If you’ve ever wondered what a proper German pickle salad might look like — this is it. Crunchy, briny, creamy, and just a little bit chaotic (in the best way). Instead of raw cucumbers, we go straight for the good stuff: real pickles, smashed and soaked in their own brine, then tossed with fresh dill, sour cream, and a little celery for an extra bite. It’s fast, it’s fun to make, and it’s the perfect no-fuss side dish for grilled meats, schnitzel, or even a crusty rye sandwich.
German Pickle Salad
A briny, creamy, herb-packed salad that smashes pickles (literally) into a bold, refreshing side that’s ready in minutes and built for schnitzel, sausages, or summer grilling days.
Ingredients
- ½ medium red onion thinly sliced
- 4 whole dill pickles (or 16 spears) plus 1 tbsp brine
- 1 cucumber, large
- 2 celery stalks thinly sliced
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 tbsp mayonnaise
- ¼ cup chopped fresh dill (fronds and stems)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, stir the thinly sliced red onions with the pickle brine. Let sit while you prep the other ingredients — this softens the onion and gives it a tangy punch.
- Peel and cut cucumber into medium thin slices
- Smash the pickles using the back of a wooden spoon or the flat side of a meat mallet. Tear or cut into roughly ½-inch chunks.
- Add the smashed pickles to the bowl along with the cucumber slices, celery, sour cream, dill, and mayo. Mix vigorously until everything is creamy and well coated.
- Serve immediately for the freshest texture. You can refrigerate it for up to a day, but keep in mind the dressing may loosen up a bit.
Notes
Tips and Variations
- Go half-sour: Half-sour pickles are especially refreshing and not too sweet. Avoid bread-and-butter pickles — they’ll throw the flavor off.
- Want it sharper? Add a splash of vinegar or a squeeze of lemon.
- Make it heartier: Stir in chopped boiled egg, cold diced potatoes, or a handful of shredded cooked chicken for a more filling salad.
- Cream swap: Greek yogurt or quark can work instead of sour cream if that’s what you have on hand.
