Traditional Polish Mizeria is a wonderfully refreshing cucumber salad made with thinly sliced cucumbers, creamy sour cream, fresh dill, and a touch of lemon juice. It’s cool, tangy, light, and incredibly easy to prepare. This classic Polish side dish is perfect for summer meals, family dinners, picnics, or whenever you want something fresh and delicious on your table. With simple ingredients and just 15 minutes of preparation, this creamy cucumber salad is sure to become a favorite!

Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Chilling Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Course: Salad, Side Dish
• Cuisine: Polish
• Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

Przepis na mizerię z ogórków – Akademia Smaku

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For the Salad:

• 3 medium English cucumbers
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh dill
• 2 tablespoons finely sliced green onions (optional)

For the Creamy Dressing:

• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon white wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• A pinch of salt, to taste

Instructions

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Step 1: Prepare the Cucumbers

Wash the cucumbers thoroughly and trim off both ends. Using a sharp knife or mandoline slicer, cut them into very thin, even slices. Thin slices help the cucumbers absorb the creamy dressing and create the traditional Mizeria texture.

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Step 2: Salt the Cucumbers

Place the sliced cucumbers in a large bowl and sprinkle with ½ teaspoon salt. Gently toss and let them sit for about 10–15 minutes. The salt helps draw out excess moisture, keeping the salad from becoming watery.

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Step 3: Remove Excess Water

Drain the cucumbers in a colander and gently squeeze out any remaining liquid using clean hands or a paper towel. Avoid squeezing too hard because you want the cucumber slices to stay fresh and crisp.

Sour Cream Dill Dressing For Cucumbers at Qiana Flowers blog

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Step 4: Prepare the Creamy Dressing

In a separate bowl, combine sour cream, lemon juice, white wine vinegar, sugar (if using), black pepper, and a small pinch of salt. Stir until smooth and creamy. Add the freshly chopped dill and mix well.

Polish Mizeria – Cucumbers in sour cream

Step 5: Combine Everything

Add the drained cucumber slices to the dressing. Gently toss until every slice is coated with the creamy mixture. Add the sliced green onions if desired.

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Step 6: Chill and Serve

Cover the bowl and refrigerate for about 15 minutes to allow the flavors to blend. Garnish with extra fresh dill and a little black pepper before serving. Enjoy your homemade Polish Mizeria chilled!

Tips for the Best Polish Mizeria

• Slice cucumbers thinly: Thin slices create the classic texture and absorb the dressing beautifully.
• Remove excess moisture: Always salt and drain the cucumbers before adding the dressing.
• Use fresh dill: Fresh dill gives this traditional salad its signature flavor.
• Choose full-fat sour cream: It creates a richer, creamier dressing.
• Adjust the tanginess: Add more lemon juice or vinegar if you prefer a sharper flavor.
• Serve chilled: A little refrigeration makes the salad especially refreshing.

Delicious Variations

1. Greek Yogurt Mizeria: Replace half or all of the sour cream with plain Greek yogurt for a tangier dressing.
2. Garlic Mizeria: Add a small amount of freshly minced garlic for extra flavor.
3. Creamy Onion Version: Add thinly sliced sweet white onion.
4. Extra Fresh Version: Mix in chopped parsley along with the fresh dill.
5. Lighter Mizeria: Use reduced-fat sour cream for a lighter dressing.

What to Serve with Polish Mizeria

This traditional cucumber salad pairs beautifully with:

• Roasted or grilled chicken
• Baked salmon or grilled fish
• Polish potato pancakes
• Roasted potatoes
• Grilled pork chops
• Meatballs with mashed potatoes
• Fresh crusty bread

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 1–2 days.
• Best texture: Enjoy freshly prepared or within a few hours.
• Make ahead: Slice and salt the cucumbers in advance, then prepare and add the dressing just before serving.
• Freezing: Freezing is not recommended because cucumbers become watery and lose their crisp texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is traditional Polish Mizeria?

Mizeria is a classic Polish cucumber salad traditionally prepared with thinly sliced cucumbers, sour cream, fresh dill, and simple seasonings. It’s a popular side dish, especially during warmer months.

2. Should I peel cucumbers for Mizeria?

Traditionally, cucumbers are often peeled, especially when using cucumbers with thicker skins. However, English cucumbers have tender skins, so peeling is optional.

3. Can I make Mizeria without sour cream?

Yes! Plain Greek yogurt is a great substitute. It creates a creamy texture with a slightly tangy flavor.

4. Why is my cucumber salad watery?

Cucumbers naturally contain a lot of water. Salting the slices and draining the liquid before adding the dressing helps prevent a watery salad.

5. Can I prepare Polish cucumber salad ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare and drain the cucumber slices ahead of time. Keep the dressing separate and combine everything shortly before serving for the best texture.

Nutrition Information

Approximate values per serving, based on 4 servings.

• Calories: 105 kcal
• Protein: 3g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fat: 7g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 320mg

Recipe Card

Traditional Polish Mizeria (Creamy Cucumber Salad)

Śmietana do mizerii – jaka najlepsza: 18 czy 30? Słodka czy kwaśna? – Dziennik szefa | Przepisy.pl

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Prep: 15 min

Chill: 15 min

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 3 medium English cucumbers
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ cup sour cream
• 2 tbsp fresh chopped dill
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp white wine vinegar
• 1 tsp sugar (optional)
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp sliced green onions (optional)

Instructions

1. Wash and thinly slice the cucumbers.
2. Sprinkle with salt and rest for 10–15 minutes.
3. Drain and gently remove excess moisture.
4. Mix sour cream, lemon juice, vinegar, sugar, pepper, and dill.
5. Add cucumbers and gently toss until coated.
6. Refrigerate for 15 minutes.
7. Garnish with fresh dill and serve chilled.