Oh my goodness, you absolutely HAVE to try this German Cucumber Salad Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that instantly transports me back to summer days at my Oma’s house. Imagine crisp cucumbers, thinly sliced onions, and a tangy-sweet dressing that just explodes with flavor. It’s so refreshing, it’s like a cold glass of lemonade on a hot day – but way healthier! If you’re a fan of creamy coleslaw, prepare to meet your new favorite side dish because this one is lighter, brighter, and packed with that classic German zing.
What is German cucumber salad?
German Cucumber Salad, or “Gurkensalat” as my Oma called it, is a classic dish that’s popular throughout Germany and Austria. Think of it as a refreshing and flavorful side dish made primarily of thinly sliced cucumbers. It’s essentially cucumbers marinated in a sweet and tangy dressing, usually made with vinegar, sugar (or a sugar substitute), and sometimes dill or other herbs. The best part? There are so many variations! Some are creamy, some are vinegary, and every family seems to have their own secret twist. But no matter how you make it, it’s always a crowd-pleaser. My version leans towards a balance of sweet and tangy, with a hint of dill for that extra something special.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Honestly, where do I even begin? This German Cucumber Salad Recipe is a winner for so many reasons. First and foremost, the flavor is out of this world. You get the crisp coolness of the cucumbers, the subtle bite of the onion, and that incredibly satisfying sweet and tangy dressing. What I love most about this is how incredibly easy it is to make. You literally just slice, mix, and chill. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a quick and delicious side dish. Plus, it’s super budget-friendly! Cucumbers are usually pretty inexpensive, and the other ingredients are pantry staples.
And talk about versatile! You can serve this German Cucumber Salad with practically anything. Grilled chicken? Perfect. BBQ ribs? Absolutely! Sandwiches? Yes, please! I’ve even been known to sneak a spoonful straight from the bowl as a snack (don’t judge!). It’s also a great alternative to Potato Salad or macaroni salad at potlucks and picnics. Seriously, try it once, and you’ll be hooked. It’s just one of those recipes that everyone asks for!
How do I make German cucumber salad?
Quick Overview
Making this German Cucumber Salad is seriously a breeze. You’ll start by thinly slicing your cucumbers and onions (a mandoline slicer is your best friend here!). Then, you’ll whisk together the dressing – vinegar, sugar, dill, and a touch of salt and pepper. Finally, you’ll combine everything in a bowl, give it a good stir, and let it chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (but longer is better!). The chilling time is crucial because it allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Trust me, the wait is worth it!
Ingredients
What is the main salad?
* 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced (English cucumber works best because they have fewer seeds)
* 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
* 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried) (optional).
For the Dressing:
How much white vinegar should I use?
* 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (or your favorite sugar substitute, like stevia or erythritol) * 1 teaspoon distilled water.
* 1 tablespoon water
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, but adds a nice richness)
What are the steps to
Step 1: Prepare the Cucumbers and Onions
First, wash and thinly slice your cucumbers. If you’re using regular cucumbers, you might want to peel them first, but I usually leave the skin on English cucumbers for extra texture and nutrients. A mandoline slicer makes this step super quick and easy, but a sharp knife works just fine too. Then, thinly slice the red onion. I find that soaking the sliced onion in ice water for about 10 minutes helps to mellow out its flavor and prevent it from being too overpowering. Drain the onions well before adding them to the salad.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the white vinegar, sugar, water, salt, and pepper until the sugar is completely dissolved. This is important because you don’t want any grainy sugar in your salad! If you’re using olive oil, whisk it in now as well. Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning as needed. Some people prefer a sweeter dressing, while others like it more tangy, so feel free to add more sugar or vinegar to suit your taste.
Step 3: Combine and Chill
In a large bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers, red onion, and chopped dill. Pour the dressing over the cucumber mixture and toss gently to coat everything evenly. Make sure all the cucumber slices are nicely coated in the dressing. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or preferably longer. The longer it chills, the more the flavors will meld together, and the better it will taste. I often make this salad a few hours ahead of time or even the night before serving.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!
