Authentic German Cucumber Salad – Refreshing & Easy Side Dish
Crispy Creamy Dill Cucumber Salad
Ingredients
Method
- Using a sharp mandoline or knife, carefully slice the cucumbers and red onion into delicate 1/8-inch pieces. Transfer them to a large mixing bowl.
- In a medium bowl, vigorously whisk together the sour cream (or Greek yogurt), minced dill, parsley, vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper until the dressing becomes smooth and slightly frothy.
- Drizzle the tangy dressing over the sliced vegetables, gently tossing to ensure even coverage. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least a few hours—or overnight—to let the flavors meld.
Discover a revitalizing spin on the traditional German Gurkensalat! In this version—our Crispy Creamy Dill Cucumber Salad—freshly sliced English cucumbers and red onions are bathed in a velvety, tangy dressing richly infused with dill and parsley. This salad makes a delightful, healthy snack or the perfect accompaniment to your weeknight dinner.
Why You’ll Adore This Salad
- Quick and Effortless: Ready in just 15 minutes using a mandoline or a sharp knife for precision slicing.
- Flavor-Burst Make-Ahead: Chill the salad to let the ingredients meld, enhancing the tangy and herbaceous flavors.
- Versatile: Enjoy it on its own for a light lunch or as a refreshing side dish. Pair with pork schnitzel or potato pancakes for a satisfying meal.
Modern Twists on Cucumber Salads
The world of cucumber salads is ever-evolving! This recipe was inspired by the latest trends circulating on social media. With crisp cucumbers soaked in aromatic dill and red onion, paired with a lively sour cream dressing, every bite is a refreshing treat. Give it a try and experience how a few subtle tweaks can transform a classic dish into a crowd-pleaser!
Special Tips from the Chef
For an extra burst of flavor, try grating a little lemon zest over the salad just before serving. This additional zing enhances the dressing’s tang while brightening up the cucumber’s natural crispness. Also, if you crave a protein boost, swap the sour cream with plain Greek yogurt for a thicker, creamier texture.
Ingredients
How to Create Your Salad Masterpiece
Follow these simple steps to achieve the perfect balance of creamy and crisp:
- Slice with Precision: Using a mandoline or a very sharp knife, slice 2 English cucumbers and ½ cup of red onion into 1/8-inch rounds. Transfer them to a generous bowl.
- Whisk the Wonders: In a separate bowl, whisk together ½ cup sour cream, 1 tablespoon minced fresh dill, 1 teaspoon minced fresh parsley, 2 tablespoons distilled white vinegar, 1 ½ teaspoons granulated sugar, ½ teaspoon salt, and ⅛ teaspoon pepper. Let the ingredients combine until the dressing is luxuriously smooth.
- Toss and Let Chill: Drizzle your creamy mixture over the vegetables, tossing gently until all slices are evenly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for several hours (or overnight) to allow the flavors to come together beautifully. Enjoy immediately or serve chilled for an even more refreshing taste.
Tips & Variations
This recipe is delightfully adaptable. Here are some ideas to customize to your taste:
- No Sour Cream? Use plain Greek yogurt as a substitute for a thicker, protein-packed dressing.
- Dried Herbs? If using dried dill or parsley, scale down to 1 teaspoon of dill and ½ teaspoon of parsley instead of fresh amounts.
- No Mandoline? A sharp knife works just as well – just focus on maintaining those thin, uniform slices.
- Cucumber Choices: While English cucumbers are ideal, if using other varieties with larger seeds, bisect the cucumbers and remove the seeds prior to slicing.
- Peel or Not: The choice is yours! Leave the skin on for extra texture and nutrients, or peel for a smoother finish.
- Liquid Balance: As the cucumbers soak up the dressing, they might release extra liquid. Feel free to drain this off or mix it back in depending on your preference.
Storing Leftovers
Refrigerator: Keep your salad in an airtight container for up to 2 days. For optimal flavor, enjoy it chilled.
More Cucumber Salad Inspirations
Love cucumbers? Check out more of our creative recipes like our famous cucumber sandwiches, inventive spring roll in a bowl, and irresistible California rolls on our site.
Pin this now to find it later
