This refreshing German cucumber salad is a perfect side dish for any meal. With its crisp cucumbers and tangy vinegar dressing, it brings a delightful crunch and burst of flavor to your table. Simple to prepare and incredibly tasty, it's a great way to enjoy fresh produce.
While most of the ingredients for this Gurkensalat are common, you might need to pay attention to the fresh dill. It's not always a staple in every household, but it adds a unique and essential flavor to the salad. Look for it in the fresh herbs section of your supermarket.

Ingredients For Gurkensalat German Cucumber Salad
Cucumbers: Thinly sliced for a crisp texture.
Red onion: Adds a sharp, tangy flavor.
White vinegar: Provides the tangy base for the dressing.
Water: Dilutes the vinegar slightly for balance.
Sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to the dressing.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor.
Black pepper: Adds a hint of spice.
Fresh dill: Chopped and sprinkled for a fresh, herby finish.
Technique Tip for Making German Cucumber Salad
To achieve the perfect texture for your cucumbers, use a mandoline slicer to ensure they are evenly thinly sliced. This not only enhances the presentation but also allows the vinegar mixture to penetrate the cucumbers more effectively, resulting in a well-balanced flavor.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
cucumbers - Substitute with zucchini: Zucchini has a similar texture and mild flavor, making it a good alternative for cucumbers in salads.
red onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a milder and slightly sweeter taste compared to red onion, which can complement the salad well.
white vinegar - Substitute with apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar has a similar acidity level and adds a slightly fruity note that can enhance the flavor profile.
water - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can add a bit more depth and flavor to the dressing compared to plain water.
sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey provides a natural sweetness and a bit more complexity in flavor compared to sugar.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can offer a more nuanced flavor compared to regular salt.
black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a slightly different heat profile and can blend more seamlessly into the dressing.
fresh dill - Substitute with fresh parsley: Fresh parsley provides a bright, herbaceous flavor that can stand in for fresh dill in the salad.
Other Alternative Recipes Similar to This German Cucumber Salad
How to Store / Freeze This German Cucumber Salad
- To maintain the crispness of your cucumbers, store the Gurkensalat in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will keep it fresh for up to 2-3 days.
- If you plan to enjoy the salad over several days, consider storing the dressing separately from the vegetables. This prevents the cucumbers from becoming overly soggy.
- For best results, add the fresh dill just before serving to retain its vibrant flavor and aroma.
- Freezing Gurkensalat is not recommended as the cucumbers and onions will lose their texture and become mushy upon thawing.
- If you must freeze, do so without the dressing. Freeze the sliced cucumbers and onions in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Thaw in the refrigerator and add the dressing and dill just before serving.
- Always use fresh ingredients for the best taste and texture, especially when it comes to the cucumbers and dill.
- If you notice any off smells or slimy textures, it’s best to discard the salad to ensure food safety.
How to Reheat Leftovers
- If you must reheat Gurkensalat, it's best to do so gently to maintain its crisp texture. Here are a few methods:
Room Temperature Method:
- Remove the cucumber salad from the fridge.
- Let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes.
- This method helps to take the chill off without compromising the crunchiness of the cucumbers and onions.
Microwave Method:
- Place the Gurkensalat in a microwave-safe bowl.
- Cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent.
- Microwave on low power (30-40%) for 20-30 seconds.
- Stir gently and check the temperature. Repeat if necessary, but avoid overheating to keep the vegetables crisp.
Warm Water Bath Method:
- Fill a larger bowl with warm (not hot) water.
- Place the container of cucumber salad in the warm water.
- Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- This method gently warms the salad without making it soggy.
Stovetop Method:
- Place a small saucepan over low heat.
- Add the Gurkensalat and stir continuously for 1-2 minutes.
- Remove from heat as soon as it reaches the desired temperature to avoid cooking the cucumbers.
Remember, Gurkensalat is traditionally served cold, so reheating is not typically necessary. However, if you prefer it slightly warmer, these methods will help maintain its delightful texture and flavor.
Best Tools for Making German Cucumber Salad
Cutting board: A flat surface to safely slice the cucumbers and red onion.
Chef's knife: A sharp knife to thinly slice the cucumbers and red onion.
Mixing bowl: A large bowl to combine the vinegar, water, sugar, salt, and pepper, and to mix in the cucumbers and onions.
Measuring cups: To accurately measure the white vinegar and water.
Measuring spoons: To measure the sugar, salt, and pepper precisely.
Whisk: To mix the vinegar, water, sugar, salt, and pepper until the sugar dissolves.
Chopping knife: A smaller knife to chop the fresh dill.
Refrigerator: To chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Serving bowl: To present the salad once it has chilled.
How to Save Time on Making This German Cucumber Salad
Use a mandoline: Slice cucumbers and onions quickly and evenly with a mandoline.
Pre-mix the dressing: Combine vinegar, water, sugar, salt, and pepper in advance and store in the fridge.
Chill in advance: Prepare the salad the night before and let it chill overnight for better flavor.
Batch prep: Double the recipe and store extra servings in the fridge for quick meals later.
Use dried dill: If fresh dill is not available, use dried dill to save time on chopping.
Gurkensalat German Cucumber Salad Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup white vinegar
- ¼ cup water
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix vinegar, water, sugar, salt, and pepper until sugar dissolves.
- Add cucumbers and onions to the bowl.
- Toss to coat.
- Sprinkle with dill.
- Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Nutritional Value
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