Grandma’s Authentic Cucumber Salad European Style

Indulge in the nostalgic flavors of Hungary with this delightful Grandma’s Authentic Cucumber Salad, crafted with a touch of European flair. This classic dish, cherished by generations in my family, was a beloved addition to our Sunday lunches during the warm summer months.
The magic of this salad lies in its simplicity. Crisp and cool cucumbers steal the show, complemented by the gentle kick of garlic, the earthy aroma of dill, and a hint of red pepper heat. Feel free to customize with a dollop of sour cream or yogurt for added creaminess, though it’s equally delightful without.
For the best results, opt for organic English cucumbers—known for their delicate flavor and tender skin—paired with the richness of extra virgin olive oil and freshly picked dill. Served chilled, this salad is a perfect match for grilled seafood, paprikash, vegetables, or alongside your favorite meat dishes.
Follow the straightforward steps to recreate this family favorite: slice the cucumbers into thin rounds, strain them briefly to preserve their crunch, and combine with minced garlic, chopped dill, and red pepper for a burst of flavor. The dressing, a harmonious blend of vinegar, olive oil, and a touch of sweetness, brings everything together beautifully.
Let the salad marinate for an hour to meld the flavors, then serve chilled, savoring each refreshing bite. Whether as a standalone delight or a versatile side, this Grandma’s Cucumber Salad promises to bring a taste of Hungarian tradition to your table. Enjoy!

Grandma’s Authentic Cucumber Salad European Style

Mirjana

This refreshing salad is very popular in Hungary and surrounding areas. It is often served in Hungarian restaurants with a sprinkle of sweet paprika. 

Everyone in my family made it the same way, and it was a favorite summer salad served with Sunday lunch. 

When combined with minimal ingredients, fresh, crispy cucumbers resonate with the gentle heat of garlic, pepper, and fragrant dill. This salad is often served with sour cream or yogurt, but that is optional. It can also be served with a dash of sweet paprika.

I highly recommend using organic English or Persian cucumbers because of their mild flavor, thin skin, and minimal seeds. (f you are using regular cucumbers, they should be peeled.) For best results, I use extra virgin olive oil and fresh dill. This salad is served chilled with seafood, grilled vegetables, and potatoes. It is also an excellent companion to your favorite fish or meat dishes.

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Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Salad

Cuisine Hungarian, Vegetarian

Servings 4 servings

Ingredients

  

• 3 English cucumbers or 4 regular cucumbers
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced or smashed 
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh dill
• 1/2 red pepper of medium heat (Serrano is perfect)
• 3 tbsp olive oil extra virgin
• 1 tbsp raw cane sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 3 tbsp vinegar or lemon juice
• 1/2 cup sour cream or plain yogurt, optional

Instructions

 

• Prepare ingredients.
  
• Peel cucumbers and grate or slice them into very thin rounds. Please place them in a strainer for 10 minutes and strain the juice. (You can save the juice in a glass jar and refrigerate it. In the next few days, it can be mixed with salad dressings. I like to strain cucumbers because they will be mixed with other liquids, and the salad should be smooth enough.)
  
• Return cucumbers to bowl. Mince garlic and chop dill. Cut pepper into thin rings or chop into small pieces.
  
• Add sugar, vinegar, oil, dill, salt, and freshly ground pepper. Toss all of the ingredients. Let stand for 1 hour; serve chilled with or without yogurt. 
  
• This salad is often served with sour cream, but that is optional. I serve it plain or with Greek plain yogurt. It can also be served with a dash of sweet paprika.

  Enjoy this delightful cucumber salad as a refreshing side dish or accompaniment to your favorite main courses!

Notes

White pepper is used traditionally so the color blends with the pastel colors of salad. If you don’t have it, use finely ground regular pepper, of course.

Instead of sour cream, I like to use Greek yogurt. It is optional, and it can be replaced with vinegar.

For optimum results, fresh and organic ingredients are recommended.

Keyword authentic recipe, European cucumber salad, Grandma’s recipe, Hungarian cuisine, summer salad recipe, traditional salad