This German Cucumber Salad, or Gurkensalat, should be a staple in every home! The preparation might differ from what you’re used to, but trust me—it works beautifully! If you’re a cucumber fan, don’t miss pairing it with dishes like Buffalo Chicken Meatballs for a refreshing contrast.

German cucumber salad in a large glass bowl.

A Timeless German Recipe

Gurkensalat is a simple yet delicious dish with many variations across Germany. Similar to how apple pie differs in every American household, cucumber salad recipes often reflect regional or familial twists. While some versions include potatoes, carrots, or sour cream, our family recipe focuses on crisp cucumber slices with a creamy, tangy dressing. We leave the skins on for texture and flavor, but you can peel them if you prefer.

For the best flavor, I recommend letting the salad marinate for a few hours before serving, although eating it right after mixing in the heavy cream is equally delightful.

Tips for Making German Cucumber Salad

Key Ingredients:
This dish is a perfect way to use up an abundance of garden cucumbers. It’s cool, refreshing, and pairs beautifully with bold dishes like Stuffed Buffalo Chicken or Jalapeño Popper Chicken. The method is what sets this recipe apart!

Salting the Cucumbers: Slice the cucumbers (a mandolin ensures even slices, but hand-chopping works too) and layer them with onions in a bowl. Cover with 1/4 cup of salt, allowing the mixture to sit for a couple of hours. The salt will draw out a surprising amount of liquid from the cucumbers.
Rinsing: After draining the liquid, rinse the cucumbers and onions under cool water. If you prefer a less salty flavor, rinse thoroughly; if you like it saltier, rinse lightly. Taste-test before proceeding—this step helps balance the flavor.

Final Touches for a Perfect Salad

Once rinsed, mix the cucumbers and onions with heavy cream, a splash of vinegar, and freshly chopped dill. Stir well, and serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 24 hours before serving. The creamy dressing tones down any remaining saltiness, creating a perfect harmony of flavors.

German cucumber salad on a serving spoon.

How to Store German Cucumber Salad

Make-Ahead: This salad can be prepared a day in advance. While the cucumbers will soften slightly, the flavors deepen as it sits.
Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days.

This German Cucumber Salad is a refreshing and versatile side dish that’s guaranteed to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy it as a light accompaniment to hearty meals or as a quick snack straight from the bowl!

German Cucumber Salad

Prep Time 15

Resting Time 2

Total Time 2 15

Also known as Gurkensalat, this German cucumber salad is simple, refreshing, and delicious—a perfect summer side dish!

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Ingredients

▢ 2 to 4 medium cucumbers, about 8 cups, thinly sliced
▢ 1 large white onion, thinly sliced
▢ 3 tablespoons kosher salt
▢ 2 teaspoons white vinegar
▢ 1 cup heavy whipping cream
▢ 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped

Instructions

Place the sliced cucumbers in a large bowl. Slice the white onion thinly and add it to the same bowl with the cucumbers.
Sprinkle the kosher salt evenly over the cucumbers and onions. Let the mixture sit at room temperature for about 2 hours, or until the cucumbers release enough liquid to almost cover them.
Drain the cucumbers and onion thoroughly, then rinse with cold water to remove excess salt. Taste a cucumber slice to check the saltiness; rinse again if needed.
Add the white vinegar, heavy whipping cream or sour cream, and chopped fresh dill to the bowl with the drained cucumbers and onions. Stir everything together until well combined.
Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.