Name: German Cucumber Salad with a Creamy Dressing Recipe
Prep time: PT-488318H6M51S
Total time: PT-488318H6M51S
Cuisine: German
Ingredients: 2 large cucumbers (thinly sliced); 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 small red onion (thinly sliced); 1/2 cup sour cream; 2 tablespoons mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons fresh dill (chopped); 1 tablespoon white vinegar; 1 teaspoon sugar; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

If you’re searching for the ultimate refreshing side dish, look no further than this German Cucumber Salad with a Creamy Dressing. A staple at picnics and Sunday dinners alike, it offers cool, crisp cucumbers dressed with creamy tang, bursts of fresh dill, and a touch of sweetness. Every bite of this salad is a delicious throwback to classic German flavors, and it has just the right balance of creamy and crunchy textures to keep everyone reaching for seconds.

German Cucumber Salad with a Creamy Dressing Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of German Cucumber Salad with a Creamy Dressing is in its simplicity. Each ingredient has a role to play, from the freshness of the cucumbers to the rich, tangy dressing. Here’s what you’ll need and how every component brings the dish together:

2 large cucumbers (thinly sliced): The star of the show! Use the freshest cucumbers you can find for maximum crispness and vibrant bite.
1 teaspoon salt: Essential for drawing out extra moisture from the cucumbers, resulting in a salad that stays deliciously crunchy—not watery.
1/2 small red onion (thinly sliced): For a subtle bite and splash of color, red onion turns an everyday salad into something special.
1/2 cup sour cream: This is the backbone of the creamy dressing, giving it a velvety texture and pleasantly tangy flavor.
2 tablespoons mayonnaise: Adds richer body to the dressing and a gentle hint of sweetness.
2 tablespoons fresh dill (chopped): Dill is what makes this salad pop! It infuses every bite with unmistakable herby freshness.
1 tablespoon white vinegar: Brightens everything up with a gentle twang, balancing out the creaminess.
1 teaspoon sugar: Just a touch, to soften the acidity and bring out the flavors of the cucumbers and dill.
1/4 teaspoon black pepper: For gentle warmth and earthy depth, black pepper rounds out the dressing beautifully.

How to Make German Cucumber Salad with a Creamy Dressing

Step 1: Salt and Drain the Cucumbers

Begin by piling your thinly sliced cucumbers into a colander. Sprinkle them evenly with salt, toss gently, and let the mix rest for 20 to 30 minutes. This step is key: it draws out excess water so your German Cucumber Salad with a Creamy Dressing won’t end up watery. After the wait, use paper towels to pat the cucumbers dry, making sure they’re as crisp as can be.

Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Dressing

In a spacious bowl, whisk together the sour cream, mayonnaise, chopped fresh dill, white vinegar, sugar, and black pepper. Keep whisking until you have a silky, uniform dressing speckled with lovely flecks of dill. This is the creamy heart of your salad, and it should be smooth and fragrant!

Step 3: Combine Salads and Toss

Add your well-drained cucumber slices and slivers of red onion to the bowl of dressing. With gentle hands (or salad tongs), toss everything so that every piece is cloaked in that luscious, creamy dressing. The cucumbers and onions will soak up the irresistible flavors as you mix.

Step 4: Chill for the Perfect Flavor Meld

Good things take a little patience! Cover your bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes. This resting period lets all the vibrant flavors meld together, ensuring each forkful of German Cucumber Salad with a Creamy Dressing is cool, harmonious, and bursting with taste.

How to Serve German Cucumber Salad with a Creamy Dressing

Garnishes

Right before serving, sprinkle the top with extra chopped dill for a fresh, aromatic touch. If you want to get a little fancy, a crack or two of black pepper or a few radish slices add lovely color and zing to the presentation.

Side Dishes

This salad sings when paired with classic German fare! Try serving it alongside schnitzel, bratwurst, or any grilled meats. It also brightens up heavier sides like potato salad or spaetzle, offering coolness and crunch that balances out rich flavors on the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

While a simple bowl works beautifully, consider piling your German Cucumber Salad with a Creamy Dressing onto individual plates atop crisp lettuce leaves for something special. Or, serve it in small cups as part of a picnic or buffet spread—guaranteed to impress at any gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The salad will stay fresh and tasty for up to two days. Remember, as it sits, the salad may release more moisture, so give it a gentle stir before serving again.

Freezing

Unfortunately, German Cucumber Salad with a Creamy Dressing doesn’t freeze well. Cucumbers lose their crunch and become watery after thawing, and the creamy dressing can separate. It’s best enjoyed freshly made or within a couple days.

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat this salad—the coolness is part of its charm! Just serve straight from the fridge. If the dressing has loosened a bit, give it a gentle stir or add a spoonful of sour cream to freshen up the texture.

FAQs

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and mayonnaise?

Absolutely! Greek yogurt can replace both sour cream and mayonnaise for a lighter, protein-packed version. The flavor will be a bit tangier, but it’s just as delicious and creamy.

How far in advance can I make this salad?

You can prepare German Cucumber Salad with a Creamy Dressing up to a day ahead. In fact, making it ahead enhances the melded flavors. Just stir before serving and check if it needs a touch more seasoning.

Can I use dried dill if I don’t have fresh?

Fresh dill is best for brightness and aroma, but dried dill works in a pinch. Use only 2 teaspoons of dried dill since it’s more concentrated, and let the salad chill a bit longer so the flavors meld.

What type Salad, Side Dish

English (hothouse) cucumbers or Persian cucumbers are ideal as they have tender skins and fewer seeds, but regular cucumbers work as well—just peel and, if necessary, remove seeds for the best texture.

How do I prevent my salad from getting watery?

Salting and draining the cucumbers, then patting them dry as described above, is the secret to keeping your German Cucumber Salad with a Creamy Dressing delightfully crisp rather than watery.

Final Thoughts

Bring a taste of German comfort to your own table and experience why German Cucumber Salad with a Creamy Dressing is loved around the world. With just a handful of ingredients and a few easy steps, you can whip up a side dish that is refreshing, creamy, and downright irresistible. Give it a try, and get ready to watch it disappear faster than you can say “Gurkensalat”!

German Cucumber Salad with a Creamy Dressing Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 30 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes including chilling
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Print Recipe

Description

Enjoy a refreshing and creamy German cucumber salad, known as Gurkensalat, with a delightful mix of fresh cucumbers, red onion, and a tangy dressing. This traditional side dish is perfect for summer gatherings or as a light accompaniment to hearty German meals.

Ingredients

Scale

Cucumbers:

2 large cucumbers (thinly sliced)
1 teaspoon salt

Dressing:

1/2 small red onion (thinly sliced)
1/2 cup sour cream
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
2 tablespoons fresh dill (chopped)
1 tablespoon white vinegar
1 teaspoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Prepare Cucumbers: Place cucumber slices in a colander, sprinkle with salt, toss, and let sit for 20–30 minutes. Pat dry with paper towels.
Make Dressing: Whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, dill, vinegar, sugar, and black pepper until smooth.
Combine Ingredients: Add cucumbers and red onion to the dressing, toss to coat evenly.
Chill: Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.