Refreshing German Cucumber Salad Recipe: Tangy Creamy Delight

A classic german cucumber salad dances with zesty flavors that will make your taste buds sing.

Cool cucumber slices mingle with a silky smooth mixture of sour cream and vinegar.

Crisp ingredients come together in minutes for a side dish that steals the spotlight.

Summer picnics and backyard gatherings become memorable when you serve this traditional recipe.

Dill adds a bright herbaceous note that complements the creamy base perfectly.

Quick and simple, this salad brings authentic german culinary charm to your table.

Prepare to savor every refreshing bite of this delightful cucumber sensation.

Variations For Refreshing And Tangy German Cucumber Salad With A Creamy Dressing

• Spicy Cucumber Remix: Add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the dressing for a fiery kick that elevates the classic salad.
• Mediterranean Cucumber Fusion: Replace sour cream with Greek yogurt, add crumbled feta cheese, and sprinkle with oregano for a Mediterranean-inspired version.
• Herb Garden Cucumber Salad: Swap dill for a mix of fresh herbs like parsley, chives, and mint to create a vibrant, herbaceous profile.
• Asian-Inspired Cucumber Crunch: Substitute white vinegar with rice vinegar, add sesame oil, and garnish with toasted sesame seeds for an Eastern flair.

Pairing Ideas For Refreshing And Tangy German Cucumber Salad With A Creamy Dressing

• Pair with Crisp Riesling: Select a chilled German Riesling with bright acidity that perfectly complements the tangy cucumber salad, balancing its creamy dressing and refreshing cucumber notes.
• Serve Alongside Grilled Bratwurst: Match the salad with traditional German bratwurst, creating a classic flavor combination where the cool, creamy cucumber provides a perfect contrast to the rich, smoky sausage.
• Enhance with Crusty Bread: Add a slice of hearty German bread like pumpernickel or sourdough to soak up the delicious dressing and provide a satisfying textural element to the light salad.
• Complement with Herbed Potato Salad: Pair the cucumber salad with a traditional German potato salad, offering a delightful medley of creamy textures and complementary herb flavors that celebrate regional cuisine.

Storage Tips For Refreshing And Tangy German Cucumber Salad With A Creamy Dressing

• Store the cucumber salad in a sealed glass or plastic container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Keep the salad chilled to maintain its crisp texture and prevent bacterial growth.
• Before storing, gently drain any accumulated liquid to prevent the salad from becoming watery and soggy.
• Avoid microwaving the salad, as it can make cucumbers mushy. Instead, let the salad sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to take off the chill.
• Skip freezing this salad, as cucumbers and creamy dressings break down and lose their texture when frozen, resulting in a separated, unappetizing mixture.

FAQs About Refreshing And Tangy German Cucumber Salad With A Creamy Dressing

• What makes the cucumber slices tender and not soggy?

Salt helps draw out excess water from cucumber slices during the 15-20 minute resting period, preventing a watery salad and ensuring crisp, flavorful cucumber pieces.

• Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?

Yes, Greek yogurt works as an excellent substitute. It provides a similar creamy texture and tangy flavor while offering a slightly healthier alternative to sour cream.

• How thin should I slice the cucumbers?

Use a mandoline or sharp knife to slice cucumbers paper-thin, about 1/8 inch thick. Thin slices help the cucumbers absorb the dressing and create a more delicate texture.

Why Refreshing And Tangy German Cucumber Salad With A Creamy Dressing Is Perfect For Summer

• Conquer Quick Preparation: Slice, salt, and dress cucumbers in mere minutes for a speedy side dish that requires minimal kitchen skills.
• Boost Flavor Complexity: Combine tangy sour cream, sharp vinegar, and fresh dill to create a creamy dressing that transforms simple cucumbers into a gourmet experience.
• Customize with Ease: Adjust ingredients like onion intensity or dill quantity to match personal taste preferences, making this recipe wonderfully adaptable for any palate.
• Serve Versatile Delight: Perfect for summer gatherings, potlucks, or as a refreshing accompaniment to grilled meats, this German cucumber salad offers a cool and zesty complement to many main courses.

Ingredients For Refreshing And Tangy German Cucumber Salad With A Creamy Dressing

• Cucumber: A crisp and watery vegetable that provides a cool base for the salad.
• Onion: A sharp-flavored vegetable that adds a zesty bite to the salad.

