Hungarian Cucumber Salad Recipe - Uborkasaláta (2024)

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Hungarian Cucumber Salad Recipe - Uborkasaláta (1)

Hungarian cucumber salad is typically eaten with many heavy, meat-centric meals, and we eat it a little differently than other nations typically do. Usually, instead of eating a salad as an appetizer, we eat this right along side our main meal, alternating bites to get something heavy and something light at the same time.

There are variations on this salad that include raw, minced garlic, and some don’t use sour cream. My family makes this salad without sour cream; my husband’s family always mixes it with sour cream. It is up to you. You can have it both ways. Also, make sure to slice the cucumbers thin enough. To get the thinnest possible see-through slices, use a mandolin slicer.

The secret is the amount of the salt. You have to add as much salt, that makes the sliced cucumbers super salty, you would say it is not edible. That’s the righ amount. The cucumbers will release about ½+ cup of liquid, you have to squeeze those water out. Take large handfuls of cucumbers and, with your hands clenched, squeeze out as much liquid as you can and place the balls of squeezed cucumbers in a bowl. Discard the liquid, and please, do not drink it! :)

To make your cucumber salad pretty, sprinkle it with a little Hungarian sweet paprika powder and ground black pepper.

Hungarian Cucumber Salad Recipe - Uborkasaláta (2)

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Hungarian cucumber salad

Hungarian cucumber salad is typically eaten with many heavy, meat-centric meals, and we eat it a little differently than other nations typically do.Usually, instead of eating a salad as an appetizer, we eat this right along side our main meal, alternating bites to get something heavy and something light at the same time.

5 from 2 votes

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Resting time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Course Salad

Cuisine Hungarian

Servings 4 people

Ingredients

  • 2 English cucumbers
  • 1 cup of cold water
  • 1 clove of garlic minced
  • 3 tbsp of sugar
  • 4 tbsp of white vinegar (5%)
  • 1 pinch of sweet paprika powder to sprinkle
  • 1 pinch of ground black pepper to sprinle
  • 1 tbsp of salt

Instructions

  • Peel the cucumbers and, using a mandolin slicer, slice both cucumbers as thinly as possible into a bowl. Add the salt and mix the cucumbers slices to lightly and evenly coat them with salt. Let sit for 15 minutes to draw out the water from the cucumbers.

  • The cucumbers will release about ½+ cup of liquid. Then, take large handfuls of cucumbers and, with your hands clenched, squeeze out as much liquid as you can and place the balls of squeezed cucumbers in a bowl. Discard the liquid.

  • In a cup, combine the sugar, the vinegar, and 1 cup of cold water and stir until the sugar is dissolved. Add this mixture to the squeezed cucumbers and mix thoroughly. Add the chopped garlic, sprinkle with paprika powder and ground black pepper.

  • The vinaigrette is so light and refreshing, that you will be tempted to drink it after you eat the cucumber salad. Enjoy!

Keyword Hungarian cucumber salad

culinaryhungary2023-04-25T14:37:02+02:00

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26 Comments

  1. Hungarian Cucumber Salad Recipe - Uborkasaláta (5)

    Judit2017-09-24 at 00:32 - Reply

    Just like mom and now I make this.

  2. Hungarian Cucumber Salad Recipe - Uborkasaláta (6)

    Helen Wilkinson2018-08-01 at 18:25 - Reply

    Not sure what you mean by 10% white vinegar – my bottle just says White Vinegar

    • Hungarian Cucumber Salad Recipe - Uborkasaláta (7)

      Barath Agnes2018-08-13 at 13:48 - Reply

      Hello Helen,

      In Hungary you can buy 10%, 15% and 20% white vinegar. If I have 20% at home, I add just 1 tablespoon.
      Dissolve the sugar in the water, then first add just 1 tablespoon of vinegar, taste it. Slowly add more if needed, it should not taste too vinegary.
      I hope it helps.
      Agnes

  3. Hungarian Cucumber Salad Recipe - Uborkasaláta (8)

    Susan legeza2018-10-02 at 19:00 - Reply

    The proper uborkasalata!

  4. Hungarian Cucumber Salad Recipe - Uborkasaláta (9)

    Anna2019-04-25 at 04:42 - Reply

    Love!! Lost my recipe and soooooo close!

  5. Hungarian Cucumber Salad Recipe - Uborkasaláta (10)

    Arnold2019-05-09 at 22:24 - Reply

    Sound like a lot of sugar in this day and age we live in a sugar aware society
    Kosonum recipe
    Anyam cinalta mikor kis fiu votam

    • Hungarian Cucumber Salad Recipe - Uborkasaláta (11)

      Beth2023-11-05 at 13:16 - Reply

      If the sugar is a concern for you personally, perhaps don’t add it. Similarly as one would with any other personal modification (i.e., gluten intolerance, dairy intolerance, veganism, etc.).

