German Cucumber Salad Recipe
Introduction
German Cucumber Salad is a light and refreshing side dish that’s perfect for warm weather. With crisp cucumbers and a tangy, creamy dill dressing, it’s simple to prepare and full of fresh flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 English cucumbers (or 4 Lebanese cucumbers)
- 1/2 cup sour cream (or plain, thick yogurt)
- 1 tbsp white vinegar (plain distilled vinegar)
- 1 tsp white sugar
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Peel the cucumbers and slice them thinly, about 2mm or 0.2 inches, using a mandoline or a sharp knife.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, mix together sour cream, white vinegar, sugar, dill, salt, and black pepper to make the dressing.
- Step 3: Toss the cucumber slices with the dressing until well coated. Set the salad aside in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the cucumbers to soften.
- Step 4: Before serving, toss the salad again to redistribute the dressing. Serve chilled for a refreshing taste.
Tips & Variations
- For extra crunch, add thinly sliced red onions or radishes to the salad.
- Use plain Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a tangier, thicker dressing.
- If you prefer a less creamy dressing, reduce the sour cream and add a splash of olive oil.
Storage
Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The cucumbers will continue to soften, so it’s best enjoyed within a day. Stir gently before serving to recombine the dressing. This salad is best served cold and does not reheat well.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use regular cucumbers instead of English cucumbers?
Yes, but regular cucumbers have thicker skins and more seeds, so you may want to peel them and scoop out the seeds for a similar texture.
Is it necessary to let the salad sit for several hours?
Yes, resting allows the cucumbers to soften and release juice, which thins the dressing and enhances the flavors, making the salad more enjoyable.
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German Cucumber Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes (including marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This German Cucumber Salad is a refreshing, creamy side dish featuring thinly sliced cucumbers tossed in a tangy sour cream and vinegar dressing with fresh dill. Perfect for a light accompaniment to any meal, it is simple to prepare and needs to marinate for a few hours to develop its full flavor.
Ingredients
Cucumbers
- 2 English or telegraph cucumbers (substitute 4 Lebanese cucumbers)
Dressing
- 1/2 cup sour cream (or plain, thick yogurt as a substitute)
- 1 tbsp white vinegar (plain distilled vinegar)
- 1 tsp white sugar
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the cucumbers: Peel the cucumbers and finely slice them into 2mm (0.2 inch) slices. Use a mandoline slicer for uniform thin slices or cut by hand with a sharp knife.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, mix together the sour cream, white vinegar, white sugar, fresh dill, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Toss cucumbers with dressing: Combine the sliced cucumbers with the dressing and toss thoroughly to coat all pieces evenly.
- Marinate: Set the salad aside for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, allowing the cucumbers to soften and release juice, which will thin the dressing to a desirable consistency.
- Serve: Before serving, toss the salad well again, then transfer to a serving bowl. Serve chilled for the best refreshing flavor.
Notes
- Using a mandoline ensures uniformly thin slices for better texture.
- Green dill is essential for an authentic flavor; avoid dried dill as it is less potent.
- Marinating overnight enhances the flavor and softens the cucumbers nicely.
- You can substitute sour cream with plain Greek yogurt for a slightly tangier and healthier option.
- Adjust salt and pepper to taste before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: German
Keywords: German cucumber salad, creamy cucumber salad, dill cucumber salad, easy side dish, no-cook salad
