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”
- 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)
- ½ Tsp Salt
- ¼ Tsp Black Pepper
- 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).
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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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.
Right! The classics that never go out of style!
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
Let me know how you like it!
This is just my style, I can’t wait to make it!
I’m happy to hear it! I’m sure it will become a classic for you too!
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!
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Yup! And I’ve healthified it even more with less sugar!
ohhh that looks so simple and so yum!!! definitely going to make this before the summer goes out xD
I’m glad to hear it! You’ll love using cucumbers this way!
Cukes are so super refreshing and tasty! I love that this is a favorite family recipe. Great for the season, for sure!
Yes! A healthy classic that will live on!
Yum! This sounds refreshing and delicious. I will have to make this cucumber salad this weekend. Thanks for sharing!
You’ll enjoy! So easy to whip up!
I LOVE cucumbers. This salad is so perfect for summer. I definitely want to try this.
It’s a great addition to the summer table!
This looks so tasty and refreshing!
It sure is!
Cucumber Dill is one of my favorite combos! P.S. Can’t believe you eat kiwi skin, haha gross
Girl, I eat mango skin…I eat it all! No food waste!
This looks so good! Perfect as a summer side dish!
Summer, any season!
This looks so tasty! Definitely pinning this to make soon!
Caitlin
Well, enjoy!
This recipe sounds like the perfect side dish for a summer barbeque!
Yup! Thanks for stating the obvious!
That looks delicious! YUMMO
Enjoy!
Great recipe once again! Fresh and perfect for this heatwave! Thanks for sharing!
Cool as a cucumber!
Yum, I love cucumber and the skin too! I think I am actually going to make this one tonight. Thank you for sharing.
Haha, glad to hear you’re a skin lover!
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.
I hope you’re not eating cucumbers as a meal!
This looks SO refreshing! Sometimes simple is best. Can you use Swerve instead?
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.
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!
This one does call for sweetener. It has to have sweetener….