them rest for 20 minutes to draw out excess water.
- Pat cucumbers dry with a clean towel to prevent a watery salad.
- In a bowl, combine sour cream, vinegar, olive oil, garlic, sugar, dill, salt, and pepper.
- Mix the dressing until smooth and creamy.
- Add cucumber slices into the dressing and toss gently to coat them evenly.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Stir once more before plating to make sure the dressing is evenly distributed.
- Serve chilled for the most refreshing taste.
Notes
- For a lighter version, use yogurt instead of sour cream.
- Increase vinegar slightly for a sharper tang.
- Add thinly sliced onions for extra flavor and bite.
- A pinch of paprika or mustard can be added to the dressing for subtle warmth.
- For a dairy-free option, use a plant-based alternative to sour cream or a vinaigrette.
- Adjust sugar to balance tanginess.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes (chilling)
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: German
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180 calories
- Sugar: N/A
- Sodium: N/A
- Fat: N/A
- Saturated Fat: N/A
- Unsaturated Fat: N/A
- Trans Fat: N/A
- Carbohydrates: Low
- Fiber: Present
- Protein: Present
- Cholesterol: N/A
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