German Cucumber Salad Recipe

When it comes to bringing fresh, vibrant flavors to the table, there’s nothing better than diving into a chilled cucumber salad that’s as refreshing as it is satisfying—trust me, your taste buds will thank you.

I adore a classic German cucumber salad for its refreshing flavor and health benefits. The acid of the vinegars mixed with the fresh cucumber might suggest a typical, run-of-the-mill, tart and tangy cucumber salad, but this one is outfitted with an unexpected ingredient that flips the script: sour cream.

Toss in some fresh dill, a little bit of red onion, and you’ve got a most delightful treat!

German Cucumber Salad Recipe Ingredients

• Cucumbers: Low in calories, high in hydration, refreshing crunch.
• Red Onion: Provides a mild, pungent flavor, rich in antioxidants.
• Sour Cream: Adds creaminess, offers calcium, tangy undertone.
• Vinegar: Enhances sourness, aids in balancing sweetness.
• Sugar: Provides sweet contrast, offsetting vinegar’s tartness.
• Dill: Adds fresh, herbaceous notes, rich in vitamins A and C.

German Cucumber Salad Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
• 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 2 tablespoons vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

How to Make this German Cucumber Salad Recipe

1. Start by cleaning the cucumbers very well. Then dry them with a towel.

2. Using a mandoline or a sharp knife, slice the cucumbers thinly and place them in a large mixing bowl.

3. The red onion should be sliced very thinly and should be added to the bowl with the cucumbers.

4. In another small bowl, mix together the sour cream, vinegar, sugar, fresh dill, salt, and copious amounts of black pepper.

5. Blend together the dressing ingredients until they are thoroughly combined and the sugar is completely dissolved.

6. Drizzle the dressing on the cucumber and onion mix.

7. Lightly mix the salad so that all the cucumber pieces and onion are distributed throughout and enrobed with the dressing.

8. Enclose the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and chill it in the refrigerator for no less than half an hour so the flavors can meld.

9. Prior to serving, stir the salad once more to ensure that the dressing is evenly distributed.

10. Move the salad to a presentable dish, and if you want, sprinkle some additional dill on top to make it look even prettier. Then, serve it cold. That is, if you can resist it long enough to let it chill, which I think might be the hardest part of this recipe.

German Cucumber Salad Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Towel
2. Mandoline or sharp knife
3. Large mixing bowl
4. Small bowl
5. Spoon or whisk
6. Plastic wrap or lid
7. Serving dish

FAQ

• What type of cucumbers should I use?For this recipe, you can use English cucumbers or garden cucumbers. If you use garden cucumbers, and especially if their skin is thick, you might consider peeling them first.
• Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?Absolutely! Greek yogurt is a wonderful alternative that offers the same luxurious creaminess but with a slight tang. Why not give it a try? (Of course, this would be totally contingent on your not having any issue with lactose, as you would have with conventional yogurt.)
• How can I make this salad ahead of time?Separate each component and assemble them just before serving to keep the cucumbers crunched. This will ensure that each distinct part of the dish retains its integrity and freshness.
• Is there a substitute for fresh dill?You can substitute 1 teaspoon of dried dill for fresh dill if you don’t have any on hand.
• What kind of vinegar is best for this salad?Good choices are white vinegar or apple cider vinegar; you’ll find they do an excellent job of complementing the flavors.
• How long will this salad last in the fridge?The salad tastes best when it is fresh. However, if you have leftovers, you can maintain their integrity by sealing them in an airtight container and storing them in the refrigerator. The salad might be good for about 2 days, but the flavor and crunch of the cucumbers may diminish.
• Can I add other ingredients to this salad?Certainly, you may incorporate ingredients such as tomatoes, radishes, or delicately sliced bell peppers to enhance the flavor and texture.

German Cucumber Salad Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Vinegar: Use lemon juice, for a slightly different flavor.
Sweeteners: Use honey or maple syrup in place of sugar for an all-natural sweetener.
Sour cream: For a lighter option, use Greek yogurt.
Dill that is not dried: Use dried dill weed if you don’t have fresh dill, but use only about 1 teaspoon since dried herbs are more concentrated. Fresh dill is best.
Shallots can be used to replace the red onion where a milder taste is desired.

Pro Tips

1. Salt the Cucumbers Early After slicing the cucumbers, consider tossing them with a little salt and letting them sit in a colander for about 15-20 minutes. This will draw out excess moisture and prevent the salad from becoming watery later on. Be sure to pat them dry before mixing with the other ingredients.

2. Chill the Bowl Prior to assembling the salad, place the mixing bowl in the refrigerator. A cold bowl helps keep the salad ingredients crisp and ensures the dressing adheres well.

3. Adjust Seasoning to Taste Once the salad has chilled, taste a small amount and adjust the seasoning. You may want to add more vinegar for tanginess, more sugar for sweetness, or more dill for additional flavor.

4. Use Fresh Dill Fresh dill offers the best flavor, but if you need to substitute with dried dill, start with a smaller amount since dried herbs are more concentrated. Typically, 1 teaspoon of dried dill can replace 1 tablespoon of fresh dill.

5. Enhance the Dressing For an extra depth of flavor, consider adding a pinch of garlic powder or a splash of lemon juice to the dressing. It can add a subtle yet delightful complexity to the salad.