  6. Hungarian Cucumber Salad Recipe - Uborkasaláta (12)

    Chris2019-05-10 at 16:00 - Reply

    We use apple cider vinegar instead of plain vinegar. Also, we use sour cream, no water. Occasionally, to change it up I’ll add dill.

  7. Hungarian Cucumber Salad Recipe - Uborkasaláta (13)

    Ildiko White2019-09-15 at 01:43 - Reply

    My family always kept the cucumber juice, and sometimes added garden tomatoes or raw thin sliced white onions… always yummy either way!!!

  8. Hungarian Cucumber Salad Recipe - Uborkasaláta (14)

    Ati2019-09-17 at 20:21 - Reply

    Where in hungary I can find white vinegar?!! I need a big bottle of white vinegar

    • Hungarian Cucumber Salad Recipe - Uborkasaláta (15)

      Barath Agnes2019-10-07 at 09:16 - Reply

      Hi Ati!
      Every grocery store has white vinegar, it is called Ételecet. I prefer the 10% vinegar.

  9. Hungarian Cucumber Salad Recipe - Uborkasaláta (16)

    Andrew2020-09-20 at 02:07 - Reply

    Its much better when finished with sour cream.

  10. Hungarian Cucumber Salad Recipe - Uborkasaláta (17)

    Agnes Neu2021-01-15 at 18:45 - Reply

    Hi, hiw long will the salata last in a frigerator.

    • Hungarian Cucumber Salad Recipe - Uborkasaláta (18)

      Barath Agnes2021-03-09 at 08:58 - Reply

      Hi Agnes,
      I would eat the salad the dy after you made it, would not refrigerate it longer.

    • Hungarian Cucumber Salad Recipe - Uborkasaláta (19)

      J D2022-01-12 at 22:15 - Reply

      Kosonom! I’ve been trying to recreate my husband’s nagymama’s lettuce or cucumber salad so my kids can try it for years now with no luck.

  11. Hungarian Cucumber Salad Recipe - Uborkasaláta (20)

    restaurantthatdeliversnearme.website2021-02-21 at 04:11 - Reply

    Thanks for the salad.

  12. Hungarian Cucumber Salad Recipe - Uborkasaláta (21)

    Dan2021-05-27 at 13:14 - Reply

    Hi Agnes
    My grandmother used to make this – (both with and without the sourcream)I think she also used lemon juice instead of vinegar. Is that possible or maybe a different recipe entirely?

    • Hungarian Cucumber Salad Recipe - Uborkasaláta (22)

      Barath Agnes2021-07-28 at 12:24 - Reply

      Hi Dan, I have never used lemon juice instead of vinegar, it is not comming in Hungarian households.

  13. Hungarian Cucumber Salad Recipe - Uborkasaláta (23)

    Dennis Alfoldy2021-09-01 at 00:58 - Reply

    This recipe is exactly the way my mom made for us, absolutely delicious!

    • Hungarian Cucumber Salad Recipe - Uborkasaláta (24)

      Barath Agnes2021-09-02 at 09:46 - Reply

      Thanks dor your feedback, Dennis, I love your comment and I’m so happy that this recipe works for you. :)

  14. Hungarian Cucumber Salad Recipe - Uborkasaláta (25)

    Michael2022-12-01 at 07:11 - Reply

    Hungarian Cucumber Salad Recipe - Uborkasaláta (26)
    Great recipe. My Grandmother is Hungarian and made it the same way and sometimes put red thinly sliced red capsicum (which is paprika in it’s fresh form) into the mix which adds colour to the dish. I’m a vinegar lover so love it extremely tangy. It lasts in the fridge in sealed glass jar for weeks although it’s usually gone in the first week.

  15. Hungarian Cucumber Salad Recipe - Uborkasaláta (27)

    Susanne Sarkady2023-03-08 at 07:43 - Reply

    I add a bit of thinly sliced red onion as well and tiny bit of garlick pure That is kow my mum made it I was born in Budapest left when I was young girl

  16. Hungarian Cucumber Salad Recipe - Uborkasaláta (28)

    Susanne Sarkady2023-03-08 at 07:51 - Reply

    I add a small quantity very thinly sliced ​​red onion and a wery little garlick My mother made it like this before serving she sprinkled with sweet red paprika powder

  17. Hungarian Cucumber Salad Recipe - Uborkasaláta (29)

    Peter2023-03-26 at 05:53 - Reply

    This is just like my Hungarian grandmother and mother used to make when I was growing up. I recently made this for my grandmothers 87th birthday lunch, along with chicken paprikash, and she was so pleased. Thank you for this perfect recipe!

    • Hungarian Cucumber Salad Recipe - Uborkasaláta (30)

      Barath Agnes2023-04-20 at 11:07 - Reply

      Hi Peter,
      So happy that your grand mother loved it! Thanks for your feedback! :)
      Agnes

  18. Hungarian Cucumber Salad Recipe - Uborkasaláta (31)

    Eva2023-09-10 at 20:34 - Reply

    Hungarian Cucumber Salad Recipe - Uborkasaláta (32)
    I am confused a bit the first instruction is to peel the cucumber but the picture shows unpeeled cucumbers.

