The simple, classic German side dish, “Gurkensalat”. This Easy Old-Fashioned Cucumber Salad is just like grandma used to make! Thinly sliced cucumber and onions, chilled and marinated in a sweet vinegar base. A healthy and delicious gluten-free, vegan, paleo, and allergy-free recipe for any gathering!
You know those super simple dishes that were just staples and everyone assumed would be made for every family gathering? This old-fashioned cucumber salad would be one of those dishes! It’s hard to think of a time when my grandmother (the one on my dad’s side) didn’t have this sweet vinegar-based cucumber salad on the table. If you wanted a good cucumber salad, she was your go-to woman!
This old-fashioned cucumber salad is a German recipe (i.e. my German grandma). “Gurkensalat” is the name of this vinegar-based marinated cucumber and onion “salad”. Technically it’s kind of like a pickle, but not quite. It only needs to marinate overnight, just so the sweet vinegar marinade can infuse into and soften the cucumber and onion slices. It’s so fresh and crisp; a no-brainer side dish for not only summer cookouts, but anytime you need to add a little pizzazz to your typical salad rotation.
I never realized this cucumber salad was an actual German recipe. I thought it was just something…American? I guess I wouldn’t have given it much thought as a kid, but now I’m always investigating the history and backgrounds of the classic dishes I want to recreate. Good thing here, Gurkensalat is already gluten-free, vegan, allergy-free, and paleo to boot! However, I have seen some versions that include a dollop of sour cream…My grandma never it made it that way so that’s not to be worried about in this recipe.
One decision you do have to make is to peel or not to peel. You know that since I’m such an advocate for zero food waste and that I eat the skin of everything (hello mango and kiwi skin!), I do not advocate peeling the cucumbers. Leave that pretty deep green color on! You’re slicing the cucumbers into thin rounds, so you don’t have to worry about big “skinful” bites. Of course, if you really do prefer them peeled (or half peeled), that’s up to you. I’ll just have to look the other way!
Easy Old-Fashioned Cucumber Salad “Gurkensalat”
Easy Old-Fashioned Cucumber Salad “Gurkensalat” (Gluten-free, Vegan, Paleo)
The simple, classic German side dish, “Gurkensalat”. This Easy Old-Fashioned Cucumber Salad is just like grandma used to make! Thinly sliced cucumber and onions, chilled and marinated in a sweet vinegar base. A healthy and delicious gluten-free, vegan, paleo, and allergy-free recipe for any gathering!
- Cook Time: 5 mins
- Total Time: 5 mins
- Yield: 6 1x
- Category: Side
- Cuisine: German
Ingredients
- 2 Medium-Sized Cucumbers
- 1 Medium-Sized Vidalia Onion
- 1 TB Chopped Fresh Dill
- 1 Cup White Vinegar
- 1 Cup Cold Water
- 2 TB Erythritol (or preferred granulated sweetener)
- 1/2 Tsp Salt
- 1/4 Tsp Black Pepper
Instructions
- Slice the cumbers into thin rounds and place in a large bowl.
- Slice the onion into thin rounds and then slice those rounds in half (for thin “half-moon” shaped strings), and place them in the bowl with the cucumber slices.
- Now add the dill, vinegar, water, sweetener, salt, and pepper.
- Toss everything together with your hands, cover the bowl, and then chill in the fridge overnight (or at least 8-12 hours).
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
Isn’t this cucumber salad such an easy recipe? I love when just a few simple ingredients can come together a create a perfect little side dish. We Germans know how to dress up some plain ‘ole cucumber slices! I guess the only thing this Gurkensalat is missing the that magic touch of love a grandmother can infuse into any dish, eh?
So tell me:
+ Have you ever had Gurkensalat?
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Amy
I love cucumbers and this old fashioned salad looks delicious. Sometimes the old fashioned recipes are the best and they bring back happy memories too. This salad reminds me of my grandmother.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Right! The classics that never go out of style!
georgie @ georgieeats
This is such a good idea!! I need this in my tummy RIGHT NOW!! Haha!! I will be making this next week – just watch this space… thanks for the recipe 🙂 x
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Let me know how you like it!
Kristen Kirk
This is just my style, I can’t wait to make it!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I’m happy to hear it! I’m sure it will become a classic for you too!
Joyce @ The Hungry Caterpillar
This really does remind me of the salads they served when I studied abroad in Germany.
This is absolutely perfect because I have so many Gurken in mein Garten this Sommer!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Yup! And I’ve healthified it even more with less sugar!
the sophia diaries
ohhh that looks so simple and so yum!!! definitely going to make this before the summer goes out xD
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I’m glad to hear it! You’ll love using cucumbers this way!
Patricia @ Grab a Plate
Cukes are so super refreshing and tasty! I love that this is a favorite family recipe. Great for the season, for sure!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Yes! A healthy classic that will live on!
Jay @ Life of Creed
Yum! This sounds refreshing and delicious. I will have to make this cucumber salad this weekend. Thanks for sharing!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
You’ll enjoy! So easy to whip up!
Helen
I LOVE cucumbers. This salad is so perfect for summer. I definitely want to try this.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
It’s a great addition to the summer table!
Abbi@Pomsly
This looks so tasty and refreshing!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
It sure is!
Amanda Martin
Cucumber Dill is one of my favorite combos! P.S. Can’t believe you eat kiwi skin, haha gross
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Girl, I eat mango skin…I eat it all! No food waste!
Jennifer Maune
This looks so good! Perfect as a summer side dish!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Summer, any season!
Caitlin
This looks so tasty! Definitely pinning this to make soon!
Caitlin
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Well, enjoy!
Stephanie Eddy
This recipe sounds like the perfect side dish for a summer barbeque!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Yup! Thanks for stating the obvious!
Ann
That looks delicious! YUMMO
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Enjoy!
Andrea
Great recipe once again! Fresh and perfect for this heatwave! Thanks for sharing!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Cool as a cucumber!
Annette Dattilo
Yum, I love cucumber and the skin too! I think I am actually going to make this one tonight. Thank you for sharing.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Haha, glad to hear you’re a skin lover!
Brittany
Girl! You always think of the best meals to make. So in love with your blog. Can’t wait to whip this meal up for lunch today.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I hope you’re not eating cucumbers as a meal!
Susan @ Culinary Envy
This looks SO refreshing! Sometimes simple is best. Can you use Swerve instead?
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Lol…that’s what I use. Swerve is erythritol. Since they are not sponsoring this post, I’m not going to put there name there. However, when you click on the ingredient, that’s the product you’ll see.
Stephanie Sobotka
Cucumber salads are my favorite for summer BBQs. So easy and so fresh, crisp and cool!! My recipe calls for sugar….I like that this one doesn’t. Thanks for sharing!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
This one does call for sweetener. It has to have sweetener….