Polish Cucumber Salad (Mizeria) 2 Ways

Polish cucumber salad is a refreshing simple dish that's quick and easy to put together, delicious and versatile. It can have either crunchy or softened texture and can be made with or without dairy. 

Polish cucumber salad, called 'mizeria' (pronounced 'myzerya') is one of the most popular quick and easy salads in Poland. Poles are happy to serve it with just about any main and it's especially popular during warmer months when cucumbers are in season.

The word 'mizeria' comes from Polish 'mizerny', meaning measly, meager, poor or sickly. This may be a reference to the simplicity of this salad, which is made with very few ingredients. This humble dish was in the past even served with milk as sour cream (popular these days) was too expensive.

In addition to sour cream Polish mizeria can also be made with (less calorific) yogurt or dairy-free, using vegetable oil.

Polish cucumber salad ingredients

• English cucumber: or another sweet cucumber variety.
• Sour cream: or thick yogurt or oil - see Instructions below.
• Lemon juice.
• Fresh herbs.
• Salt and pepper.

What cucumbers to use

I recommend English cucumbers (also called seedless or hot-house cucumbers) as they are widely available, have a mild sweet flavour and generally work well in salads. You could also use garden cucumbers but make sure they aren't bitter.

What herbs to use in cucumber mizeria salad

Dill is one of the most popular herbs in Poland and it’s also most commonly used in Polish mizeria salad.  You could use it on its own or with a sprinkle of freshly chopped chives – another favourite in Polish cuisine.  Mint and parsley are also used but less often.

Assembling the salad

Method 1:

This method produces crunchy mizeria salad.

1.Cut the cucumber into approx. 2-3 mm thick slices using a knife.

2. Combine with the dressing (creamy or dairy free) and serve immediately. 

Method 2:

This method involves drawing out moisture from the cucumber first (to soften it) and then adding the dressing.

1.Slice the cucumber very thinly (best to use a vegetable slicer for this), sprinkle with salt, stir and leave in a colander for 10 minutes. The cucumber will soften and release lots of moisture.

2. Combine the softened cucumber (without the juice) with your choice of dressing, stir and enjoy!

Top tip

Since you've already seasoned the cucumber you may not need to add any more salt before serving.

Serving suggestions

Polish cucumber salad (both vegetarian and vegan versions) is usually served with traditional meat/fish and potato dishes.  It's delicious with pork dishes, crispy chicken nuggets, chicken fingers as well as salmon fish fingers and salmon fish cakes. Mashed potatoes are a typical side dish for mizeria.

Should I peel the cucumber 

This is up to you, though traditionally the cucumber has always been peeled.  Polish people like to peel their fruit and veg in general but you don’t have to peel the cucumber for this salad.  I haven’t, as you can see in the photos.  So choose the method that suits you best.

Top tips

• I recommend using English cucumbers (or another sweet cucumber variety with minimal seeds).
• You can but do not need to peel the cucumbers.
• Crunchy Polish cucumber salad should be served immediately. After a while it will start releasing water. Refrigerate it for up to an hour.
• If you have first removed some of the moisture from the cucumber your mizeria salad can be refrigerated for 2-3 hours.
• Tweak the amounts of lemon juice and sour cream to your taste.
• Not suitable for freezing.

More Polish salad recipes

• My Mum’s Polish Potato Salad (Jarzynowa)
• Polish Sauerkraut Salad Recipe
• Polish Cold Beet Salad 
• Herring Salad Polish-Style (Salatka ze Sledzia)
• Polish-Style Beet and Potato Salad

Check out also these other traditional Polish recipes!

Keep in touch!

If you make this Polish cucumber salad recipe I'd love to know how it turned out for you. Let me know in the comments below, thanks!

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