Hungarian Cucumber Salad (Uborkasaláta) – Creamy, Fresh & Traditional

Hungarian Cucumber Salad, known as Uborkasaláta, is a classic Hungarian side dish made with crisp cucumbers, sour cream, garlic, dill, and paprika. Refreshing, creamy, and slightly tangy, it is traditionally served alongside hearty Hungarian dishes such as goulash, schnitzel, and paprikash.

🇭🇺 Traditional Hungarian Cucumber Salad

This simple Hungarian salad is proof that a few everyday ingredients can create something incredibly delicious. Thinly sliced cucumbers are lightly salted, then combined with a creamy garlic dressing and fresh herbs.

A final sprinkle of Hungarian paprika gives the salad its characteristic Hungarian touch.

🥒 Ingredients

For the Salad:

• 2 large English cucumbers or 4 small cucumbers
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped
• 2 green onions, finely sliced
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

For the Creamy Dressing:

• 1 cup (240 g) sour cream
• 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• ½ teaspoon sweet Hungarian paprika

For Garnishing:

• Fresh dill
• Sliced green onions
• A light sprinkle of sweet paprika

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👩‍🍳 How to Make Hungarian Cucumber Salad

Step 1: Slice the Cucumbers

Wash the cucumbers thoroughly and slice them very thinly. A mandoline slicer can be used to achieve evenly thin slices.

Place the cucumber slices in a bowl and sprinkle with salt. Gently mix and let them stand for approximately 20–30 minutes.

Step 2: Remove Excess Liquid

The salt will draw excess water from the cucumbers, helping prevent the finished salad from becoming watery.

Drain the cucumbers thoroughly and gently squeeze out the excess liquid. Do not squeeze them too aggressively, as you want the cucumber slices to remain crisp.

Step 3: Prepare the Dressing

In a separate bowl, combine the sour cream, minced garlic, vinegar, sugar, black pepper, and paprika.

Mix until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the salt or vinegar according to your preference.

Step 4: Combine

Add the drained cucumber slices, chopped dill, parsley, and green onions to the dressing.

Gently toss everything together until the cucumbers are evenly coated.

Step 5: Chill

Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.

This resting time allows the garlic, herbs, and sour cream dressing to blend beautifully with the cucumbers.

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🍽️ How to Serve Hungarian Cucumber Salad

Transfer the salad to a serving bowl and garnish with fresh dill, green onions, and a small sprinkle of sweet Hungarian paprika.

For an authentic Hungarian-inspired meal, serve it alongside:

• Hungarian goulash
• Chicken paprikash
• Pork schnitzel
• Fried or roasted meats
• Stuffed peppers
• Potato dishes
• Grilled meats

The cool, creamy cucumber salad provides a refreshing contrast to rich and paprika-based Hungarian dishes.

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⭐ Tips for the Best Hungarian Cucumber Salad

Slice the cucumbers thinly:
Thin slices absorb the dressing better and create the traditional texture.

Don't skip salting:
Salting the cucumbers first removes excess moisture and prevents a watery dressing.

Use full-fat sour cream:
It produces a richer and creamier traditional-style salad.

Let it rest:
Refrigerating the salad before serving allows the garlic, dill, and vinegar to develop a deeper flavor.

Use Hungarian paprika:
Sweet Hungarian paprika adds a subtle sweetness, beautiful color, and authentic character.

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🥗 Recipe Card

Recipe: Traditional Hungarian Cucumber Salad (Uborkasaláta)
Cuisine: Hungarian
Category: Salad / Side Dish
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Salting Time: 30 minutes
Chilling Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 4–6
Difficulty: Easy

Final Thoughts

Hungarian Cucumber Salad is a wonderfully refreshing side dish that is easy to prepare and full of traditional flavor. The combination of crisp cucumber, creamy sour cream, garlic, dill, vinegar, and sweet paprika makes it an ideal companion to hearty Hungarian meals.

If you love simple homemade salads with a creamy, tangy flavor, this traditional Hungarian Uborkasaláta is a recipe worth adding to your collection.