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➤ by Oma Gerhild Fulson
My German cucumber salad, aka Gurkensalad, is so delightfully refreshing, especially in the summer. It's a perfect side dish for almost any meal. This version (unlike my Mutti's) has no sour cream or yogurt, so it's perfect for a buffet table or to take along for picnics.
This recipe is a great way to use up those cucumbers that have been sitting in your crisper. Put them to use in this lovely picnic salad!
This salad is like so many from southern Germany, made without cream or mayonnaise. Most of the salads use a type of vinaigrette. Northerners like their mayo and cream, so they are incorporated in many salads, whether cucumber salad, or cabbage salad, or potato salad.
So many different varieties of the same salads, and that is really due to the many regions of Germany. Yes, some southerners use mayo and some northerners don't. The main thing is, make it just the way you like it!
If your cucumber has a large center seeds, you can always remove them. Do this by cutting your cucumber lengthwise and then scrape a spoon down the center to remove the seeds.
Grab your copy of Oma's favorite salads in her Summer Salads e-Cookbook.
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If you are making this salad the Southern way, made with vinegar, then it is best to eat it within the next few days.
The longer the cucumbers sit in vinegar, the more soft and limp they will get. They will lose their crisp-ness with time and become slimy. Though that will likely only happen if you let it go too long, just as other foods would.
If it is sitting for only a couple days in the refrigerator it should be just fine, and will have even more flavor since it has had more time to soak up that juicy vinegar goodness.
If you're looking for the recipe for German cucumber salad made with sour cream or yogurt, you'll find it by clicking here. So creamy good! It's the kind of salad I grew up with since Mutti was from northern Germany, where cream was used everywhere!
Oma's cucumber salad is full of nutritious benefits. Cucumber in itself is extremely healthy for your body, being jam packed full of different vitamins and important nutrients.
In cucumber you can find vitamins C and K, and lots of fibre!
Did you know that soaking cucumbers in vinegar actually makes them even better for you? By soaking them in vinegar, you're helping create the perfect fuel for your belly. The incredible amounts of fibre increase the healthy bacteria needed for proper digestion.
As you may already know, cucumbers are a huge source of water and keep your body hydrated. This is why they are so highly recommended as an after-workout snack! They are also full of electrolytes, which help prevent dehydration.
I'm sure you've seen those people with cucumbers on their eyes while at the spa...well, that isn't just for the looks! By putting a circle of cucumber over your eyes it can help reduce puffiness, swelling and irritation.
This German cucumber salad below, without the cream, is one that will keep well in the fridge over night. In fact, it's similar to being pickled and the flavors get a chance to mingle.
I have so many wunderbar memories in the kitchen with my Oma, and have had MANY of her most popular and traditional recipes, like this cucumber salad!
Oma and I have made this refreshing cucumber salad for many family functions and it has certainly become a favorite. It adds a bright and summery feel to any meal!
Making this recipe is quite the yummy treat for me considering pickles are my FAVORITE snack of all, the dill flavoring is spectacular. For all you dill lovers looking for a light summer snack, this is the one!
I remember learning to make this salad a few different ways. The Northern and the Southern way! The creamy dill makes for such a nice punch of flavor.
Learn a little bit about me, Lydia, and my kitchen adventures with Oma!
My German cucumber salad, aka Gurkensalad, is so delightfully refreshing, especially in the summer. It's a perfect side dish for almost any meal.
This version (unlike my Mutti's) has no sour cream or yogurt, so it's perfect for a buffet table or to take along for picnics.
Prep Time
10 minutes |
Cook Time
none |
Total Time10 minutes |
Makes 4 servings
Unless otherwise noted recipe, images and content © Just like Oma | www.quick-german-recipes.com
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Pop right over to my private Facebook group, the Kaffeeklatschers. You'll find thousands of German foodies, all eager to help and to talk about all things German, especially these yummy foods.
I pop in all the time as well, to chat and to answer questions.
Meet with us around Oma's table, pull up a chair, grab a coffee and a piece of Apfelstrudel, and enjoy the visit.
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Words to the Wise
"Lazy people are soon poor; hard workers get rich."
Proverbs 10:4 (NLT)