Creamy German Cucumber Salad
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A thoroughly authentic Creamy German Cucumber Salad recipe. This simple, refreshing and irresistibly delicious salad makes the perfect accompaniment to your summer dinners, BBQ’s, potlucks and picnics – or any time of year! A thoroughly authentic German Cucumber Salad recipe like the way my Oma and Mutti made it!
This salad is a staple in Germany where it is known as Cremiger Gurkensalat (creamy cucumber salad). You’ll find it on practically ever restaurant menu and in every German home. There are two popular versions: German Cucumber Salad made with oil and vinegar and this Creamy German Cucumber Salad made with sour cream and/or yogurt. I love this salad served with any kind of meat, fish, with a sandwich, or simply with some good crusty bread. You’ll love the creamy, crunchy textures and the wonderfully fresh flavors!
Serving Suggestions
This German Cucumber Salad pairs well with any meat, poultry or fish or plant-based proteins. Here are just a few examples, including some classic German dishes you would commonly find served with this salad:
- Schnitzel, Jaegerschnitzel, pork chops, baked chicken, fish
- Rouladen
- Sauerbraten, Senfbraten or any kind of roast
- German Goulash
- Geschnetzeltes
- German Pork Chops
- Frikadellen
- Bratwurst
- Lentils and Spaetzle
Pro Tips for the Best Creamy German Cucumber Salad
For consistency and flavor there are two important keys to making this salad:
- Salt the sliced cucumbers and let them sit for about 30 minutes before proceeding. This will draw out the water from the cucumbers so that you end up with a watery salad when it’s finished.
- Let the finished cucumber salad chill in the fridge for about 2 hours (longer if you’re using dried herbs). This will allow the flavors to fully develop.
Substitutions
This recipe allows for flexibility for tailoring to your own taste. If you prefer you can omit the garlic and/or onions. You can also substitute chives and/or parsley for the dill. But if you’ve never tried it with dill I highly recommend it. It’s the traditionally used herb for a reason – it’s SO good in this cool, creamy, crunchy cucumber salad!
If you don’t have fresh dill you can use dried (use about 1/4 of the amount) and just be sure to let the salad chill for a few hours as dried herbs will take more time to release their flavors.
Another substitution you can make is to use all yogurt instead of sour cream. If you do make that substitute I recommend whole milk yogurt or Greek yogurt.
Creamy German Cucumber Salad Recipe
Let’s get started!
Place the sliced cucumbers in a bowl and toss with the teaspoon of salt. Let sit for about 30 minutes then drain thoroughly. Add the sliced onions to the cucumbers.
To make the dressing:
Place all remaining ingredients in a small bowl and stir to combine.
Pour the dressing over the cucumbers and onions and stir to combine. Add more salt and pepper to taste.
Cover and chill for at least 2 hours (4 hours if using dried herbs) before serving.
Serve with your favorite proteins including beef, chicken, pork or fish. See blog post above for serving suggestions.
Enjoy!
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Creamy German Cucumber Salad
Ingredients
- 2 large cucumbers (about 1 1/2 pounds or 700 grams), sliced to desired thinness
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup sliced yellow onion
- 1 clove garlic , minced
- For the Creamy Dressing:
- 3/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill (fresh is best but can substitute 2 teaspoons dried dill)
- 2-3 teaspoons sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Place the sliced cucumbers in a bowl and toss with the teaspoon of salt. Let sit for about 30 minutes then drain thoroughly. Add the sliced onions to the cucumbers.
- To make the dressing: Place all remaining ingredients in a small bowl and stir to combine. Pour the dressing over the cucumbers and onions and stir to combine. Add more salt and pepper to taste.Cover and chill for at least 2 hours (4 hours if using dried herbs) before serving.
Nutrition
Originally published on The Daring Gourmet August 21, 2020
Hi, I’m Kimberly Killebrew and welcome to Daring Gourmet where you'll find delicious originals, revitalized classics, and simply downright good eats from around the world! Originally from Germany, later raised in England, world-traveled, and now living in the U.S., from my globally-influenced kitchen I invite you to tour the world through your taste buds!
Personally I love the creamy version versus the vinegar and oil! The flavor is just so good!
My husband is German and we go there nearly every year. My children love this salad and so do my grandchildren.
My family and I have been making this for years. Absolutely love it, goes with all kinds of meals. We use all sour cream and cider vinegar. We never measured anything and my new daughter in law had a heck of time trying to get it right. Think I’ll send her yours.
This is our go-to salad with – believe it or not – Jamaican Jerk chicken!
That’s a terrific pairing, Karen – spicy chicken with something refreshing, yum!
My German mother always made cucumber salad with onions, spoon of sugar, apple cider vinegar and some milk (no it did not curdle). Salt and dill. Now I will try your recipe with sour cream. Anything with sour cream is yummy and I can’t wait to try your version.
We lived in Germany for 5 years, enjoying German friends, food, and culture. Your salad is on point with the taste that evokes fun memories in many of our favorite gathering places! Good and healthy!
My family is (mostly) Pennsylvania Dutch, and this is one of the recipes we have always made and loved. If it doesn’t appear at a picnic, there are sure to be loud complaints! The only difference between your recipe and ours is that we use entirely sour cream, and apple cider vinegar instead of white. We aim for about the same proportion of sweet and sour, so it’s about the same amounts of sugar and vinegar. We could always tell who made the cucumber salad because some of us lean slightly more towards the vinegar and others more toward the sugar. In either case, it’s delicious and it makes me happy that you’re sharing it with your readers.
Looks super yummy!
This is such a delicious salad!! Everyone at my house loved it!
I’m so glad everyone enjoyed it, Toni, thank you!
This German Cucumber Salad looks incredibly delicious!
Simple and very tasty side salad, love the cool and creamy taste!
Thank you, Vikki!
I love cucumbers, and the creamy dressing on these sounds so good! what a great salad!
I love making this cucumber salad recipe in the summertime! So fresh and easy!
Looks so good! Can’t wait to try this with friends.
We enjoyed this salad so much! Perfect way to enjoy our fresh-from-the-garden cucumbers!
Thanks so much, Anna, I’m happy you enjoyed it!