Crisp Meets Zest: The Bavarian Cucumber Crunch That’ll Pickle Your Fancy!

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Few dishes feel as refreshing and light as a classic German cucumber salad, or Gurkensalat. With its origins rooted in German cuisine, this salad is a staple at summer picnics and family dinners, offering a crisp, cooling contrast to heartier mains.

I first tasted this tangy, slightly sweet salad in the backyard, paired perfectly with Grilled Chicken. It instantly became a favorite of mine for its simplicity and bright flavors.

What sets this salad apart is its use of thinly sliced cucumbers tossed in a creamy, yet delicate, dressing made from sour cream, vinegar, and fresh dill.

The cucumbers absorb the tangy dressing while staying incredibly crisp, and the dill adds an aromatic freshness that elevates every bite. You can serve this as a side dish, but honestly, it’s so addictive, you might just want to eat it on its own.

I’d love to hear how you make this recipe your own! Feel free to share your twists or favorite pairings in the comments.

Why I Love This Recipe?

  • Light and Refreshing: It’s the perfect side dish for summer, keeping things light yet flavorful.
  • Simple Ingredients: You probably already have most of the ingredients on hand, making it a quick and easy go-to.
  • Versatile Pairing: Whether it’s a casual lunch or part of a barbecue spread, it fits seamlessly into any meal.
  • Easy to Customize: Add a touch of sugar or switch up the herbs to make it your own!
Top-down view of the chilled cucumber salad being served with a slotted spoon, showing the creamy dressing clinging to the cucumber slices.

German Cucumber Salad Recipe

German cucumber salad, or "Gurkensalat," is a refreshing dish made with thinly sliced cucumbers tossed in a tangy dressing of vinegar, sour cream, dill, and a touch of sugar. It’s a light, creamy side perfect for summer meals.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Salad and dressing
Cuisine German
Servings 8 people
Calories 45 kcal

Equipment

  • Mandoline Slicer
  • medium mixing bowl
  • Large salad bowl

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tbsp white vinegar
  • 1 tbsp dill
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 2 English cucumbers
  • black pepper, to taste
  • ½ tsp salt

Instructions
 

  • Start by peeling the cucumbers if preferred, then use a mandoline to slice them as thin as possible.
    Top-down view of thinly sliced cucumbers arranged on a white marble countertop, with a mandoline slicer beside them, showcasing perfectly even slices.
  • Place the slices into a large bowl.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together sour cream, vinegar, sugar, and fresh dill.
  • Season with salt and pepper to your liking.
  • Pour the dressing over the cucumbers and toss until well coated.
    Top-down view of sour cream dressing being poured over cucumber slices in a large bowl, with the salad being gently tossed to evenly coat all the slices.
  • Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to let the flavors meld.
  • Serve chilled, using a slotted spoon for easy serving.
    Top-down view of the chilled cucumber salad being served with a slotted spoon, showing the creamy dressing clinging to the cucumber slices.

Notes

  • For the best texture, slice the cucumbers as thinly as possible to allow them to absorb the dressing fully.
  • The longer the salad chills, the better the flavors will combine, so overnight refrigeration is ideal.
NutritionValue
Calories45 kcal
Carbohydrates34 g
Protein6.3 g
Sugar18 g

What To Serve With German Cucumber Salad Recipe

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