Polish Cucumber Salad

Mizeria is a classic Polish cucumber salad featuring thinly sliced cucumbers tossed in a creamy sour cream and vinegar dressing with fresh dill and a touch of sweetness. It offers a refreshing accompaniment to a variety of main dishes and is remarkably simple to prepare.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Authentic flavour: Captures the traditional taste of Eastern Europe with minimal ingredients.

• Crisp and refreshing: Thin slices maintain a delightful crunch, perfect for warm days.

• Creamy tang: The balance of sour cream and vinegar creates a luscious, tangy dressing.

• Versatile side: Complements everything from schnitzel and grilled fish to roasted meats and potatoes.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Cucumbers

• Sour cream

• Vinegar (white or apple cider)

• Chives or green onions

• Fresh dill

• Sugar

• Salt

• Black pepper

Recipe Card

directions

1. Peel the cucumbers (and remove seeds if they are large or have thick skins), then slice them as thinly as possible (about 1/8 inch).

2. Arrange the cucumber slices in a single layer, sprinkle evenly with 1 tsp salt, and let rest for 20 minutes to draw out excess moisture.

3. Gently pat the slices dry with paper towels to remove released liquid.

4. In a mixing bowl, whisk together sour cream, vinegar, chopped chives, chopped dill, sugar, ½ tsp salt, and black pepper until smooth.

5. Add the drained cucumber slices to the dressing and toss gently to coat each piece.

6. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavours to meld before serving.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 4

• Prep time: 20 minutes (plus 20 minutes resting)

• Chill time: 30 minutes

• Total time: 1 hour (including resting and chilling)

Variations

• Onion variation: Add thinly sliced red onion for extra bite.

• Yogurt swap: Replace sour cream with Greek yogurt or kefir for a lighter texture.

• Herb blend: Stir in chopped mint or parsley alongside the dill for additional freshness.

• Citrus twist: Substitute vinegar with freshly squeezed lemon juice for brighter acidity.

• Spicy kick: Sprinkle in a pinch of red pepper flakes for mild heat.

storage/reheating

Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator at or below 4 °C for up to 1–2 days. The cucumbers will gradually soften over time, so it is best enjoyed within the first day. This salad is served cold; reheating is not recommended, as it will compromise the cucumbers’ crispness.

FAQs

What type of cucumbers are best for this salad?

Thin-skinned hothouse (English) cucumbers work best because they have fewer seeds and tender skins. If using garden cucumbers, peel and remove the seeds for optimal texture.

Do I need to peel the cucumbers?

Peeling is optional for seedless varieties but recommended for thick-skinned cucumbers to avoid bitterness and any residual wax coating.

How thin should I slice the cucumbers?

Aim for slices about 1/8 inch thick so they remain crisp and absorb the dressing evenly.

Can I use yogurt instead of sour cream?

Yes. Greek yogurt or labneh can substitute for sour cream, yielding a lighter, slightly tangier dressing.

Can I make this salad in advance?

You may prepare the cucumbers and dressing up to 24 hours ahead. Combine and chill just before serving, and consume within two days for best quality.

How long will the salad keep in the refrigerator?

Stored in an airtight container at refrigerator temperature (4 °C or below), it will stay fresh for up to two days.

Why do we salt the cucumbers before mixing?

Salting draws out excess water, concentrating the cucumber flavour and preventing the dressing from becoming too watery.

Can I freeze this salad?

Freezing is not recommended, as the high water content of cucumbers causes them to become mushy when thawed.

What dishes pair well with Polish cucumber salad?

Serve alongside schnitzel, grilled fish, boiled potatoes, roasted meats, or as a refreshing complement to summertime barbecues.

Is this salad gluten-free and vegetarian?

Yes. It contains only cucumbers, dairy, and seasonings, making it naturally gluten-free and vegetarian.

Conclusion

Polish Cucumber Salad (Mizeria) is an effortlessly simple yet flavourful side dish that brings a delightful balance of creaminess, tang, and crunch to any meal. Whether you are planning a family dinner or a casual summer gathering, this classic recipe is sure to impress and refresh.