Refreshing German Cucumber Salad with Chive Sour Cream Dressing
Experience the taste of summer with this Refreshing German Cucumber Salad, a delightful blend of fresh cucumbers and a creamy, zesty dressing made from high-quality sour cream and chives. This recipe, lovingly passed down through generations, provides a perfect balance of cool, crunchy cucumbers and the rich, tangy flavor of the dressing. It's an ideal accompaniment to grilled fish or succulent meat dishes and makes for a bright addition to any dinner table. Feel free to substitute dill for the chives for a different herbaceous twist. Enjoy this simple yet flavorful dish as part of your summer feasts or casual get-togethers!
N/A
Servings
28
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cucumbers
2 (medium, peeled and thinly sliced)
Sour Cream
1/2 cup (good quality, chilled)
Fresh Chives
1-2 tablespoons (finely chopped)
Salt
to taste (for seasoning)
Pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
Instructions
1
Peel the cucumbers and slice them as thinly as possible, ideally paper-thin. If using English cucumbers, consider skipping the peeling to retain a bit of the skin and additional crunch. After slicing, lay the cucumbers on paper towels and sprinkle lightly with salt to draw out excess moisture. After about 10-15 minutes, pat dry with more paper towels.
2
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the chilled sour cream and finely chopped chives. Stir thoroughly until they are well blended.
3
Gently add the drained cucumber slices to the bowl with the sour cream mixture. Use a rubber spatula to fold the cucumbers into the dressing carefully, ensuring they are evenly coated without damaging the slices.
4
Taste your salad and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and fresh pepper to your liking.
5
For optimal flavor, serve the salad immediately, or cover it and refrigerate for up to 24 hours, allowing the flavors to meld!
Nutrition Information
2.25g
Fat
1.25g
Carbs
0.375g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is German Cucumber Salad?
German Cucumber Salad is a refreshing summer dish featuring thinly sliced cucumbers in a creamy sour cream and chive dressing.
How many cucumbers are needed for this recipe?
You will need 2 medium cucumbers for this recipe.
Do I need to peel the cucumbers?
Yes, the recipe recommends peeling them, though you can skip peeling if using English cucumbers for extra crunch.
How thin should I slice the cucumbers?
The cucumbers should be sliced as thinly as possible, ideally paper-thin.
Why should I salt the cucumbers before mixing?
Salting the cucumbers helps draw out excess moisture, ensuring the salad remains crisp and the dressing doesn't become too watery.
How long should the cucumbers sit with salt?
Allow the salted cucumber slices to sit for about 10-15 minutes before patting them dry.
What ingredients are in the dressing?
The dressing is made from high-quality chilled sour cream and finely chopped fresh chives.
Can I substitute chives for another herb?
Yes, you can substitute dill for the chives for a different herbaceous flavor profile.
How do I combine the cucumbers with the dressing?
Use a rubber spatula to gently fold the drained cucumber slices into the sour cream mixture until evenly coated.
What seasonings are used?
The salad is seasoned with salt and fresh pepper to taste.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 28 calories.
What is the fat content of this salad?
This salad contains about 2.25g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this recipe?
There are 1.25g of carbohydrates per serving.
Is there protein in the German Cucumber Salad?
Yes, there is approximately 0.375g of protein per serving.
What dishes pair well with this salad?
It is an ideal accompaniment to grilled fish or succulent meat dishes.
Can I make this salad in advance?
Yes, you can cover and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
Should the salad be served cold?
Yes, for optimal flavor and refreshment, serve the salad immediately while chilled or after refrigeration.
Is this recipe considered easy?
Yes, it is a simple yet flavorful dish that is very easy to prepare.
What is the texture of the salad?
The salad offers a perfect balance of cool, crunchy cucumbers and a rich, tangy dressing.
How many ingredients are required in total?
There are 5 main ingredients: cucumbers, sour cream, chives, salt, and pepper.
Is this a traditional recipe?
Yes, this recipe is noted for being lovingly passed down through generations.
What type of sour cream should I use?
The recipe suggests using a high-quality, chilled sour cream for the best results.
Can I use English cucumbers?
Yes, English cucumbers are a great option and you can even leave the skin on them.
What is the primary flavor profile?
The salad is zesty, creamy, and refreshing with an herbaceous note from the chives.
Should I use a specific tool for slicing?
While not specified, a mandoline or a sharp knife works best to achieve the paper-thin slices required.
Is this salad suitable for summer gatherings?
Absolutely, it is described as a bright addition to any dinner table or casual summer get-together.
How much sour cream is used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of sour cream.
How many chives should I add?
You should add 1-2 tablespoons of finely chopped fresh chives.
What should I do after salting the cucumbers?
After 10-15 minutes, you should pat the cucumbers dry with paper towels to remove excess water.
Does this recipe contain fiber or sugar?
According to the nutritional data provided, the fiber and sugar content is not specified.