Gurkensalat | Authentic German Cucumber Salad | 2- Ways

The word Gurkensalat directly translates to Cucumber Salad in English. This German Cucumber Salad is as simple as its name. It is a regular on the Salatteller (Salad Platter) in German restaurants. This salad is enjoyed in two ways – with a vinegar-sugar dressing and a creamy version using sour cream. It is best enjoyed chilled and alongside meat based mains.

How to make the German Cucumber Salad (Gurken Salat)

To begin with, slice the cucumber into uniform thin roundels (peeling the cucumber is a personal choice). Place the sliced cucumber in a strainer and sprinkle with salt and let it sit for about 30 minutes. At the end of 30 minutes, wash the brined cucumber under running water and squeeze out the excess water and set aside.

Prepare the dressing by mixing together Olive oil, vinegar (preferably white wine vinegar), sugar and black pepper until the sugar dissolves. For the creamy version of this salad, mix in Sour-cream with the rest of the ingredients for the dressing.

In a suitable sized mixing bowl, place the brined cucumber along with finely diced onion (Use red or white onion. For the creamy version, white onion gives a better appearance) and chopped Dill. Pour in the dressing and gently mix well until well coated.

Although, this salad can be enjoyed at room temperature, it is is best enjoyed chilled. So if possible, pop it into the refrigerator for sometime. This salad keeps well for up to 24 hours and is enjoyed best alongside meat based mains!

Gurkensalat | Authentic German Cucumber Salad

Jason Alfred Castelino @ www.oneplateplease.com

A fresh, easy and crispy German salad recipe of cucumber, onion n dill, coated in a sour dressing

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Brining Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Course Salad

Cuisine German

Servings 2 people

Ingredients

  

• 1 pc Cucumber, Large (peeled and thinly sliced into uniform roundels)
• 1 tbsp Rock Salt
• 1 pc Onion (Red/ White), small (finely diced)
• 3 tbsp Fresh Dill, (chopped)

for the Dressing:

• 2 tbsp Olive oil
• 2 tbsp Vinegar (preferably White Wine Vinegar) (see notes)
• ½ tbsp Sugar (see notes)
• 1 sp Black pepper (freshly cracked)

Optional:

• 2 tbsp Sour Cream

Instructions

 

Brining the Cucumber:

• Take the sliced cucumbers in a strainer and sprinkle with salt and let sit for about 30 mins
• At the end of 30mins, wash the salted cucumber slices in running water and squeeze out excess liquid

Making the Dressing:

• Mix together the olive oil (or any neutral tasting oil) with the Vinegar, Sugar and Black pepper.
• for the creamy version of the salad, mix in the sour cream into the dressing

Making the German Cucumber Salad:

• In a suitable sized mixing bowl, take the cucumber along with the onions and dill.
• Pour in the dressing and gently mix well until the cucumber is well coated with the dressing
• Check the taste and season the salad if needed.
• Preferably serve chilled!

Notes

• Sugar is added to balance the tartness of the vinegar. If you desire to make this salad sugar free, substitute the vinegar and sugar with Lemon juice.

Keyword Cucumber salad, German cucumber salad, german salad, Gurkensalat, Healthy Recipes, Healthy Salad

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By the way, have you tried the Mangalorean Coconut- Cucumber Salad – Thouschyache Karamb?