Creamy German Cucumber Salad

I had a reader with eagle eyes spot this side dish in a recipe I posted years ago for pan seared lamb chops and message me asking to share it. Somehow I have never posted this simple traditional recipe that is one of my favorite German foods! We ate plenty of gurkensalat (aka, this creamy, dreamy, herby cucumber salad) when we lived in Germany. This dish is a staple in German cuisine, and has been enjoyed by families for generations. It has a delightfully perfect balance of flavors and textures that will bring back wunderbar memories! This Creamy German Cucumber Salad is not only a delicious and refreshing side dish but also versatile and easy to customize with simple ingredients. Enjoy it as part of a traditional German meal with our favorite schnitzel recipe or as a standout addition to your next barbecue or family dinner! If you love delicious salads using farmer’s market veggies during the summer, check out my Greek Potato Salad, Fig & Pistachio Salad with Easy Balsamic Dressing, Heirloom Tomato Salad with Burrata, Classic Bacon Broccoli Salad, and Roasted Beet Salad with Goat Cheese & Pistachios!

Why We Love This Recipe

The combination of fresh cucumbers, tangy vinegar, and creamy sour cream creates a harmonious balance that is satisfying, light, and refreshing, making it the perfect side dish for hot summer days. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a dish that tastes gourmet without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s also versatile, allowing for easy substitutions based on what you have on hand. Whether you’re serving it at a family barbecue or a formal dinner, its familiar flavors and appealing presentation make it a family favorite for all ages. Plus, it is the perfect accompaniment to a variety of main dishes, adding a crisp, refreshing contrast to heavier meals.

What You’ll Need

Scroll down to the recipe card below this post for ingredient quantities and full instructions.

English Cucumbers – These cucumbers have thin skins and small seeds, making them ideal for salads. If you don’t have English cucumbers, regular or Persian cucumbers can be used. Kosher Salt – Helps to draw out excess moisture from the cucumbers. Sour Cream – Creates a creamy, tangy dressing that coats the cucumbers beautifully. Greek yogurt can be used as a healthier alternative. Granulated Sugar – Balances the acidity of the vinegar and enhances the overall flavor. White Vinegar – Adds a tangy kick. You can substitute with apple cider vinegar, white wine vinegar, or lemon juice for different flavor profiles. Fresh Dill – Provides a fresh, herbaceous note that complements the cucumbers perfectly. Dried dill can also be used if needed. Minced Garlic Clove (optional) – Adds a subtle depth of flavor to the dressing. Red Onion (optional) – Adds a sharp, tangy flavor and vibrant color to the salad. Freshly Ground Black Pepper – Enhances all the other flavors in the salad.

How to Make Traditional German Cucumber Salad

Tips for Success

For the best results, use fresh cucumbers that are firm and crisp. Avoid cucumbers that are soft or have blemishes, as they may not hold up well in the salad. Use a mandoline slicer or a sharp knife to cut the cucumbers into thin, uniform slices. This ensures they absorb the dressing evenly and stay crunchy. Salting the cucumbers and onions before adding the dressing helps to draw out excess moisture, preventing the salad from becoming too watery. Be sure to blot them well with paper towels after salting. Allow the salad to chill for at least 8 hours before serving. This gives the flavors time to meld and develop, resulting in a more delicious salad. Before serving, taste the salad and adjust the seasoning as needed. A little extra salt, pepper, or dill can enhance the flavors and make the salad even more delicious.

Substitutions and Variations

Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter, tangier dressing. Substitute the white vinegar for apple cider vinegar for a slightly sweeter and fruitier taste. Use white wine vinegar for a milder acidity that blends seamlessly with the creamy dressing. Experiment with other fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or tarragon for different flavor profiles. Add additional vegetables, such as thinly sliced radishes, carrots, or bell peppers for extra crunch and color. Drizzle a little balsamic vinegar over the top of each serving for an extra sweet and tangy glaze.

More Staple Side Salad Recipes

Seafood Pasta Salad Loaded Baked Potato Salad Fig & Pistachio Salad with Easy Balsamic Vinegar Dressing Curried Chicken Salad Italian Pasta Salad Caprese Salad Creamy Pea Salad with Bacon BBQ Chicken Cobb Salad

For a traditional German meal, serve this salad alongside German potato salads and sausages. It’s also great with schnitzel or pork chops, offering a crisp, cool complement to these hearty dishes. Let me know what you thought with a comment and rating below. You can also take a picture and tag me on Instagram @houseofnasheats or share it on the Pinterest pin so I can see.