Name: Amazing German Cucumber Salad Your Oma Made
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: German
Ingredients: 6 small (600 g) cucumbers, thinly sliced; 1/2 onion, thinly sliced (optional); 1 large garlic clove, grated; Sea salt & black pepper, to taste; 3/4 cup (180 g) dairy-free yogurt or sour cream; 1/2 tbsp sugar or Erythritol; 1.5 tbsp vinegar; 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped

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German cucumber salad has always been my go-to for a refreshing side dish, especially when the temperatures rise. I remember my Oma making this Gurkensalat every summer; the bright, tangy aroma of the dill and vinegar filling her kitchen always meant good times and delicious food. This creamy dressing, made with yogurt and a hint of garlic, coats the thinly sliced cucumbers perfectly, creating a delightful crunch and cool flavor. It’s so simple to whip up, making it an ideal easy German cucumber salad for any occasion. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This German Cucumber Salad

You’re going to adore this simple German cucumber salad for so many reasons:

Incredible Taste: It’s perfectly tangy, creamy, and wonderfully refreshing.
Super Quick Prep: You can have this ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
Healthy & Light: Packed with hydrating cucumbers and a yogurt-based dressing, it’s a guilt-free delight.
Budget-Friendly: Cucumbers and common pantry staples make this an economical choice.
Family Favorite: Even picky eaters usually love the mild, creamy flavor.
Versatile Pairing: It’s the perfect German cucumber salad side dish for grilled meats, BBQs, or potlucks.
Fresh Dill Flavor: The addition of fresh dill in this German cucumber salad with dill adds a bright, unmistakable freshness.
Customizable: Easily adjust the dressing to your liking, perhaps adding more dill for an extra punch of flavor in your German cucumber salad with dill.

Authentic German Cucumber Salad Ingredients

Gathering the right German cucumber salad ingredients is key to achieving that authentic Gurkensalat taste. This recipe makes a wonderfully creamy and refreshing salad that’s surprisingly simple.

6 small cucumbers (about 600g) – I prefer Persian or English cucumbers as they have fewer seeds and thinner skins, so you might not even need to peel them!
1/2 medium onion, thinly sliced – This is optional, but I find it adds a nice little bite.
1 large garlic clove, grated – Fresh garlic is a must for that vibrant flavor.
3/4 cup (180g) dairy-free yogurt or sour cream – This gives our German cucumber salad its signature creamy texture. I’ve found almond or coconut yogurt works beautifully.
1.5 tbsp vinegar – White wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar both work well here for that essential tang.
1/2 tbsp sugar or Erythritol – Just a touch to balance the acidity and bring out the cucumber’s natural sweetness.
1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped – Fresh dill is non-negotiable for that authentic German cucumber salad with dill flavor!
Sea salt & black pepper, to taste – For seasoning the cucumbers and the dressing.

How to Make Authentic German Cucumber Salad

Making this authentic German cucumber salad is a breeze, and I promise it’s even easier than it sounds! The key is in the preparation of the cucumbers and the simple, yet flavorful dressing. Let’s get this German cucumber salad made!

Step 1: Prepare the Cucumbers

First, thinly slice your cucumbers. I like to use a mandoline for perfectly even slices, but a sharp knife works too. If your cucumbers have tough or waxy skin, give them a quick peel first – otherwise, the skin adds a lovely texture. Place the sliced cucumbers in a large bowl, sprinkle them with about 3/4 teaspoon of sea salt, and give them a gentle toss. Let them sit and “sweat” for at least 20 minutes. This step is crucial for preventing a watery dressing later on. After 20 minutes, gently squeeze out any excess moisture from the cucumbers and pat them dry with a paper towel. You’ll notice they’ve softened slightly and released a lot of liquid.

Step 2: Create the German Cucumber Salad Dressing

While the cucumbers are doing their thing, let’s whip up the dressing. In a medium bowl, combine your dairy-free yogurt (or sour cream), grated garlic, sugar (or sweetener), vinegar, and fresh dill. I love the zing the garlic and vinegar give, balanced by the sweetness and the bright, herbaceous dill. Give it all a good mix until it’s smooth and well combined. Taste the dressing now and adjust the seasoning – maybe you want a little more sweetness, a touch more vinegar for tang, or a pinch more salt and pepper. This is where you make it perfectly yours!

Step 3: Combine and Chill

Now for the satisfying part of how to make German cucumber salad! Add the prepared, dried cucumbers to the bowl with the dressing. If you’re using onion, add those thinly sliced pieces now too. Gently toss everything together until all the cucumber slices are beautifully coated in the creamy dressing. It should look like a lovely, refreshing German style cucumber salad. For the best flavor, cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, softening the cucumbers just a bit more and creating that signature cool, crisp bite.

