German Cucumber Salad
This is a great, easy and refreshing German Cucumber Salad that’s something a little different to the usual. Called Gurkensalat, it’s a staple side salad in every household in Germany. It’s particularly favored during the warmer weather for its cooling effects, as well as making a perfect accompaniment to counter hearty, rib-sticking German food such as Pork Knuckle.
You’ll find versions of this cucumber salad in every household in Germany, and in many German restaurants around the world. It comes in both non-creamy (oil-and-vinegar) versions as well as creamy versions like this one I’m sharing. It’s an excellent summer salad, and to serve alongside rich, meaty heavy mains. Tastes like: Juicy, creamy, and a little tangy. Refreshing and cooling, with a clean and neutral flavor. Perfect as: Summer side salad, or a base to build a stand-alone, light salad meal (eg. top with hot-smoked trout or eel, ham, fried bacon, or white anchovies). Serve alongside: Hearty, rich mains. Think: German Pork Knuckle, Schnitzel etc. Effort level: Low, especially if you have a mandoline! Storage: Keeps 2 days in the fridge.
Ingredients:
- 2 English / telegraph cucumbers
DRESSING:
- 1/2 cup sour cream (sub plain, thick yogurt)
- 1 tbsp white vinegar (plain distilled vinegar)
- 1 tsp white sugar
- 1 tbsp fresh dill , finely chopped
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Black pepper