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
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
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 70
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 280 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
