Print Recipe

Creamy German Cucumber Salad Recipe – Oma's Norddeutscher Gurkensalat

This refreshing summer salad, the creamy cucumber salad that's popular in northern Germany, is made with simple ingredients. It's a great way to use up fresh cucumbers from the garden. It's also a perfect salad to bring along to a summer cookout since it's a perfect accompaniment to grilled meats. Have I mentioned that it's perfect? ;)

Servings:

Makes 4 servings

Ingredients:

• 2 cucumbers, peeled and thinly sliced 
• ½ cup sour cream 
• ½ teaspoon dill, preferably fresh (or more to taste)
• 1½ teaspoons lemon juice
• 1½ teaspoons granulated sugar
• salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Put the thin cucumber slices into a large bowl. Cover and refrigerate.
2. In a small bowl, mix the dressing ingredients: sour cream, dill, lemon juice, and sugar. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Refrigerate.
3. Just before serving, pour the creamy dressing over the thinly sliced cucumbers and mix.

Notes/Hints:

• If you have time, you can pre-slice the cucumbers and sprinkle them with a little salt and let them stand. Pour off the excess liquid by draining the slices in a sieve. Add the sour cream mixture to the drained cucumbers and mix.
• Use regular cucumbers or seedless cucumbers; if you use English cucumbers, there's no need to peel.
• Use apple cider vinegar, white vinegar, or white wine vinegar instead of lemon juice.
• Use low-fat sour cream, plain yogurt, or Greek yogurt instead of the regular sour cream. Use vegan yogurt for a vegan version.
• My personal preference is to leave the salad as is, however any of the following would make a great addition: thinly sliced raw onions, such as red onion, white onion, sweet onion, or green onions. Fresh chives are also delicious.
• Make variations of this recipe by experimenting with any of your favorite fresh herbs for a different taste.
• There are non-creamy versions of this delicious side dish that are popular in Southern Germany. Check out my version of a southern German cucumber salad.

*  *  *  *  *

Unless otherwise noted recipe, images and content © Just like Oma | www.quick-german-recipes.com

04.21.2023 revision update