This German cucumber salad, or Gurkensalat, is cool, creamy, and refreshing with just enough bite from sweet onion and German cream horseradish. Thinly sliced cucumbers are tossed with sour cream, white wine vinegar, fresh dill, chives, and a touch of sugar for a bright summer salad that pairs beautifully with grilled sausages, schnitzel, roast chicken, potato dishes, and German BBQ.
Classic German cucumber salads are often made with vinegar, herbs, sour cream, yogurt, or a combination of creamy and tangy ingredients. This version adds horseradish for a gentle spicy note, making it especially good next to rich meats, smoked fish, sausages, and picnic foods.
What Is Gurkensalat?
Gurkensalat means cucumber salad in German. It is a popular side dish made with thinly sliced cucumbers and a light dressing, often flavored with dill, vinegar, onions, sour cream, yogurt, or fresh herbs. Some versions are creamy, while others are vinegar-based and lighter.
This creamy version uses sour cream, German white wine vinegar, fresh dill, chives, and horseradish for a refreshing salad with a little kick.
Creamy Cucumber and Sweet Onion Salad with Fresh Dill Horseradish Dressing
Ingredients
- 2 fresh seedless cucumbers peeled and sliced thin
- 1 fresh sweet onion thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup low fat sour cream
- 2 tbsp German white wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp German Cream Horseradish
- 1-2 tsp sugar
- 2 tbsp coarsely chopped fresh dill
- 1 tbsp snipped fresh chives
- sea Salt to taste
- whole fresh radicchio leaves optional
Instructions
- Combine all of the ingredients except radicchio in a medium mixing bowl. Cover and chill until serving time.
- Serve salad inside a radicchio lettuce cup for a dramatic presentation.
Notes
What to Serve with German Cucumber Salad
Serve this creamy Gurkensalat with:- Bratwurst or grilled sausages
- Schnitzel
- Roast chicken
- Grilled pork chops
- German potato salad
- Radish salad
- Pretzels
- Rye bread or pumpernickel
- Smoked fish
- Fish sandwiches
- A Bavarian Brotzeit board
Easy Substitutions
- No sour cream? Use Greek yogurt, plain yogurt, crème fraîche, or a mix of yogurt and mayonnaise.
- No sweet onion? Use red onion, shallot, scallions, or very thinly sliced white onion.
- No cream horseradish? Use prepared horseradish, but start with less because it can be stronger.
- No white wine vinegar? Use apple cider vinegar, champagne vinegar, or lemon juice.
- Want it lighter? Use low-fat Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
- Want it more traditional? Leave out the horseradish and use extra dill, vinegar, and onion.
How to Store Creamy Cucumber Salad
This salad is best served the day it is made, after chilling for about 30 minutes. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. The cucumbers will release more liquid as they sit, so stir the salad before serving. For the best texture, salt and drain the cucumbers before mixing them with the dressing.Can You Make Gurkensalat Ahead of Time?
Yes, but cucumber salad is best when freshly tossed. You can slice and salt the cucumbers, prepare the dressing, and keep them separate for several hours. Combine the salad 30 minutes before serving.FAQ Section
What is Gurkensalat?
Gurkensalat is German cucumber salad. It is usually made with thinly sliced cucumbers and a dressing that may include vinegar, dill, onions, sour cream, yogurt, or fresh herbs.
Is German cucumber salad creamy or vinegar-based?
It can be either. Some German cucumber salads are made with a light vinegar dressing, while others are creamy with sour cream, yogurt, or crème fraîche. This version uses sour cream, white wine vinegar, dill, chives, and horseradish.
How do you keep cucumber salad from getting watery?
Salt the sliced cucumbers and let them drain for 10 to 15 minutes before adding the dressing. Pat them dry to remove extra moisture.
Can I make cucumber salad ahead of time?
Yes. For best results, prepare the cucumbers and dressing separately, then combine them about 30 minutes before serving.
What does horseradish add to cucumber salad?
Cream horseradish adds a mild spicy note that balances the cool cucumbers and creamy dressing. It also pairs well with grilled meats, sausages, smoked fish, and rich German dishes.
What can I serve with German cucumber salad?
Serve it with bratwurst, schnitzel, roast chicken, grilled pork chops, German potato salad, pretzels, smoked fish, or a summer Grillabend spread.
Can I use regular cucumbers instead of seedless cucumbers?
Yes. If using regular cucumbers, peel them if the skin is thick and remove some of the seeds if they are watery.
