We enjoy making homemade cucumber salads. Cucumbers are refreshing, affordable, and effortlessly transform into a delicious salad. When I crave comfort food that’s both tasty and refreshing, I often opt for a simple cucumber sandwich.
.jpeg)
We include cucumbers with nearly every meal. Sometimes we simply slice them and eat them raw, while other times we prepare something more elaborate like this German cucumber salad recipe. We also enjoy making our own pickles by mixing vinegar and spices.
The only downside to this classic cucumber salad recipe is that it needs time to chill in the fridge for the best flavor. I often get too excited and want to eat it right away. I really should learn to cook when I’m not so hungry. But then again, maybe it's the enticing aromas that make me hungry no matter what!
%20_%20Maple%20+%20Mango.jpeg)
Ingredients for German Cucumber Salad :
Cucumbers: We prefer English cucumbers for this recipe, though classic cucumbers work well too. No need to peel them.
Red Onion: I should mention that using red onion deviates from the traditional recipe. This is my southern twist, but feel free to use white onion if you prefer.
Sour Cream: This key ingredient adds a distinctive kick to the salad. The combination of sour cream and white vinegar creates an unexpected yet delightful flavor. If you’re out of sour cream, we have substitution ideas for you.
Chives: Fresh chives are great but can be hard to find, so keep dried chives on hand for this recipe.
Dried Dill: While I usually prefer fresh dill, dried dill works best here, adding a unique texture. Feel free to try fresh dill if you like—you won’t regret it.
Garlic Salt: Use garlic salt sparingly. It can enhance or overwhelm the dish quickly. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t remove it once it’s in.
White Vinegar: If you’re out of white vinegar, apple cider vinegar is a good substitute.
Paprika: This might seem out of place, but it adds a subtle sweetness and flair. Avoid smoked paprika; stick with plain paprika.
Dried Parsley: Although optional, it’s a traditional ingredient that adds to the flavor. I highly recommend using it.
Sugar: We tend to go heavy on the sugar for added flavor, but you can adjust the amount to your taste or omit it entirely.
.jpeg)
Tips for Making Homemade German Cucumber Salad :
Slice the Cucumbers Thin: For best results, slice the cucumbers very thinly. Instead of using a knife, consider using a mandoline slicer or a cheese grater for more uniform slices.
Drain the Cucumbers: After slicing, spread the cucumbers on a paper towel or kitchen towel to drain excess moisture. Let them dry on the towel for about 2 hours.
Chill the Salad:For optimal flavor, let the cucumber salad chill in the refrigerator for about 6 hours before serving. Stir the salad every couple of hours to ensure the flavors are well blended.
Serving:This salad has a loose consistency by design. It’s best served in a small bowl rather than directly on a plate to manage the liquid.
How to Make German Cucumber Salad :
This is a brief overview of the steps involved in making this cucumber salad. Detailed instructions with measurements are provided below.
Easy German Cucumber Salad Recipe :
- - 2 cucumbers
- - ¼ red onion
- - ½ cup of sour cream
- - 1 teaspoon of salt
- - 2 tablespoons of white sugar
- - 2 tablespoons of white vinegar
- - 1 teaspoon of paprika
- - 2 teaspoons of dried dill
- - 1 teaspoon of dried parsley
- - 2 teaspoons of dried chives
- - ½ teaspoon of garlic salt