If you’re looking to brighten up your meal with something fresh, tangy, and utterly refreshing, this German Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe is a must-try. This salad perfectly balances crisp cucumber slices with a lusciously creamy dressing that has just the right touch of dill and vinegar. It’s a classic summer side that feels both indulgent and light, making it an ideal companion to everything from grilled meats to cozy weeknight dinners. Once you master this recipe, it’s going to become your go-to dish whenever you want to add a burst of vibrant flavor to the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t be fooled by its simplicity—each ingredient in this German Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe is essential for achieving the perfect harmony of flavors and textures. The fresh cucumbers bring crunch and coolness, while the sour cream adds that silky creaminess, and the dill infuses a fragrant herbaceous note.
- 2 large cucumbers (thinly sliced): Choose firm, fresh cucumbers for maximum crunch and juiciness.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Helps draw out moisture from the cucumbers for a crisp texture.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: The creamy base that makes the salad irresistibly rich and smooth.
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar: Adds a mild tang that brightens the flavors and balances richness.
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill (chopped): Provides a fresh, aromatic kick that’s signature to this salad.
- 1 tablespoon sugar: Softens the acidity and adds a subtle sweetness for balance.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Offers gentle warmth and depth.
- 1 small red onion (thinly sliced, optional): Adds a slight sharpness and extra crunch for those who love a bit more bite.
How to Make German Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cucumbers
Begin by thinly slicing your cucumbers—using a mandoline slicer will give you the best, even slices for that beautiful delicate bite. Place these slices in a colander and sprinkle with salt. Let them rest for about 20 to 30 minutes to draw out excess moisture, which prevents your salad from becoming watery and keeps every bite crisp and fresh.
Step 2: Dry the Cucumbers
After the cucumbers have rested, gently squeeze them or pat them dry with a paper towel to remove the released liquid. This little step is crucial for ensuring your creamy dressing doesn’t get diluted.
Step 3: Mix the Dressing
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sour cream, white vinegar, sugar, fresh dill, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This dressing is the heart of the German Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe, delivering that luscious creaminess with a bright, herb-infused punch.
Step 4: Combine and Chill
Add the cucumbers—and the sliced red onion if you’re using it—to the bowl with the dressing. Toss everything gently so the cucumbers are perfectly coated. Pop the salad into the fridge for at least 30 minutes. Chilling allows the flavors to mingle and develop, giving you a more harmonious and delicious salad.
How to Serve German Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh dill on top just before serving not only adds a vibrant splash of green but also gives an extra hint of herbal aroma that invites everyone at the table to dig in. A few twists of freshly cracked black pepper can also enhance the visual appeal while boosting flavor.
Side Dishes
This creamy cucumber salad is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with hearty grilled meats like bratwurst or schnitzel. It also offers a refreshing contrast when served with rich or spicy dishes, cutting through heaviness while complementing smoky or savory flavors perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming presentation, serve the cucumber salad in small glass jars or individual bowls layered with sprigs of dill. You might also scatter thin slices of radish or cherry tomatoes on top for pops of color that make this simple salad a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This salad keeps well in the fridge for up to two days. Store it in an airtight container to maintain freshness, but note that the cucumbers may release more juice the longer it sits, so give the salad a gentle toss before serving again.
Freezing
Because this is a fresh, creamy salad with raw cucumbers, freezing is not recommended. The texture will suffer greatly from thawing, as cucumbers become watery and mushy.
Reheating
This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. Reheating is not necessary and will alter the texture and flavor negatively.
FAQs
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Absolutely! Greek yogurt is a great lighter substitute that still provides creaminess and tanginess without as much fat. It’s perfect if you want to make the German Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe a bit healthier.
Should I peel the cucumbers?
That depends on your preference and the type of cucumber. If they have a waxy or thick skin, peeling might make the salad more tender. For thin-skinned varieties like English cucumbers, leaving the peel on adds extra color and nutrients.
How thin should the cucumber slices be?
Thin, uniform slices work best for texture and to absorb the dressing. Using a mandoline slicer helps achieve slices about 1/8 inch thick.
Can I add other herbs or spices?
Dill is traditional and gives this salad its signature flavor, but you can experiment with fresh chives, parsley, or even a pinch of paprika for a subtle twist.
Is this salad suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes! This classic cucumber salad contains no gluten ingredients and is naturally gluten-free, making it a safe and tasty side dish option.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so wonderfully satisfying about serving a dish that’s both simple and bursting with flavor, and this German Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe fits that description perfectly. It’s refreshing, easy to make, and sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen. I truly encourage you to try this recipe—you’ll love how it elevates your meals with its bright, creamy goodness every single time.
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German Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 20–30 minutes resting and at least 30 minutes chilling)
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: German
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten Free
Description
This German Creamy Cucumber Salad is a refreshing and light side dish featuring thinly sliced cucumbers tossed in a tangy and creamy dressing made from sour cream, white vinegar, fresh dill, and a touch of sugar. Perfectly chilled, this salad offers a crisp and flavorful accompaniment to grilled meats, schnitzel, or sausages, making it a delightful addition to any summer meal.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 2 large cucumbers (thinly sliced)
- 1 small red onion (thinly sliced, optional)
Seasonings
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill (chopped)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
Dressings
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar
Instructions
- Prepare Cucumbers: Place the thinly sliced cucumbers in a colander and sprinkle with salt. Let them sit for 20–30 minutes to draw out excess moisture. This step ensures the salad isn’t watery.
- Dry Cucumbers: After resting, gently squeeze the cucumbers or pat them dry with paper towels to remove the drawn-out liquid.
- Make Dressing: In a mixing bowl, whisk together sour cream, white vinegar, sugar, chopped dill, and black pepper until the dressing is smooth and well combined.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the dried cucumbers and optionally the thinly sliced red onion to the dressing. Toss everything together to coat the vegetables evenly in the creamy mixture.
- Chill Salad: Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Chilling allows the flavors to meld and the salad to become more refreshing.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream to reduce fat content while maintaining creaminess.
- This salad pairs beautifully with grilled meats, schnitzel, or sausages, enhancing your meal with a crisp, tangy side.
- Using a mandoline slicer will give you ultra-thin, even cucumber slices for better texture and presentation.
