|

German Cucumber Salad Recipe

Bysophie

German Cucumber Salad, also known as Gurkensalat in Germany, is a fresh, creamy, and slightly tangy salad made mostly with thinly sliced cucumbers. It is a very popular side dish in Germany and is often served with meats, potatoes, or simple bread meals. The salad usually has a light dressing made from sour cream or vinegar, fresh dill, onions, salt, and a little sugar. It tastes cool and refreshing, which makes it perfect for warm days.

German Cucumber Salad Recipe

This salad is special because it is simple but full of flavor. The cucumbers stay crisp, and the dressing adds just the right balance of creamy and sour taste. It is easy to make, does not need cooking, and can be ready in just a short time. Even a 10-year-old can help prepare it with some supervision!

You Should Try the German Cucumber Salad Recipe

You should try this German Cucumber Salad Recipe because it is quick, healthy, and delicious. It uses simple ingredients that you can find in most kitchens. You don’t need fancy tools or difficult cooking skills. If you can slice cucumbers and mix a dressing, you can make this salad.

Another wonderful reason to try this recipe is that it’s perfect for so many different occasions. You can serve it at family dinners, bring it to summer picnics, enjoy it at backyard barbecues, or even have it as a light and refreshing lunch. It goes beautifully with a variety of main dishes and adds a fresh, crunchy texture that makes every bite more exciting. Best of all, it’s a delicious and easy way to enjoy more vegetables in a fun and flavorful way!

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Ingredients you’ll need for German Cucumber Salad Recipe

Here is everything you need to make German Cucumber Salad Recipe:

  • 3 large fresh cucumbers
  • 1 small onion white or red
  • 1 cup sour cream or plain yogurt for a lighter version
  • 2 tablespoons white vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill or 1 teaspoon dried dill
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • ½ teaspoon salt or to taste
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • Optional: 1 tablespoon olive oil

How to Make German Cucumber Salad Recipe

Step 1

Begin by thoroughly washing the cucumbers under cool running water to remove any dirt, then peel them if desired and slice them into very thin, even rounds using a sharp knife or mandoline slicer, making sure the slices are consistent in thickness so they absorb the dressing evenly and create a pleasant, tender texture in every bite.

Step 2

Place the sliced cucumbers into a large bowl, sprinkle them lightly with salt, and gently toss them together before allowing them to sit at room temperature for about 15 to 20 minutes, which helps draw out excess moisture and prevents the finished salad from becoming watery or diluted.

Step 3

While the cucumbers are resting, peel and thinly slice the onion into delicate strips, and if you prefer a milder flavor, soak the slices in cold water for several minutes before draining them well, as this simple step softens the sharpness and keeps the salad balanced and smooth.

Step 4

In a separate mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, vinegar, sugar, black pepper, dill, and optional olive oil, stirring everything carefully until the dressing becomes creamy and smooth, ensuring that the sugar dissolves completely and the herbs are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

Step 5

After draining and gently patting the cucumbers dry with paper towels, add them along with the prepared onions into the bowl of dressing and carefully fold the ingredients together until every slice is evenly coated, taking care not to break the cucumbers so the salad keeps its fresh and attractive appearance.

German Cucumber Salad Recipe

Step 6

Finally, cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend and develop fully, then give it one last gentle stir before serving, tasting and adjusting the seasoning if necessary so the finished dish is cool, creamy, and perfectly balanced.

You can add this post to your favorite Pinterest board!

Kitchen equipment you will need :

Before you start, make sure you have these kitchen tools ready:

  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Vegetable peeler optional
  • Mandoline slicer optional but helpful
  • Mixing bowls one medium, one large
  • Measuring spoons
  • Measuring cup
  • Spoon or spatula for mixing
  • Paper towels

Tips and Variation Ideas

You can replace sour cream with Greek yogurt for a healthier option.

Add a splash of lemon juice for brightness.

Make the salad a few hours ahead for better flavor.

Make the salad a few hours ahead for better flavor.

What can I serve with this German Cucumber Salad Recipe ?

I like making this German cucumber salad when I want something fresh and simple to add to the table. It’s perfect for family meals, especially alongside hearty dishes, and my husband really enjoys the light, creamy dressing with the crisp cucumbers. I usually serve it chilled, and it pairs well with chicken, Salmon, or even a simple sandwich. Cool, refreshing, and easy to prepare, this salad always balances out a heavier meal.

German Cucumber Salad Recipe
German Cucumber Salad Recipe
Print

German Cucumber Salad Recipe

Recipe by sophieCourse: Side DishCuisine: GermanDifficulty: Easy
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

20

minutes
Cooking timeminutes
Calories

300

kcal
Total time

50

minutes

German Cucumber Salad (Gurkensalat) is a cool, creamy, and refreshing side dish made with thinly sliced cucumbers, onions, fresh dill, and a light sour cream dressing. It is simple to prepare, requires no cooking, and pairs perfectly with meats, potatoes, or sandwiches.