Pro Tips for the Best German Cucumber Salad

To ensure your German cucumber salad is always a hit, I’ve picked up a few tricks along the way:

Choose the right cucumbers: Opt for thin-skinned varieties like Persian or English cucumbers to minimize seeding and peeling.
Don’t skip the salting step: Salting the cucumbers draws out excess moisture, preventing a watery dressing and ensuring a better texture.
Taste and adjust: Always taste your dressing before combining with the cucumbers. Adjust the sweetness, acidity, and herbs to your personal preference.
Chill for flavor: Letting the salad chill for at least 30 minutes allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the overall taste.

What’s the secret to perfect German cucumber salad?

The secret to a perfect German style cucumber salad is twofold: properly salting the cucumbers to remove excess water and using fresh dill for that signature bright flavor. The creamy dressing also plays a huge role in its deliciousness. For more tips on creating delicious dishes, check out our about me page.

Can I make German cucumber salad ahead of time?

Yes, you absolutely can! I often make it a few hours in advance, or even the day before. Just store it covered in the refrigerator. The flavors meld even better this way. You can find more information on food preparation on our homepage.

How do I avoid common mistakes with German cucumber salad?

The most common mistake is a watery salad, which happens if you skip salting the cucumbers. Another pitfall is using dried dill instead of fresh; it just doesn’t provide the same vibrant flavor. Lastly, don’t overmix after adding the dressing, as you can bruise the cucumbers. For more information on our policies, please see our privacy policy.

Best Ways to Serve German Cucumber Salad

This refreshing German cucumber salad is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with so many dishes. It’s the perfect cool contrast to richer flavors, making it an ideal German cucumber salad side dish for summer cookouts or hearty dinners. I love serving it alongside grilled schnitzel or roasted pork, as its tanginess cuts through the richness beautifully. It’s also fantastic with bratwurst or a simple potato salad. For a lighter meal, it stands on its own with some crusty bread to soak up that delicious creamy dressing. It truly brightens up any plate! For any questions, feel free to contact us.

Nutrition Facts for German Cucumber Salad

Per serving (this recipe yields 4 servings):

Calories: 70
Fat: 2g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Protein: 3g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: N/A

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used in your German cucumber salad. For terms of use, please visit our terms of use.

How to Store and Reheat German Cucumber Salad

Proper storage is key to keeping this delicious German cucumber salad fresh and flavorful. Once you’ve finished enjoying your meal, let the salad cool down slightly before transferring it to an airtight container. I find glass containers work best for this creamy cucumber salad, as they don’t retain odors. You can store the salad in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. Unfortunately, this cucumber salad German style doesn’t freeze well because cucumbers tend to become mushy and watery when thawed. If you need to revive it after a few days, you can gently stir in a tablespoon of fresh yogurt or a splash of vinegar to brighten the flavors. Enjoy your leftovers!

Frequently Asked Questions About German Cucumber Salad

What is German cucumber salad?

German cucumber salad, or Gurkensalat, is a classic German side dish made primarily from thinly sliced cucumbers dressed in a creamy, tangy sauce. It’s known for its refreshing taste and crisp texture, often featuring dill and a yogurt or sour cream-based dressing. It’s a staple at German picnics and family meals. Learn more about food safety guidelines from the FDA.

Can I make German cucumber salad with sour cream instead of yogurt?

Absolutely! While this recipe uses dairy-free yogurt for a lighter touch, you can definitely use full-fat sour cream for a richer, more traditional German cucumber salad with sour cream. You can also use a mix of both yogurt and sour cream to get the best of both worlds – creaminess with a bit of tang.

How do I make a vegan German cucumber salad?

Making a German cucumber salad vegan is super straightforward with this recipe! Simply ensure you use a good quality plant-based yogurt, like unsweetened almond, coconut, or soy yogurt. The rest of the ingredients are naturally vegan, so you get all the authentic flavor without any animal products.

What can I serve with German cucumber salad?

It’s the perfect German cucumber salad side dish for almost anything! I love serving it with grilled meats like schnitzel, bratwurst, or pork chops. It’s also fantastic alongside potato salad, potato pancakes, or even just a hearty bread. Its coolness and tanginess really balance out richer, heavier dishes.

Variations of German Cucumber Salad You Can Try

While this recipe is wonderfully delicious as is, I love experimenting with different twists to keep things exciting! Here are a few variations you might enjoy for your German cucumber salad:

Creamy & Tangy Classic: For a richer flavor, try using full-fat sour cream instead of yogurt. This version of German cucumber salad with sour cream is incredibly decadent and satisfying. You can even do a 50/50 split of yogurt and sour cream for a balanced taste.
Completely Vegan Delight: If you’re aiming for a fully plant-based meal, this recipe is already a fantastic German cucumber salad vegan option! Just ensure you use your favorite unsweetened vegan yogurt, like coconut, soy, or almond milk-based varieties. They all lend a lovely creaminess.
Herbal Boost: Don’t have dill? No problem! Fresh chives or parsley can be substituted for a slightly different, but equally delicious, herbal note in your salad. A sprinkle of fresh mint can also add a surprisingly refreshing twist.
Spicy Kick: For those who like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a finely minced jalapeño to the dressing. It adds a lovely warmth that complements the cool cucumbers beautifully.