German Cucumber Salad
A classic German creamy cucumber salad, known as Gurkensalat. This refreshing side dish features thinly sliced cucumbers in a tangy sour cream and dill dressing. It's the perfect light and crisp accompaniment to hearty meals or summer barbecues.
For 4 servings
5 steps.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Salt and Drain Cucumbers (35 minutes)
- b.Wash the cucumbers thoroughly. Using a mandoline or a sharp knife, slice them as thinly as possible.
- c.Place the cucumber slices in a colander set over a bowl. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of salt and toss gently to combine.
- d.Let the cucumbers sit for 30 minutes. The salt will draw out a significant amount of excess water.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Dry the Cucumbers (2 minutes)
- b.After 30 minutes, take handfuls of the cucumber slices and gently squeeze out as much remaining liquid as you can. Discard the collected water.
- c.For extra dry cucumbers, pat them with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. This step is crucial to prevent a watery salad.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Prepare the Dressing (3 minutes)
- b.In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sour cream, white vinegar, sugar, the remaining 0.5 teaspoon of salt, and freshly ground black pepper until the mixture is smooth and the sugar has dissolved.
- c.Stir in the finely chopped fresh dill and the thinly sliced red onion.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Combine and Chill (35 minutes)
- b.Add the dried cucumber slices to the bowl with the dressing.
- c.Gently fold everything together with a spatula until the cucumbers are evenly coated.
- d.Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill completely.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Serve (1 minute)
- b.Give the salad a final gentle stir before serving. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- c.Garnish with a sprinkle of extra fresh dill. Serve chilled.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1A mandoline slicer is highly recommended for achieving paper-thin, uniform cucumber slices, which is key to the salad's texture.
- 2Do not skip the salting and squeezing step. It's the most important part of the recipe to ensure a creamy, not watery, final product.
- 3For the best flavor, always use fresh dill. Dried dill has a very different, less vibrant taste.
- 4Let the salad chill for the recommended time. This allows the cucumbers to absorb the dressing's flavor and the overall taste to develop.
- 5If you find the dressing too thick, you can thin it with a tablespoon of milk or a little of the reserved cucumber water for extra flavor.
Adapt it for your goals.
Lighter Version
Replace the full-fat sour cream with plain Greek yogurt or a mix of half yogurt and half sour cream for a lighter, tangier dressing.
Herb VariationHerb Variation
Add 1 tablespoon of finely chopped fresh chives or parsley along with the dill for a more complex herbal flavor.
Vinegar SwapVinegar Swap
Use apple cider vinegar instead of white vinegar for a slightly fruitier, milder tang.
Dairy FreeDairy-Free
For a vegan version, use a plant-based sour cream alternative and ensure your sugar is vegan.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent for Hydration
Cucumbers are composed of about 96% water, making this salad a delicious and refreshing way to help you stay hydrated, especially in warmer weather.
Rich in Antioxidants
Cucumbers, onions, and fresh dill contain various antioxidants, including flavonoids and tannins, which help combat oxidative stress and reduce inflammation in the body.
Supports Gut Health
If made with sour cream or yogurt containing live active cultures, this salad can be a source of probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria that support a healthy digestive system.
Frequently asked questions
A single serving of this salad (approximately 1 cup) contains around 120-150 calories, depending on the fat content of the sour cream used.