Before serving, give the salad another gentle toss to redistribute the dressing. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. If the salad seems too watery, you can drain off some of the excess liquid, but I usually don’t find this necessary. Serve the German Cucumber Salad chilled as a side dish to your favorite meal. It’s especially delicious with grilled meats, fish, or sandwiches. Enjoy!
What should I serve it with?
Okay, let’s talk pairings! This German Cucumber Salad is incredibly versatile, so you really can serve it with just about anything.
For a Classic German Meal:Serve it with a side of potato salad or bratwurst. What’s the best way to finish that authentic German feast?
For a BBQ:This salad is a refreshing alternative to heavier sides like potato salad or macaroni salad. What are some good ways to serve it with a burger, grilled chicken, or ribs?
For a light lunch:Add a scoop of German Cucumber Salad to your sandwich or wrap for extra flavor and crunch. Is it good with ham or turkey?
What is a simple dinner?Serve it as a side dish with grilled salmon or baked chicken. What is a good way to finish supper?
My family has this tradition of serving it with roasted pork loin and mashed potatoes. What makes a good salad? What is the best meal What are some good side dishes to serve with fish tacos? Is this a good book?
How do I make a German cucumber salad?
Alright, listen up because I’m about to share some of my Best Tips for making the absolute *best* German Cucumber Salad ever!
Cucumber Prep: Choose English cucumbers if you can because they have thinner skins and fewer seeds. If you’re using regular cucumbers, you might want to peel them first to avoid any bitterness. And always, always slice them thinly – a mandoline slicer is a game-changer for this!
Onion Advice: I mentioned this earlier, but it’s worth repeating: soak your sliced red onions in ice water for about 10 minutes to mellow out their flavor. This prevents them from being too overpowering and gives the salad a more balanced taste.
Dressing Customization:Don’t be afraid to play around with the dressing! If you prefer a sweeter salad, add 12 cup more sugar. If it’s tangier, use more vinegar. Is it possible to experiment with different herbs, like parsley or chives?
Chilling Time: This is crucial! The longer the salad chills, the more the flavors will meld together and the better it will taste. I recommend chilling it for at least 30 minutes, but a few hours or even overnight is even better.
Ingredient Swaps: If you don’t have red onion on hand, you can use white or yellow onion instead. Just be sure to soak it in ice water first. And if you’re not a fan of dill, you can substitute it with other herbs, like parsley or chives.
One time, I accidentally used rice vinegar instead of white vinegar, and it actually turned out to be a very good recipe. What is the taste of rice vinegar in salad? Don’t be afraid to experiment!
What are some Storing and Reheating Tips?
Okay, let’s talk about how to store this delicious German Cucumber Salad so you can enjoy it for days to come!
Refrigerator Storage: This salad is best stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 3-4 days. Just keep in mind that the cucumbers will release more liquid as they sit, so the salad may become a bit watery over time.
Freezer Instructions: I don’t recommend freezing this salad. The cucumbers will become mushy and lose their crispness when thawed. It’s best to make it fresh whenever possible.
Glaze Timing Advice: Since this recipe doesn’t have a glaze, you don’t need to worry about that! Just store the salad in an airtight container and enjoy it chilled.
I always make sure to drain any excess liquid before storing the salad to help it stay fresher for longer. And if you find that the salad has lost some of its flavor after a few days, you can always add a little more vinegar and seasoning to brighten it up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it – my family’s cherished German Cucumber Salad Recipe! It’s more than just a recipe; it’s a taste of home, a reminder of sunny summer days, and a dish that brings people together. The incredible flavor, the surprising ease, and the budget-friendly ingredients make it a true winner in my book. And if you’re looking for more delicious and easy side dish recipes, be sure to check out my other posts on potato salad, coleslaw, and macaroni salad. Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Please leave a comment below and let me know what you think. And if you make any fun variations, be sure to share them – I’m always looking for new ideas!