• Sour Cream: A rich and tangy dairy product that creates a smooth and creamy texture.
• White Vinegar: A sharp acidic liquid that balances the creaminess and adds brightness.
• Sugar: A sweet ingredient that helps balance the vinegar's tanginess.

• Black Pepper, Dill: Aromatic seasonings that enhance the salad's flavor profile with subtle spiciness and fresh herbal notes.
• Salt: A seasoning that helps draw out moisture from the cucumbers and enhances overall taste.

How To Prepare Refreshing And Tangy German Cucumber Salad With A Creamy Dressing

Step 1: Slice and Salt Cucumbers

Grab your cucumbers and decide whether to peel them. Using a sharp knife or mandoline, create paper-thin slices. Transfer the slices to a colander and sprinkle with salt. Let the cucumbers rest for 15-20 minutes, allowing excess moisture to drain. Gently pat the slices dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towel.

Step 2: Craft the Creamy Dressing

• Sour cream
• White vinegar
• Sugar
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Chopped fresh dill

Whisk the ingredients until they transform into a smooth, velvety mixture.

Step 3: Marry the Ingredients

Introduce the cucumber slices and thinly sliced onions to the creamy dressing. Carefully fold and toss, ensuring every slice gets a generous coating of the tangy sauce.

Step 4: Chill and Enhance Flavors

Pop the salad into the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This resting period allows the flavors to dance and mingle. Before serving, sprinkle some extra dill on top for a fresh, aromatic touch.

Pro Tips For Refreshing And Tangy German Cucumber Salad With A Creamy Dressing

• Drain cucumbers thoroughly to prevent watery salad and ensure crisp texture.
• Slice cucumbers uniformly using a mandoline for consistent, paper-thin pieces that absorb dressing perfectly.
• Adjust vinegar and sugar ratio to balance tanginess based on personal taste preferences.
• Use full-fat sour cream for richer, creamier dressing that coats cucumber slices evenly.
• Consider substituting Greek yogurt for a lighter, protein-packed alternative to traditional sour cream.

Refreshing and Tangy German Cucumber Salad with a Creamy Dressing Recipe

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4.7 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Cool German cucumber salad delivers crisp summer flavors with a creamy dressing that dances across your palate. Fresh ingredients and simple preparation make this classic side dish a delightful complement to hearty meals you’ll crave.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Vegetables:

• 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
• 1 small onion, thinly sliced

Dressing Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) white vinegar
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)

Seasoning:

• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Prepare a colander by slicing cucumbers thinly using a mandoline or sharp knife, maintaining uniform width for consistent texture.
2. Sprinkle salt over cucumber slices and let them rest for 15-20 minutes, allowing excess moisture to drain and concentrating flavor profiles.
3. Gently pat cucumber slices dry with paper towels to remove residual moisture and prevent diluting the dressing.
4. Whisk sour cream, white vinegar, sugar, black pepper, and chopped dill in a spacious mixing bowl until the mixture achieves a smooth, homogeneous consistency.
5. Incorporate thinly sliced onions and drained cucumber slices into the creamy dressing, carefully folding to ensure even coating.
6. Transfer the cucumber salad to a sealed container and refrigerate for minimum 30 minutes, enabling flavors to harmonize and intensify.
7. Prior to serving, give the salad a gentle stir and optionally garnish with additional fresh dill sprigs for enhanced visual appeal and herbal freshness.
8. Serve chilled as a refreshing side dish that complements grilled meats or as a standalone summer appetizer.

Notes

• Slice cucumbers paper-thin for a delicate, elegant texture that absorbs dressing perfectly.
• Salt cucumber slices beforehand to remove excess moisture, preventing a watery salad and concentrating flavors.
• Use full-fat sour cream for richer, more luxurious dressing that clings beautifully to cucumber slices.
• Experiment with herb variations like fresh chives or parsley to customize the salad’s flavor profile.
• For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt instead of sour cream to reduce calories without sacrificing creaminess.
• Serve chilled for maximum refreshment, especially during warm summer gatherings or as a cool side dish.
• Make ahead and let marinate overnight to develop deeper, more complex taste combinations.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: No-cook
• Cuisine: German

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 81 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 290 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg