Name: an Cucumber Salad with a Creamy Dressing Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: German
Ingredients: 2 large English cucumbers, thinly sliced; ¼ small red onion, thinly sliced (optional); 1 teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon sugar; ½ cup sour cream; 1 tablespoon white vinegar; 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped

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If you’re looking for a dish that embodies crispness, freshness, and a creamy, tangy bite, an Cucumber Salad with a Creamy Dressing is your new go-to. This German-inspired salad delivers a delightful contrast between crunchy cucumbers and a rich, herby dressing that’s light enough for hot summer days yet satisfying year-round. The coolness of cucumbers, the zing of vinegar, and the lushness of sour cream all combine for a bowl of pure comfort that will have everyone asking for seconds!

an Cucumber Salad with a Creamy Dressing Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of an Cucumber Salad with a Creamy Dressing lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient is there for a reason, adding depth to the flavor profile or that perfect touch of texture, color, or aroma. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:

English cucumbers: Thinly sliced for maximum crunch and juiciness; their tender skins mean you don’t need to peel them.
Salt: Essential for drawing out excess water from the cucumbers, intensifying flavor and improving texture.
Sour cream: The creamy base that gives the dressing its luscious texture and tangy richness.
White vinegar: Adds a bright, sharp note that keeps the dressing light and highlights the cucumbers.
Fresh dill: Brings a burst of herby freshness and that classic German salad flavor.
Sugar: Just a touch to balance the tanginess and round out the flavors.
Black pepper: For gentle heat and a subtle earthy kick.
Red onion (optional): Thinly sliced for a pop of color and a hint of mild sharpness that complements the creaminess.

How to Make an Cucumber Salad with a Creamy Dressing

Step 1: Salt and Rest the Cucumbers

Start by placing your thinly sliced cucumbers in a colander and sprinkle them with salt. Give them a quick toss to ensure every slice is coated. This step is key for an Cucumber Salad with a Creamy Dressing, as salting draws out excess moisture, keeping your salad crisp instead of watery. Let them rest for 20 to 30 minutes while you prepare the dressing.

Step 2: Pat the Cucumbers Dry

After the cucumbers have released their water, gently press them with a clean tea towel or paper towels to blot away the moisture. This extra minute of effort makes a big difference, ensuring your creamy dressing clings perfectly to every bite.

Step 3: Whisk Together the Creamy Dressing

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sour cream, white vinegar, fresh dill, sugar, and black pepper until everything’s silky smooth. This is the heart of an Cucumber Salad with a Creamy Dressing, delivering that signature tang and herby aroma.

Step 4: Toss and Combine

Add your drained cucumbers to the bowl with the dressing. If you love a little extra color and bite, toss in the thinly sliced red onion now. Gently mix until every slice is luxuriously coated in the creamy dressing.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

For the best flavor, cover the bowl and let your salad chill in the fridge for at least 15 minutes. This quick rest melds the flavors, making each forkful of an Cucumber Salad with a Creamy Dressing irresistibly refreshing and tangy. Serve cold for maximum crunch!

How to Serve an Cucumber Salad with a Creamy Dressing

Garnishes

Sprinkle a little extra chopped fresh dill or a crack of black pepper right before serving. For a pop of color, you can also add a few thin rings of red onion or a handful of microgreens. These simple touches make your an Cucumber Salad with a Creamy Dressing look as inviting as it tastes!

Side Dishes

This salad is incredibly versatile. Pair it with juicy grilled sausages, classic schnitzel, or crispy roasted potatoes for a true German experience. It also shines as a cooling side for spicy barbecue dishes or alongside lighter mains like baked fish or rotisserie chicken.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your an Cucumber Salad with a Creamy Dressing in individual mason jars for a picnic, or spoon it into endive leaves for refreshing party bites. Layering the salad over a bed of baby greens adds even more color and transforms it into a light lunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover an Cucumber Salad with a Creamy Dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and crisp for up to two days, though the cucumbers may soften slightly as they absorb more of the dressing.

Freezing

This salad isn’t suited for freezing, as cucumbers lose their crunch and the creamy dressing can separate after thawing. For best results, enjoy it within a couple of days of making it.

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat an Cucumber Salad with a Creamy Dressing! It’s meant to be served cold, straight from the fridge. If you find the dressing has thickened too much, just stir in a teaspoon of milk to loosen it up before serving.

FAQs

Can I use regular cucumbers instead of English cucumbers?

Absolutely! Just peel and deseed them first, since their skins are thicker and seeds larger. English cucumbers have a more delicate texture, but regular ones work in a pinch.

Can I make an Cucumber Salad with a Creamy Dressing ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the salad a few hours in advance. In fact, chilling it for at least 15 minutes helps the flavors meld. Just give it a quick stir before serving in case any liquid has collected at the bottom.

What if I don’t have fresh dill?

Dried dill can be substituted, but use about half the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated. If you don’t have dill at all, try chives or parsley for a different but still delicious note.

Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes, an Cucumber Salad with a Creamy Dressing is naturally gluten-free, making it a fantastic option for guests with dietary restrictions. Just double-check your sour cream and vinegar labels to be sure.

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?

Definitely! Greek yogurt gives the dressing a tangier, slightly thicker consistency. Many people love the added protein and probiotic boost yogurt brings to the dish.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a dish that’s cool, crunchy, and creamy all at once, you simply have to try an Cucumber Salad with a Creamy Dressing. It’s the kind of recipe that never goes out of style and always leaves a refreshing impression. Give it a whirl and let it brighten up your next meal!

an Cucumber Salad with a Creamy Dressing Recipe

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4.8 from 29 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This refreshing and tangy German cucumber salad features thinly sliced English cucumbers tossed in a creamy dressing made with sour cream, white vinegar, fresh dill, and a touch of sugar. Lightly seasoned and chilled, it’s a perfect cool side dish that pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, schnitzel, or roasted potatoes, ideal for summer meals and gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables

2 large English cucumbers, thinly sliced
¼ small red onion, thinly sliced (optional)

Seasonings

1 teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon sugar

Dressing

½ cup sour cream
1 tablespoon white vinegar
1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped

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Instructions

Salt the Cucumbers: Place the thinly sliced cucumbers in a colander, sprinkle evenly with 1 teaspoon of salt, then toss to coat. Let them rest for 20 to 30 minutes to draw out excess water, which helps keep the salad crisp rather than watery.
Drain and Dry: After resting, gently press the cucumbers with your hands or pat them dry using paper towels to remove the moisture released by salting. This ensures the salad’s texture remains fresh and crunchy.
Prepare the Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together ½ cup sour cream, 1 tablespoon white vinegar, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill, 1 teaspoon sugar, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
Toss the Salad: Add the dried cucumbers and thinly sliced red onion (if using) to the bowl with the dressing. Toss everything together gently but thoroughly to make sure each slice is evenly coated with the creamy, tangy dressing.
Chill Before Serving: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 15 minutes. Chilling allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the refreshing taste before serving.

Notes

For a richer and creamier texture, substitute half of the sour cream with Greek yogurt.
Apple cider vinegar can be used instead of white vinegar for a slightly sweeter and fruitier kick.
This salad pairs excellently with grilled meats, traditional schnitzel, or hearty roasted potatoes, making it a versatile accompaniment for many meals.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: German