Here’s the classic Polish Cucumber Salad, known as Mizeria—light, creamy, and refreshing, traditionally served with Polish dinners.
🥒 Polish Cucumber Salad (Mizeria)
Ingredients (Serves 4)
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3–4 English or Persian cucumbers, thinly sliced
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1/2 tsp salt
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1/2 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt for lighter version)
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1 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped
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1 tsp lemon juice or white vinegar
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1/4 tsp sugar (optional, traditional)
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Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
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Salt the cucumbers
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Place sliced cucumbers in a bowl and sprinkle with salt.
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Let sit 10–15 minutes to draw out excess water.
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Drain
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Gently squeeze or pat cucumbers dry with paper towels.
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Make dressing
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In a bowl, mix sour cream, dill, lemon juice (or vinegar), sugar (if using), and pepper.
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Combine
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Toss cucumbers with the dressing until evenly coated.
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Chill & serve
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Refrigerate 15–30 minutes before serving for best flavor.
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💡 Tips for Authentic Mizeria
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Slice cucumbers very thin (mandoline works best).
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Always salt and drain—this keeps the salad creamy, not watery.
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Fresh dill is essential for traditional flavor.
🔄 Variations
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Grandma-style: Add thinly sliced onion or chives.
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Modern Polish version: Use yogurt + sour cream half-and-half.
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Warm-weather version: Add a splash of cold milk for a lighter sauce (traditional in some regions).
📦 Storage
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Best eaten fresh, but keeps in fridge up to 24 hours.
If you’d like, I can also share Polish side dishes that pair perfectly with Mizeria, like kotlet schabowy or pierogi.