German Cucumber Salad

Known as gurkensalat in Germany, this savory salad or side dish is a real staple during the warmer months. It contrasts so well with hearty German dishes such as schnitzel and pork knuckle. It’s a light, refreshing choice for the summer. There are creamy recipes as well as non-creamy ones made with oil and vinegar in place of the mayonnaise we would typically choose.

Although this works as a great side dish, it can also be the meal itself topped with your choice of protein, perhaps ham, smoked or roasted salmon, grilled chicken, or even juicy steak strips.

One of the most common questions about making cucumber salad (German cucumber salad and other varieties too) is whether or not you have to peel the cucumbers first. That’s up to you. Some cucumber varieties have thicker skins than others, and some people just don’t like cucumber skin, so use your own judgement here.

Why You’ll Love the Recipe:

The combination of delicate cucumber slices and a creamy dressing just gives you such a refreshing and tasty side dish. There’s no other salad quite like it and you’ll find this in every German home during the summer months.

How to Serve It:

Enjoy this alongside meat, chicken, fish, or seafood dishes. Or serve as is, topped with some salmon, chicken, steak, or your protein of choice.

Can You Make It Ahead?

You have to make this ahead, since it needs to sit for several hours for the cucumbers to leach out some of their juices and the dressing mixture to mellow.

Storage Instructions:

Keep this cucumber salad in the refrigerator and enjoy within 2 days.

Variations and Substitutions:

If you can’t get English telegraph cucumbers, use Lebanese cucumbers. They’re a bit more watery but will work at a pinch. As the cucumber juices can dilute the dressing, it’s best to use full-fat although low-fat or even thick plain yogurt would work too.

Ingredients:

• Cucumber
• White sugar
• White vinegar
• Salt
• Minced fresh dill weed
• Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
• Black pepper, to taste

How to make German Cucumber Salad:

Step 1. Peel cucumbers (optional) and cut into very thin slices (if you have a mandoline, use the 0.2-inch setting).

Step 2. Whisk the dressing ingredients together, then toss with the cucumber slices.

Step 3. Leave the salad in the fridge overnight or for at least 4 hours, then serve chilled.

You’re going to love this creamy and refreshing cucumber salad. Enjoy it with a rich meat main dish, as the Germans so, or enjoy as a summer salad with chicken or fish and some other seasonal fruits and vegetables.

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