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Gurkensalat Recipe | German Cucumber Salad

Updated: Aug 5


Funny story—after posting about my Japanese cucumber salad, a TikTok commenter mentioned Gurkensalat, the German version. I was intrigued!


Unlike the light, crisp dressing of the Japanese salad, Gurkensalat dresses the cucumbers in a creamy mix of sour cream and dill, giving it a rich texture and robust flavor. It's a whole different vibe but equally refreshing in its own right.


A stainless steel mixing bowl filled with thinly sliced cucumbers, red onion, and creamy dill dressing, with a hand holding a spoon.
Freshly mixed German cucumber salad with dill and red onions in a tangy cream dressing.

So, I took to the kitchen, adding a dash of smoked paprika and a spoonful of honey to the traditional German recipe. The result? A delightful twist that bridges the simplicity of the cucumbers with a deeper, aromatic profile. It’s definitely richer than the Japanese salad, but I love how each brings out a different side of the same vegetable.


A close-up of German cucumber salad served on a white plate, showcasing the creamy dressing coating each slice.
Creamy Gurkensalat ready to serve as a refreshing side dish.

If you’re ever curious about mixing up your salad routine, why not give this German take a try? It's a cozy yet refreshing side that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. And hey, if you’re anything like me, you’ll enjoy the playful contrast it brings next to its Japanese cousin on the dinner table.


Overhead view of German cucumber salad in a deep white bowl, garnished with a light sprinkle of herbs.
A simple yet classic German cucumber salad plated and ready to enjoy.

Ingredients:

(Serve 2)

  • Any Seedless Cucumbers, 2 Large

  • Sea Salt, 1 TSP + 1 TSP

  • Red Onion Thinly Sliced, 1

  • Sour Cream, 1/2 Cup

  • Pure Honey, 2 TBSP

  • Apple Cider Vinegar, 2 TBSP

  • Dried Dill, 1 TSP

  • Dried Parsley, 1 TSP

  • Smoked Paprika, 1/2 TSP

  • Black Pepper, Pinch

Directions:

  1. You can use a mandoline to thinly slice the cucumbers or you can simply use your kitchen knife.

  2. Transfer to a bowl and toss in 1 TSP of salt.

  3. Set it aside for 15 mins.

  4. Transfer the onion to a bowl of hot water along with 1 TSP of salt.

  5. Mix to combine well and set it aside for 15 mins.

  6. In the meantime, add the rest of the ingredients to a large mixing bowl.

  7. Mix until well combined.

  8. Squeeze out as much liquid as humanly can from the cucumbers and drain the onion.

  9. Transfer the cucumbers and onion to the sour cream mixture.

  10. Toss until well combined.

  11. Taste and adjust for seasonings with salt and pepper. You can also add more sour cream to your preference.

  12. Cover and set it aside in the fridge for at least 4 hours to overnight.

  13. Serve and enjoy.


A spoonful of creamy German cucumber salad with cucumbers and red onions lifted from a bowl.

Creamy, crunchy and nourishing…


Extreme close-up of German cucumber salad, highlighting the glossy cucumber slices and creamy herb dressing.

I still prefer the Japanese version...

Recipe Video:




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