If you love fresh, tangy, and creamy salads that bring a burst of flavor and cool satisfaction, then you have to try this German Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe. It’s a wonderfully simple dish that balances the crisp bite of thinly sliced cucumbers with a luscious sour cream dressing, brightened up by fresh dill and a touch of vinegar. This salad is not only refreshing but also versatile, making it an ideal accompaniment to so many meals or even a light snack on its own. Trust me, once you make this classic German Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe, it just might become your new favorite go-to salad!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right for this salad is key to nailing its refreshing taste and creamy texture. Each item plays a special role, from the crisp cucumbers to the tangy sour cream and the hint of fresh dill that brings the whole dish to life.
- English cucumbers: Their thin skin and fewer seeds make them perfect for slicing thin and crisp salad texture.
- Salt: Helps draw out excess moisture from the cucumbers, preventing your salad from becoming watery.
- Red onion: Adds a subtle sharpness and lovely color contrast when sliced very thin.
- Sour cream: The creamy base that gives this salad its signature luscious, tangy flavor.
- White vinegar: Brightens the dressing with a mild acidity, balancing the richness of the sour cream.
- Granulated sugar: Just a touch to round out the flavors and add gentle sweetness.
- Fresh dill: Finely chopped for that unmistakable herby aroma and flavor that anchors the dish.
- Black pepper: Provides a subtle heat that lifts the overall taste.
- Milk (optional): Used to thin the dressing if you prefer a lighter consistency.
How to Make German Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cucumbers
Begin by thinly slicing 2 large English cucumbers. Toss the slices with 1 teaspoon of salt in a colander, then let them sit for 20 to 30 minutes. This resting period is crucial because it draws out excess water from the cucumbers, ensuring your salad isn’t soggy and maintains that perfect crisp texture.
Step 2: Dry and Combine with Onion
After the cucumbers have rested, gently squeeze or pat them dry using paper towels to remove the released moisture. This step guarantees a creamy, not watery, salad experience. Transfer the cucumbers to a large bowl and add 1/2 of a small red onion, sliced very thin to provide just the right subtle kick and beautiful pop of color.
Step 3: Whisk the Dressing
In a separate bowl, whisk together 3/4 cup sour cream, 2 tablespoons white vinegar, 1 teaspoon granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh dill, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper until smooth and well blended. If the dressing feels too thick for your liking, gently stir in 1 tablespoon of milk to reach your desired creaminess. This dressing is where the magic happens—it’s creamy yet bright, perfectly complementing the cucumbers.
Step 4: Combine and Chill
Pour the creamy dressing over the cucumber and onion mixture. Toss gently but thoroughly until every slice is evenly coated with the dressing. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This chilling time lets the flavors meld together, turning simple ingredients into a harmonious, flavorful salad that delights every bite.
How to Serve German Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a few simple garnishes can elevate your salad’s presentation and flavor. Sprinkle some extra fresh dill over the top for a burst of color and aroma. A light dusting of freshly cracked black pepper adds a beautiful contrast and a little spice. For extra crunch, you can scatter some toasted pumpkin seeds or chopped chives.
Side Dishes
This German Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes. Serve it alongside hearty German sausages or schnitzel to bring a refreshing balance to the richness of meat. It’s also fantastic with grilled chicken, fish, or even as a cool contrast to spicy barbecued dishes or burgers.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your creamy cucumber salad in individual glass cups or small bowls layered with crumbled feta or fresh herbs to transform it into an elegant appetizer. You can also scoop it onto toasted rye bread or crackers for a quick, tasty snack that’s perfect for parties or casual gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover German Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Since cucumbers release moisture over time, it’s best enjoyed within the day to maintain its crisp texture and creamy consistency.
Freezing
Because this salad features fresh cucumbers and a creamy dressing, freezing is not recommended. The cucumbers will become watery and lose their crispness, and the dressing can separate upon thawing, changing the texture and flavor drastically.
Reheating
This salad is meant to be served chilled, so reheating is unnecessary and not advised. Just give it a gentle stir after taking it out of the fridge to recombine any separated dressing, and enjoy it cold for the freshest taste.
FAQs
Can I use regular cucumbers instead of English cucumbers?
Yes, you can use regular cucumbers, but be sure to peel and remove the seeds before slicing to avoid bitterness and excess water, which can dilute the dressing.
Can I substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt?
Absolutely! For a tangier flavor and a lighter option, swap some or all of the sour cream with plain Greek yogurt. This tweak adds extra protein and a pleasant zing to the salad.
How thin should the cucumbers be sliced?
Thin slices are key—aim for about 1/8 inch thick or thinner. Thin slices blend beautifully with the dressing and make the salad more refreshing and easier to eat.
Is this salad suitable for a gluten-free diet?
Yes, this German Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a great choice for anyone avoiding gluten.
Can I prepare this salad ahead of time for a party?
Yes, you can prepare it a few hours ahead and refrigerate it, but avoid making it more than a day in advance to keep the cucumbers crisp and the dressing fresh.
Final Thoughts
Now that you’ve discovered how easy and delightful the German Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe is, I encourage you to give it a try soon. It’s a simple yet incredibly rewarding dish that pairs well with dozens of meals or shines splendidly on its own. Once you taste the fresh cucumbers bathed in creamy, tangy dressing accented by fragrant dill, you’ll understand why this salad is such a beloved classic. Enjoy every refreshing bite!
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German Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- 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 tangy side dish featuring thinly sliced English cucumbers and red onions tossed in a smooth, creamy dressing made with sour cream, vinegar, fresh dill, and a touch of sugar. Perfectly chilled, it offers a cool and flavorful accompaniment ideal for summer meals.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 2 large English cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 1/2 small red onion, very thinly sliced
Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Dressing
- 3/4 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon milk (optional, to thin dressing)
Instructions
- Prepare Cucumbers: Place the thinly sliced cucumbers in a colander and toss with the salt. Let them sit for 20 to 30 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Gently squeeze or pat the cucumbers dry with paper towels and transfer them to a large bowl.
- Add Onions: Add the thinly sliced red onion to the bowl with the cucumbers and mix gently.
- Make Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together the sour cream, white vinegar, granulated sugar, fresh dill, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and creamy. If the dressing feels too thick, stir in a tablespoon of milk to achieve your preferred consistency.
- Toss Salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the cucumber and onion mixture, gently tossing until everything is evenly coated.
- Chill: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld beautifully. Stir lightly before serving.
Notes
- For extra tang, substitute part of the sour cream with plain Greek yogurt.
- If using regular cucumbers instead of English cucumbers, peel them and remove excess seeds before slicing.
- This salad tastes best when served chilled and is best enjoyed the same day.
