If you’re looking for a fresh, tangy, and incredibly simple salad to brighten up your meals, the Polish Cucumber Salad {Mizeria} Recipe is an absolute must-try. This classic dish brings together crisp, thinly sliced cucumbers with a luscious sour cream and dill dressing that feels like a cool, refreshing hug in every bite. It’s perfect for summer barbecues, weeknight dinners, or anytime you want a versatile side dish that’s quick to prepare and packed with flavor. Trust me, once you master this recipe, it will become a beloved staple on your table!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Polish Cucumber Salad {Mizeria} Recipe lies in its simplicity—just a handful of fresh, everyday ingredients that combine to create something spectacular. Each plays a vital role: crisp cucumbers bring cool freshness, sour cream adds creamy tang, vinegar gives the perfect zing, and herbs like dill and green onions infuse aromatic brightness.
- Large English hothouse cucumber: Choose firm and fresh for the best crunch and moisture.
- Salt: Essential for drawing out excess water from the cucumbers, preventing sogginess and intensifying flavor.
- Full-fat sour cream (1/3 cup): Provides the creamy base that beautifully coats every cucumber slice.
- White vinegar (1 tbsp): Adds that classic tang and balances the creamy elements.
- Fresh dill (2 tbsp, chopped): Imbues the salad with a fragrant, herbaceous note that defines Mizeria.
- Green onions (1 tbsp, minced): Brings mild oniony sweetness and subtle crunch.
- White granulated sugar (1 tsp): Just a touch to soften the tartness and brighten the overall taste.
- Black pepper (to taste): Adds mild heat to round out the flavors without overpowering.
You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.
How to Make Polish Cucumber Salad {Mizeria} Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cucumbers
Start by washing your cucumber thoroughly. Using a peeler, remove the skin to ensure the salad isn’t bitter and has a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Slice the cucumber as thinly as possible — this helps with a delicate bite and allows the dressing to cling perfectly. Lay the slices on a plate, sprinkle them evenly with salt, and let them rest for about 5 minutes. This salt step is crucial since it draws out excess moisture, keeping your salad crisp instead of watery. After resting, gently pat the cucumbers dry with a paper towel to remove the released water. Trust me, this little pause makes a world of difference!
Step 2: Mix the Dressing
While the cucumbers are resting, you can prepare the dressing. In a bowl, combine sour cream, white vinegar, sugar, chopped fresh dill, and minced green onions. Whisk everything until it’s smooth and creamy, then season with freshly ground black pepper. Notice there’s no salt here yet — that’s because the cucumbers have already absorbed enough during their salty soak. This step keeps the salad perfectly balanced without becoming overly salty.
Step 3: Combine and Serve
Now, pour the luscious dressing over your prepped cucumbers and gently toss to coat every slice evenly. Take a moment to taste — if you think it needs a little more salt or pepper, go ahead and add according to your preference. A final sprinkle of fresh dill on top makes the salad not only look inviting but also fills the air with a burst of herbal freshness. Your Polish Cucumber Salad {Mizeria} Recipe is ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Polish Cucumber Salad {Mizeria} Recipe
Garnishes
For a simple yet elegant touch, sprinkle a few extra sprigs of fresh dill or thinly sliced green onions on top. Some also like to add a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a few crumbles of feta cheese for an extra dimension. These garnishes not only make the salad visually stunning but also add layers of flavor that surprise and delight your palate.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with grilled meats, roasted chicken, or even a hearty bowl of pierogi for an authentic Polish meal experience. Its creamy tang and crunch are a refreshing contrast to rich or smoky dishes, making it a versatile companion to many favorites at the dinner table.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests? Serve the Polish Cucumber Salad {Mizeria} Recipe in individual glass jars or small bowls with layered presentation. Alternatively, you can place it on a bed of mixed greens or alongside vibrant beet salads to create an eye-catching colorful spread. The possibilities are endless when you want to add a bit of style to this humble dish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Polish Cucumber Salad {Mizeria} Recipe is best kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to two days, during which the flavors tend to meld even more. However, keep in mind that the cucumbers may release a little water over time, so give it a gentle stir before serving again.
Freezing
This salad is not suitable for freezing due to its fresh cucumber and sour cream components, which would become watery and separate when thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a couple of days refrigerated.
Reheating
Polish Cucumber Salad {Mizeria} Recipe is a cold dish and is meant to be served chilled. Reheating is not recommended as it will alter the salad’s texture and freshness.
FAQs
Can I use regular cucumbers instead of English hothouse cucumbers?
Yes, you can. English cucumbers are preferred for their thin skin and fewer seeds, which make the salad smoother and less bitter, but regular cucumbers will work just fine if you peel and thinly slice them.
Is sour cream necessary or can I substitute it?
Sour cream is traditional in this Polish Cucumber Salad {Mizeria} Recipe and gives it that classic creamy tang. However, you can substitute with Greek yogurt if you want a lighter version while maintaining creaminess.
How thin should I slice the cucumbers?
Very thin slices work best—aim for paper-thin if possible. This helps the cucumbers absorb the dressing nicely and creates a delicate texture that defines the salad.
Can I prepare this salad in advance?
You can make it a few hours ahead to let the flavors meld beautifully, but avoid making it more than a day before serving to keep cucumbers crisp and fresh.
What if I don’t have fresh dill?
Fresh dill is key to authentic Mizeria’s flavor, but if unavailable, dried dill can be used sparingly. Just add it to taste as dried herbs are more potent.
Final Thoughts
There you have it—a delightful Polish Cucumber Salad {Mizeria} Recipe that’s unbelievably simple yet bursting with fresh, bright flavors. I genuinely believe this salad belongs in every kitchen, whether you’re revisiting family traditions or discovering Polish cuisine for the first time. Give it a try and watch how it instantly elevates your meal with its creamy, crisp, and herby goodness. Happy cooking, and enjoy every refreshing bite!
PrintPolish Cucumber Salad {Mizeria} Recipe
Polish Cucumber Salad, known as Mizeria, is a refreshing and creamy side dish featuring thinly sliced English cucumbers dressed in a tangy sour cream and dill dressing. This quick and easy salad is perfect for summer meals or as a crisp accompaniment to any Polish-inspired dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Polish
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 1 large English hothouse cucumber
- Salt, to taste
Dressing
- 1/3 cup full-fat sour cream
- 1 tbsp white vinegar
- 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tbsp green onions, minced
- 1 tsp white granulated sugar
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the cucumber: Wash the cucumber thoroughly and use a peeler to remove the skin. Slice the cucumber very thinly and arrange the slices on a plate. Sprinkle evenly with salt and let sit for around 5 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Afterward, gently pat the cucumber slices dry with a paper towel. This step is crucial to prevent a watery salad.
- Make the dressing: While the cucumbers sit, combine sour cream, white vinegar, sugar, minced green onions, and chopped fresh dill in a bowl. Whisk thoroughly until well combined. Season with black pepper to taste. Avoid adding salt here as the cucumbers have already absorbed some.
- Combine and serve: Pour the prepared dressing over the drained cucumber slices and gently mix to ensure all slices are coated. Taste the salad and add additional salt or pepper if desired. Garnish with extra fresh dill before serving. Enjoy this cool and flavorful Polish side dish!
Notes
- Patting the cucumbers dry after salting is essential to avoid a watery salad.
- Use full-fat sour cream for the best creamy texture and flavor.
- Adjust sugar and vinegar amounts to taste depending on your preference for sweetness or tanginess.
- This salad is best served fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 1 day.
- For variation, you can add a small amount of chopped fresh mint or a splash of lemon juice.
