Traditional Hungarian Cucumber Salad (Uborkasaláta with Sour Cream)
Nothing says summer in Hungary quite like a bowl of Uborkasaláta—a refreshing cucumber salad made with thinly sliced cucumbers, creamy sour cream, garlic, fresh dill, and a touch of paprika. It’s the perfect side dish for grilled meats, schnitzel, goulash, or roasted potatoes.
🥒 Ingredients
3 large English cucumbers (or 5–6 small cucumbers)
1 tsp salt
1 cup (240 g) sour cream
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp white vinegar
1 tsp sugar
2 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped
1 tbsp chopped chives (optional)
½ tsp sweet Hungarian paprika
¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
Extra paprika for garnish
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Prepare the Cucumbers
Wash the cucumbers well. Slice them into very thin rounds using a sharp knife or mandoline.
Place them in a colander, sprinkle with the salt, and let them rest for 20–30 minutes. This removes excess water and keeps the salad creamy.
2. Make the Dressing
In a large bowl, combine:
Sour cream
Garlic
White vinegar
Sugar
Dill
Chives (if using)
Black pepper
Mix until smooth and creamy.
3. Drain the Cucumbers
Gently squeeze the cucumbers to remove any remaining moisture.
4. Combine
Fold the cucumbers into the sour cream dressing until evenly coated.
5. Chill
Refrigerate for 30–60 minutes before serving so the flavors can fully develop.
6. Garnish
Sprinkle with sweet Hungarian paprika and a few extra chopped chives or dill before serving.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
This salad pairs wonderfully with:
Hungarian Chicken Paprikash
Breaded Pork Schnitzel
Beef Goulash
Grilled Sausages
Roasted Chicken
Fried Fish
Fresh crusty bread
💡 Tips for the Best Hungarian Cucumber Salad
Use full-fat sour cream for the richest flavor.
Slice the cucumbers as thinly as possible.
Fresh dill gives the most authentic Hungarian taste.
Let the salad chill before serving—it tastes even better after an hour.
Add a splash of cold water if you’d like a lighter, more traditional dressing.
🥗 Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Stir gently before serving, as some liquid may separate naturally.