Ingredients

  • 3 large fresh cucumbers

  • 1 small onion white or red

  • 1 cup sour cream or plain yogurt for a lighter version

  • 2 tablespoons white vinegar

  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill or 1 teaspoon dried dill

  • 1 teaspoon sugar

  • ½ teaspoon salt or to taste

  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

  • Optional: 1 tablespoon olive oil

Directions

  • Begin by thoroughly washing the cucumbers under cool running water to remove any dirt, then peel them if desired and slice them into very thin, even rounds using a sharp knife or mandoline slicer, making sure the slices are consistent in thickness so they absorb the dressing evenly and create a pleasant, tender texture in every bite.
  • Place the sliced cucumbers into a large bowl, sprinkle them lightly with salt, and gently toss them together before allowing them to sit at room temperature for about 15 to 20 minutes, which helps draw out excess moisture and prevents the finished salad from becoming watery or diluted.
  • While the cucumbers are resting, peel and thinly slice the onion into delicate strips, and if you prefer a milder flavor, soak the slices in cold water for several minutes before draining them well, as this simple step softens the sharpness and keeps the salad balanced and smooth.
  • In a separate mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, vinegar, sugar, black pepper, dill, and optional olive oil, stirring everything carefully until the dressing becomes creamy and smooth, ensuring that the sugar dissolves completely and the herbs are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
  • After draining and gently patting the cucumbers dry with paper towels, add them along with the prepared onions into the bowl of dressing and carefully fold the ingredients together until every slice is evenly coated, taking care not to break the cucumbers so the salad keeps its fresh and attractive appearance.
  • Finally, cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend and develop fully, then give it one last gentle stir before serving, tasting and adjusting the seasoning if necessary so the finished dish is cool, creamy, and perfectly balanced.

Notes

  • Salt the cucumbers and let them rest to prevent a watery salad.
  • Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving for better flavor.
  • Add a pinch of garlic powder for a mild extra kick.
  • If the salad becomes watery, drain a little liquid and add a spoon of sour cream.

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE…

Mediterranean Orzo Salad
Creamy Tuna Pasta Salad
Chopped Salmon Salad
Pressure Cooker Potato Salad

    Similar Posts

    • Lemon Risotto with Grilled Shrimp

      Bysophie

      Lemon Risotto with Grilled Shrimp is a creamy, comforting, and bright meal that feels fancy but is actually friendly and fun to make at home. Risotto is a classic Italian dish made with short grain rice, usually Arborio rice, that becomes soft and creamy when cooked slowly with warm broth. Instead of being fluffy like regular rice, risotto turns rich and smooth, almost like a cozy rice hug in a bowl. The lemon in this recipe adds a fresh, sunny flavor that makes the dish taste light and happy, even though it’s creamy.

    • |

      Bean Pasta Salad

      Bysophie

      Bean Pasta Salad is a colorful, fresh, and super tasty dish made by mixing cooked pasta with different kinds of beans, crunchy vegetables, and a flavorful dressing. It’s a perfect mix of soft, chewy, and crunchy textures all in one bowl! The beans add protein, the pasta makes it filling, and the veggies bring freshness and color. This salad is often served cold, which makes it a great choice for warm days, picnics, or quick lunches.

    • |

      Stuffed Mushrooms

      Bysophie

      Stuffed mushrooms are a delicious appetizer or side dish where mushroom caps are filled with a tasty mixture usually made with breadcrumbs, cheese, herbs, and sometimes meat or vegetables. The mushrooms are then baked until they’re soft, juicy, and golden on top. They’re a favorite at parties, family dinners, and holiday meals because they look fancy but are actually easy to make.

    • Wild Rice Pilaf

      Bysophie

      Wild Rice Pilaf is a warm, hearty side dish made with nutty wild rice, tender vegetables, and flavorful broth. Even though it is called “rice,” wild rice is actually a type of grass seed that grows in water. It has a chewy texture and a rich, earthy taste that makes it different from white or brown rice. When cooked, wild rice pops open and curls slightly, giving it a fun look and texture.

    • Zucchini Pancakes

      Bysophie

      Zucchini pancakes are a delicious and healthy twist on the classic breakfast favorite. Instead of using just flour and eggs, these pancakes include shredded zucchini, which makes them moist, tender, and packed with nutrients. They are slightly crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, offering a perfect balance of flavor and texture. Zucchini pancakes are versatile they can be served as a breakfast, a snack, or even a side dish for lunch or dinner. The subtle taste of zucchini blends wonderfully with seasonings like garlic, onion, and herbs, making each bite savory and satisfying.