If you’re craving something crisp, cool, and bursting with bright flavors, you’ve got to try this Refreshing and Tangy German Cucumber Salad with a Creamy Dressing Recipe. It’s a delightful mix of thinly sliced cucumbers tossed in a lush sour cream and dill dressing, offering that perfect balance of creaminess and tanginess. Whether you’re looking to complement a hearty main or simply want a quick, light side dish, this salad brings a vibrant freshness that’s downright addictive. Plus, it’s incredibly simple to make with just a few fresh ingredients that highlight the classic German taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients are the heart and soul of this salad, each adding its own touch to the taste, texture, and color that make it so inviting. From cool cucumbers to fragrant dill and a creamy dressing, every element shines through in this vibrant dish.
- 2 large English cucumbers: Their thin slices provide a crisp, juicy base with a mild flavor that soaks up the dressing beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Draws out excess water from cucumbers, ensuring your salad stays perfectly crunchy and not watery.
- ½ cup sour cream: Creates a rich and creamy texture that balances the tangy vinegar perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar: Adds a sharp, acidic bite that livens up the dish without overpowering it.
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill (chopped): Brings that unmistakable herbal aroma and a touch of brightness.
- 1 teaspoon sugar: Softens the acidity just enough to create harmony between flavors.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: A subtle hint of heat to round off the seasoning.
- ¼ small red onion (optional, thinly sliced): Adds an extra layer of crunch and gentle sharpness for those who love a bit more bite.
How to Make Refreshing and Tangy German Cucumber Salad with a Creamy Dressing Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cucumbers
Start by slicing your English cucumbers as thinly as possible—a mandoline works wonders here. Place them in a colander, sprinkle with salt, and toss gently to coat all the slices. Let them rest for about 20 to 30 minutes. This step is key to pulling out excess moisture, so your salad remains crisp and avoids sogginess.
Step 2: Drain and Dry
After the cucumbers have rested, gently press them with your hands or use paper towels to pat them dry. Removing this extra water is essential to keep the creamy dressing from becoming too thin and to preserve that satisfying crunch we all love.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Dressing
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sour cream, white vinegar, chopped fresh dill, sugar, and black pepper until smooth. This creamy dressing is what gives the salad its signature tangy yet mellow flavor, perfectly balancing the crisp cucumbers.
Step 4: Combine and Chill
Add your cucumbers and optional red onion slices into the bowl with the dressing. Toss everything together until the cucumber slices are evenly coated. For best results, let the salad chill in the fridge for at least 15 minutes. This allows flavors to meld and enhances that refreshing tang that makes this recipe so special.
How to Serve Refreshing and Tangy German Cucumber Salad with a Creamy Dressing Recipe
Garnishes
For an inviting presentation, sprinkle a little more chopped fresh dill on top just before serving. A few cracked black peppercorns or a light dusting of paprika can add a subtle pop of color and extra flavor dimension, making the salad look as fantastic as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This creamy cucumber salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats like bratwurst or schnitzel, providing a cool counterpoint to rich, savory flavors. It’s also perfect alongside roasted potatoes or fresh crusty bread, creating a well-rounded plate that satisfies every craving.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the salad in chilled individual bowls or mason jars for a fresh picnic vibe. Layer it on top of butter lettuce leaves for a light, crisp salad cup experience. You could even turn it into a sandwich topping on rye bread to add a moist, refreshing crunch that elevates your lunch game.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that the cucumbers might release more moisture over time, so give the salad a gentle stir before serving again to redistribute the dressing evenly.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh, so freezing is not recommended. The cucumbers will lose their crisp texture and become mushy upon thawing, which takes away from the refreshing quality of the dish.
Reheating
No reheating needed here! This salad shines cold right out of the fridge, making it an ideal make-ahead side dish that’s ready to enjoy the moment you pull it out.
FAQs
Can I use regular cucumbers instead of English cucumbers?
Absolutely, you can use regular cucumbers but English cucumbers are preferred because they have fewer seeds and thinner skin, lending to a more delicate texture and less bitterness in the salad.
Is there a dairy-free version of this salad?
Yes! You can substitute the sour cream with dairy-free alternatives like coconut yogurt or cashew cream to achieve a similar creamy texture while keeping it light and refreshing.
How long should I salt the cucumbers for?
About 20 to 30 minutes is perfect. This time extracts moisture but doesn’t let the cucumbers become too wilted or salty, maintaining their crispness and balance in flavor.
Can I prepare this salad the night before?
You can prepare the dressing and cucumbers a few hours in advance, but avoid combining them overnight to keep the cucumbers from getting soggy. Toss just before serving for maximum freshness.
What other herbs can I use if I don’t have dill?
Tarragon or fresh parsley make good substitutes, although dill’s distinctive bright, slightly tangy flavor is what really defines this recipe. Experiment if you like, but expect a slightly different taste profile.
Final Thoughts
This Refreshing and Tangy German Cucumber Salad with a Creamy Dressing Recipe is truly a gem — simple, vibrant, and so satisfying. It’s one of those dishes you’ll find yourself returning to again and again, especially when you want something that feels light and refreshing without skimping on flavor. I can’t wait for you to try it and add a little slice of German freshness to your table!
Print
Refreshing and Tangy German Cucumber Salad with a Creamy Dressing Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: German
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten Free
Description
This refreshing and tangy German Cucumber Salad features thinly sliced cucumbers tossed in a creamy dressing of sour cream, white vinegar, fresh dill, and a touch of sugar and pepper. The cucumbers are salted and drained to remove excess water, resulting in a crisp, flavorful salad perfect as a light side dish for summer meals or traditional German fare like schnitzel.
Ingredients
Cucumber Salad
- 2 large English cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ small red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
Creamy Dressing
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Salt the Cucumbers: Place the sliced cucumbers in a colander and sprinkle them evenly with 1 teaspoon of salt. Toss gently to coat the slices with salt, then let them sit for 20 to 30 minutes. This step helps draw out excess water from the cucumbers to prevent the salad from becoming watery.
- Remove Excess Moisture: After the resting period, gently press the cucumbers or pat them dry with paper towels to remove the drawn-out moisture, ensuring the salad stays crisp.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sour cream, white vinegar, chopped fresh dill, sugar, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Toss Salad Ingredients: Add the drained cucumbers and optional thinly sliced red onion into the bowl with the dressing. Toss everything together gently until the cucumbers are thoroughly coated with the creamy dressing.
- Chill Before Serving: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 15 minutes. This chilling allows the flavors to meld and enhances the salad’s refreshing taste. Serve cold as a delicious side dish.
Notes
- For an extra creamy texture, substitute half the sour cream with Greek yogurt.
- Apple cider vinegar can be used instead of white vinegar for a slightly sweeter tang.
- This cucumber salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, schnitzel, or roasted potatoes.
