German Cucumber Salad, known as Gurkensalat, is a light, refreshing, and creamy dish that is the perfect side for a variety of meals, from hearty sausages to grilled chicken. The combination of crisp cucumbers, fresh dill, and creamy dressing with a touch of tangy vinegar makes it a great complement to rich or spicy dishes. It’s also incredibly easy to prepare, making it a go-to option for picnics, barbecues, and potlucks.
Ingredients (SCALE 1x):
- 2 telegraph cucumbers (the long ones) or 4 Lebanese cucumbers
- 1 teaspoon white sugar
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh dill weed
- ½ cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cucumbers:
- Step 1: Begin by washing the cucumbers thoroughly under cold water. If using telegraph cucumbers, there’s no need to peel them as they have a thin, edible skin. However, for Lebanese cucumbers, you can peel them if you prefer a smoother texture.
- Step 2: Slice the cucumbers very thinly, either by hand with a sharp knife or using a mandoline slicer for uniform slices. Thin slices will allow the dressing to soak into the cucumbers more effectively.
2. Salt the Cucumbers:
- Step 1: Place the sliced cucumbers in a colander and sprinkle them with ½ teaspoon of salt. Toss the cucumbers to ensure they are evenly coated with salt.
- Step 2: Let the cucumbers sit for about 15-20 minutes to draw out excess moisture. This step helps the cucumbers remain crisp when mixed with the creamy dressing.
3. Make the Dressing:
- Step 1: In a small mixing bowl, combine 1 teaspoon white sugar, 1 tablespoon white vinegar, and ½ cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt. Stir the ingredients together until well-combined.
- Step 2: Add 1 tablespoon minced fresh dill to the dressing. Dill is the key herb in this dish, providing a fresh, aromatic flavor that complements the cucumbers beautifully.
- Step 3: Taste the dressing and adjust seasoning with black pepper and more salt, if necessary.
4. Assemble the Salad:
- Step 1: After the cucumbers have released excess moisture, gently press them with a paper towel to remove any remaining water.
- Step 2: Transfer the cucumbers to a large mixing bowl and pour the prepared dressing over them.
- Step 3: Toss the cucumbers in the dressing until they are evenly coated.
5. Chill and Serve:
- Step 1: For best results, cover the salad and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and enhances the overall taste.
- Step 2: Before serving, give the salad a final stir and garnish with a bit of extra fresh dill, if desired.
Tips for the Best Cucumber Salad:
- Use Thin Slices: The thinner the cucumber slices, the better they will absorb the creamy dressing. Using a mandoline slicer can ensure uniform slices that soak up the flavors evenly.
- Let the Cucumbers Sit with Salt: This step is crucial for drawing out moisture from the cucumbers, which helps keep the salad from becoming watery. It also helps maintain the crispness of the cucumbers.
- Customize the Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter version, swap sour cream for plain Greek yogurt. For an even richer salad, you can use a mix of sour cream and mayonnaise.
- Chill for Flavor: While you can serve the salad right away, letting it sit in the fridge for 30 minutes or more enhances the flavors, making the dish more delicious as the dressing has time to soak into the cucumbers.
Variations:
- Add Red Onion: For a bit of color and extra flavor, thinly sliced red onions can be added to the salad.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Dill is the traditional herb for German cucumber salad, but you can experiment with fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or even mint for a different twist.
- Vinegar Options: White vinegar is standard for this recipe, but you can experiment with other mild vinegars, such as apple cider vinegar or rice wine vinegar, for a slightly different flavor profile.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing if you like a bit of heat in your salad.
Serving Suggestions:
- With Grilled Meats: This cucumber salad pairs wonderfully with grilled sausages, pork chops, or chicken. The cool and creamy salad is a refreshing contrast to smoky, grilled meats.
- As a Side for Barbecues: Serve this salad at your next barbecue alongside other classic sides like potato salad, coleslaw, or grilled vegetables.
- With Fish: The light, fresh flavors of this salad make it an ideal side dish for fish, whether it’s grilled, baked, or fried.
- On a Buffet Table: German cucumber salad holds up well at room temperature for a while, making it a great option for potlucks, picnics, and buffet-style meals.
Storing Leftovers:
- Refrigerate: Store any leftover cucumber salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that the cucumbers will soften slightly as they sit, but the salad will still taste delicious.
- Drain Excess Liquid: Over time, the cucumbers may release more water. If this happens, simply drain off any excess liquid and give the salad a good stir before serving.
German Cucumber Salad is a simple, refreshing, and delicious dish that adds a light, tangy, and creamy element to any meal. With minimal ingredients and easy preparation, it’s a fantastic side for barbecues, family dinners, or even casual lunches. The use of fresh dill and a creamy dressing enhances the crisp cucumbers, making it a versatile dish that’s perfect for both warm summer days and cozy winter meals. Whether you serve it with grilled meats or as part of a picnic spread, this traditional cucumber salad is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy!