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Hungarian Cucumber Salad Recipe - Uborkasaláta (2024)

FAQs

How do you keep cucumber salad from getting soggy? ›

Happily, salting cucumbers requires only 20 minutes or so and virtually no effort: You just put them in a colander or strainer, toss them with a big pinch of salt or two — the exact quantity doesn't matter, since most of the salt will flow away with the liquid — and let osmosis do its thing.

How many cucumbers do you need to make a salad? ›

Ingredients
  1. 1 to 2 large cucumbers (or 4 to 5 smaller cucumbers)
  2. 1 to 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill, basil, or Thai basil (see Recipe Note)
  3. 2 to 3 tablespoons seasoned rice vinegar.
  4. Salt and pepper to taste.

How do you get the water out of a cucumber salad? ›

Salt – It draws moisture out of the cucumbers, giving them a crisp, pickle-like texture. It also makes the flavors in this salad pop! Fresh dill and chives – Dill is a classic ingredient in a cucumber onion salad, as its sour flavor pairs perfectly with the sweet and tangy vinegar dressing.

Is cucumber enough for salad? ›

But for that you have to add the right ingredients that are full of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, fiber and protein. So an ideal salad will be a medley of salad leaves, broccoli, bell pepper, tomatoes, cucumber, carrots, seeds. But a typical desi quick fix salad for most of us is a bowl full of cucumber.

How to stop cucumber from getting soggy? ›

One of the best ways to prevent spoilage is with proper storage. Ideally, store cucumbers in the crisper drawer in the fridge. They should be kept between 50°F to 54°F and about 90% to 95% humidity.

Why does my salad get soggy? ›

As mentioned, moisture tends to make salads go soggier even faster. That said, it's even quicker when the dressing is made up of acidic ingredients like vinegar or citrus—which, in most cases, they are. The acid in these ingredients can break down the cell structure of tender greens leading to their demise even faster.

What is the best cucumber for salad? ›

Long English Cucumber

Long English Cucumbers have a good crunch with thin, delicate skin that's easy to digest. The best part: you don't even need to peel them—just slice 'em up and eat them as the perfect quick snack. This type of Cucumber is great in salads as well as a ton of other things, too!

What does a cucumber salad contain? ›

Crisp and creamy cucumber salad makes the perfect summer side. This old-fashioned recipe combines thinly sliced sweet onions, cucumbers, dill, garlic, and mayo for an unbelievably delicious make-ahead dish. Try your hand at MHudson's family recipe for the tastiest cucumber salad ever.

Should I peel cucumber for salad? ›

A cucumber sandwich needs the peel to be removed. But a standard salad needs the peel to remain on.

Why are my cucumbers slimy in my salad? ›

Why Are My Cucumbers Slimy? The light-white or clear coating of slime you may find on your cucumbers is a sign that the rotting process has begun, and it's just matter of time before they totally spoil.

Why soak cucumbers in salt water? ›

This salt treatment draws water out of the cucumbers and flavors them, so it's critically important. After layering or mixing in plenty of sea salt, I cover the salted cukes with ice cubes and a tea towel and forget about them for a few hours.

How to make cucumber taste better? ›

Salt: The secret to the best cucumber salad is to salt your cucumbers. The salt makes the cucumbers taste better and removes excess water, diluting the dressing. I use sea salt, but any salt will do. Vinegar: I love apple cider vinegar in this dressing, but distilled or white wine vinegar also works nicely.

What is the 7 days cucumber diet? ›

This diet involves eating a whole lot of cucumbers over a one to two-week period and claims the tagline: “seven days for 7 kg,” which means you can lose up to 15 pounds (7 kg) in seven days. The diet mainly consists of cucumbers, along with a few protein-rich foods, such as eggs, chicken, fish, and nuts.

Can you eat too many raw cucumbers? ›

However, eating too much of anything can cause discomfort. Eating large amounts of cucumber in one sitting may lead to stomach pain or distress. In general, it's best to eat a few ounces of cucumber at a time to prevent stomach discomfort.

How to keep cucumbers crisp in a salad? ›

Salt the slices first. No matter the salad recipe you're making, salt the cut-up cucumber beforehand. The extra step allows them to release some of their water — keeping them extra crisp even when they get tossed with the dressing.

How do you store cucumbers so they stay crunchy? ›

"It's best to place them in a breathable bag or wrap them loosely in a paper towel to absorb any excess moisture," says Carla L. Schwan, Ph. D., assistant professor and extension food safety specialist director at the National Center for Home Food Preservation.

How do you prep a salad so it doesn't get soggy? ›

Always store salad dressings separately from your salad; this will prevent your salad from going soggy. Wipe all the vegetables with a paper towel before you cut them and add them to your salad.

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