German Cucumber Salad

Apparently I have a secret love of cucumber salads that I didn’t even know I had, because this is the fourth cucumber salad from around the world that I have published!

It is amazing to me that so many different countries can have a similar take on the same ingredient but yet they can all be so different. Like Thai cucumber salad with crunchy peanuts, red onions and cilantro! Or mediterranean cucumber salad with radishes and oregano! And don’t forget Swedish cucumber salad with dill and red onions.

I love them all, but this German cucumber salad is also special and deserves recognition with its creamy tangy dressing, sliced onions and plenty of fresh dill, its zesty, tangy, crunchy, and so satisfying to eat!

Here is a brief overview of what you need to have on hand for this recipe. For the full recipe, including amounts and directions, please scroll down to the recipe card below:

• Cucumbers – For this recipe I like hot house cucumbers, but any variety you have on hand will do just fine! Slice them as thin as you can.
• A Small Onion – You need a small white or yellow onion, sliced or diced thinly.
• Dill – Use fresh dill for the best flavor! No, you cannot sub out another herb and get the same flavor. Please don’t ask me. You need dill.
• Sour Cream – Full fat for the best flavor, but a light version will also work. You can also substitute for plain greek yogurt, too.
• White Wine Vinegar – This is going to just us the zest and tang in our dressing. You could substitute with rice vinegar or champagne vinegar, even apple cider vinegar and be fine here, too.
• Sugar – Just a pinch of granulated sugar helps sweeten and balance the flavors just a tad.
• Salt and Pepper – for seasoning!

How to make this cucumber salad recipe

Here is a brief overview of how to make this recipe. For the full set of directions, please scroll down to the recipe card below.

1. Slice the cucumbers as thin as you can, and chop or slice the onion as small as you can, and chop the fresh dill.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the ingredients for the dressing.
3. Add the cucumbers, onion, and dill to a bowl, and then toss with the dressing.
4. Chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour to let the flavors marinate, but 4 hours is better. As the salad sits, the dressing will become more “wet”, so give it a good toss before you serve.

Recipe Note: If you want your salad to have a thicker, less wet dressing, you can lay your cucumber slices out in a single layer, sprinkle with salt, and let them sit for 15-20 minutes to release excess moisture. Then blot dry with a paper towel before mixing the rest of the salad.

Kids in the kitchen: How your kids can help

One of the best ways to get kids interested in eating new foods is to get them involved! Here are some easy ways your kids can help you make this easy cucumber salad

• Kids aged 1-3 can help you measure wash the cucumbers, pick the dill leaves off the stems, and measure and mix the dressing.
• Kids aged 4-6 can help you do everything above plus help you cut the cucumbers into slices and toss the ingredients together.
• Kids aged 7-10+ can help you do everything above, plus help slice the onion, with supervision. 

*Please note that these recommendations are generalized, and to please use your personal discretion with your child’s skill level. And always, always supervise! Read more about how to have your children help you in the kitchen.

How to serve German Cucumber Salad

This side dish goes well with so many meals, you could easily serve it any way you want! It would be a fantastic dish to take to a picnic or bbq get together, but it also makes a great addition to a weeknight meal.

I recommend serving it as part of a complete German themed meal with Pork Schnitzel and homemade German egg noodles!