Gurkensalat (Cucumber Salad)

Creamy and refreshing cucumber salad with a unique blend of flavors. Gurkensalat is a flavorful and zesty cucumber salad. The blend of fresh sliced cucumbers and smooth sour cream dressing creates a tangy salad to enjoy. 

Traditional Gurkensalat (German Cucumber Salad) 

Gurkensalat is a traditional German salad. It is a well-known classic side dish in Germany. This is a creamy and refreshing salad served at various German restaurants. In addition, this salad is also available, made ready, in many German supermarkets. Gurkensalat can be made slightly different in Germany depending on the region of the country.

There are variations of this cucumber salad. German cucumber salads can be made with or without the sour cream. German dill cucumber salad is made with a vinegar-based dressing. The salad is generally made with dill, cucumber, onion, and an oil and vinegar salad dressing without the sour cream. The ingredients can also vary from the herbs used to the type of onion and the additional ingredients added, like sugar or milk.

Gurkensalat (Creamy Cucumber Salad) 

Gurkensalat, a creamy cucumber salad, is made of thinly sliced cucumber, onion, dill, and a creamy sour cream dressing. Then the salad is then refrigerated for a chilled-flavored salad.

I opted for English cucumbers for this salad. Salad cucumbers that are seedless work great. For the onion, I used yellow onion, which is commonly used in Germany. I have also used red onion for this salad. Thinly sliced red onion provides a pop of color to this cucumber salad. As for the herb, dill is a common ingredient option. Fresh dill provides a unique flavor for the cucumber salad. Herbs like parsley or dill, can be omitted if the flavor is not agreeable.

The sour, creamy dressing is a delicious component, creating the creaminess in this salad. You can opt to add less sour cream if you would like a less creamy salad or opt to add more sour cream, providing a creamier texture for the cucumber salad. I combined sour cream, Dijon mustard, white vinegar, and dill, then seasoned with salt and black pepper. The salad dressing ingredients can be made differently. Yogurt, other types of vinegar, and herbs can be used for the sour cream dressing. 

Chill Cucumber Salad  

It is best to refrigerate the cucumber salad for a minimum of half an hour to an hour prior to serving. Refrigerating the salad for a few hours or even overnight is also a great option. This gives the salad a refreshing and chilled flavor.  

Gurkensalat (Cucumber Salad) Ingredients

Cucumber (English Cucumber): Refreshing, watery, and crunchy texture with a light, mild flavor. Seedless cucumbers work great for this salad. Alternative: Persian cucumbers.  

Onion (Yellow Onion): Sharp yet mildly sweet-flavored onion. Alternatives: white, sweet, or red onions.

Salad Dressing  

Sour Cream: The essential ingredient for the salad dressing. Clean milk with a slightly sour flavor and a thick, creamy, and smooth texture.  

Dijon Mustard: Adds a sharp, tangy, and spicy mustard flavor to the salad dressing with a smooth and creamy texture. Alternative: mustard.  

Vinegar (White Vinegar): Tangy, sharp, and clear, with a watery texture. Alternative: apple cider vinegar.  

Dill: An herb with a strong, grassy, and mild flavor that is great to add to salads. Alternatives: chives or parsley.

Salt: A hint of salty flavor to the salad dressing.  

Ground Black Pepper: Spicy flavor seasoning that adds a hint of flavor to the sour cream salad dressing. 

 

Gurkensalat (Cucumber Salad) Instructions 

Salad Ingredients  

1. Cucumbers. 
2. Peel the cucumber.
3. Slice and cut the cucumber thinly.  
4. Pat dry the sliced cucumbers. (This helps to remove excess water and prevents a watery salad.)

Slice the onion into half-moon shapes. Finely cut the dill into small pieces. 

Salad Dressing  

1. In a bowl, add the sour cream, Dijon mustard, white vinegar, salt, and black pepper.  
2. Mix the ingredients until combined. Refrigerate the salad dressing for about half an hour or more. (This helps with the texture of the salad dressing.)
3. Add the dill to the salad dressing.
4. Mix the dill until combined. 

Assemble the salad bowl.  

1. In a bowl, add the sliced cucumber.
2. Add the sliced onion.
3. Add the salad dressing. 
4. Gently combine the salad ingredients. 

Storage  

It is best to store this cucumber salad in the refrigerator and not at room temperature or in the freezer. Leaving or keeping the salad left out for too long could spoil the salad. Store the cucumber salad in an airtight container or glass jar in the refrigerator. It is not recommended to store the salad in the freezer, and it can also spoil. 

Thoughts 

Gurkensalat is a tasty and cool cucumber salad that is great to make for its simplicity and flavor. This is a creamy German salad that I like to make as a side dish that pairs well with a variety of spring and grilled dishes. The blend of refreshing, flavorful, and zesty ingredients creates an appetizing cucumber salad to enjoy. 

Recipe 

Ingredients 

• 2 cucumbers 
• ¼ yellow onion 

Salad Dressing 

• ½ cup sour cream 
• ¼ teaspoon Dijon mustard 
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar 
• 2 tablespoons fresh, minced dill 
• Salt to taste
• Ground black pepper to taste 

 
Instructions 

Salad ingredients. Peel and slice the cucumbers thinly. Cut and slice the onion into half-moon shape slices. Finely cut the dill into small pieces. 

Salad dressing. In a bowl, add the sour cream, Dijon mustard, white vinegar, dill, salt, and black pepper. 

Assemble the salad bowl. In a bowl, add the sliced cucumber, onion, and the salad dressing. Gently combine the salad ingredients. 

Refrigerate. Prior to serving, refrigerate the salad for at least half an hour.

Garnish. Garnish the salad with dill.