Mizeria is a Polish cucumber salad. It’s crunchy, creamy, crunchy, tangy, fragrant, and refreshing! All you need is just a handful of simple ingredients. Mizeria is easy to make but so delicious, making a great side dish to any meal.

Mizeria – Polish Cucumber Salad

If you ask any Pole what their favorite summer salad is, chances are high that Mizeria will be mentioned. This traditional dish has been around for centuries and is enjoyed by many people across the country. We’ll take a deep dive into what makes Mizeria so special, how to make it, and some of its health benefits.

Myths say that the origins of Mizeria can be traced back to the 16th century in Poland. It is believed to have been introduced by Queen Bona Sforza, an Italian queen who married Polish King Sigismund. She brought many Italian culinary influences to the Polish royal court, and cucumber salads were popular in Italian cuisine then. Mizeria’s name is derived from the Polish word “mizerny,” meaning miserable or poor, which suggests its humble origins as a simple peasant dish. But trust me, there is nothing miserable about this salad!

What is Mizeria?

Imagine a bowl full of perfectly sliced, crispy cucumbers coated in a creamy mixture of tangy sour cream and fresh, fragrant dill. The flavors are perfectly balanced – the coolness of the cucumbers is offset by the rich creaminess of the sour cream, while the dill adds a subtle, herbaceous note that elevates the dish to new heights.

Each bite is a refreshing burst of flavor, the crunch of the cucumbers giving way to the smooth, velvety texture of the sour cream. The combination of flavors and textures is simply irresistible – it’s the kind of dish that you can’t help but keep going back to, bite after delicious bite.

But don’t just take my word for it – you have to try it for yourself to truly understand the magic of Mizeria. So go ahead, grab a fork, and dig in. You won’t be disappointed!

This creamy cucumber salad is a refreshing and light cucumber salad that has been a staple in Poland for many years. It is a simple dish that is made with just a few ingredients, including cucumbers, sour cream, dill, and salt. Mizeria translates to “misery” in English, but there’s nothing miserable about this delicious salad!

Ingredients for Mizeria – Polish Cucumber Salad In Sour Cream Recipe

To make Mizeria, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Cucumbers: Main ingredient. Choose fresh, firm cucumbers free of bruises or soft spots. English cucumbers work particularly well for this dish.
Sour cream: Look for a high-quality sour cream that’s rich and tangy. You can also use Greek yogurt instead if you prefer a lighter version.
Fresh dill: This herb is essential for Mizeria, so choose a bunch that’s bright green and fragrant. Avoid any dill that looks wilted or discolored. Dill is what makes the salad so delicious. One of my favorite herbs that I can’t cook without!
Salt: A pinch of salt is all you need to enhance the dish’s flavors.
Black pepper
Fresh squeezed lemon juice: This ingredient adds a subtle tanginess that complements the other flavors in the dish.
Radish: It is optional but I love to add it for some extra crunch.
Optional: Some people like to add thinly sliced red onions, green onions or chopped chives to their Mizeria for extra flavor.

How to make Mizeria – Polish Cucumber Salad In Sour Cream Recipe

Making Mizeria is incredibly easy and takes only a few minutes. Here are the steps:

Slice cucumbers thinly. You can use a mandoline or a sharp knife to do this.
Place the sliced cucumbers in a bowl and sprinkle with salt. Toss to coat and set aside for 10 minutes.
In a separate bowl, mix the sour cream and chopped dill together.
Once the cucumbers have released some of their water, drain off the excess liquid and add the cucumbers to the bowl with the sour cream mixture.
If you are adding radish, slice it thinly.
Toss the cucumbers, lemon juice, and dill with the sour cream mixture until they are coated evenly.
Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving.

That’s it! Your Mizeria is ready to enjoy. You can serve it as a side dish or as a light lunch on its own.

Variations on Mizeria

While the classic Mizeria recipe is simple and delicious, there are a few variations that you can try to mix things up. Here are some ideas:
Add some thinly sliced red onion to the salad for extra flavor and crunch.
Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter salad version.
Add some chopped garlic to the sour cream mixture for an extra kick.
Add some thinly sliced radish for more crunchiness and health benefits.

Health Benefits of Mizeria

This delicious Polish cucumber salad is also healthy. Here are a few of the health benefits of this refreshing salad:

Cucumbers are high in water and low in calories, making them a great option for those looking to maintain a healthy weight.
Cucumbers also contain antioxidants, which can help to reduce inflammation in the body.
Dill is a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as iron and calcium.
Sour cream is a good source of calcium and protein.

Flavor of Mizeria

Mizeria is a dish that truly embodies the concept of simplicity done right. The combination of flavors is perfectly balanced, with each element complementing the others in just the right way.

At the heart of Mizeria is the humble cucumber, which provides a cool, refreshing crunch that’s the perfect counterpoint to the rich creaminess of the sour cream. The sour cream itself is tangy and slightly acidic, which balances out the sweetness of the cucumbers and provides a subtle creaminess that coats the palate.

But what really takes Mizeria to the next level is the addition of fresh dill. This herb adds a bright, fresh, and slightly citrusy flavor that cuts through the sour cream’s richness and subtle complexity to the dish. It’s the perfect finishing touch that ties everything together and elevates the dish from a simple cucumber salad to a culinary masterpiece.

The combination of cool, crisp cucumbers, tangy sour cream, and fragrant dill creates a flavor profile that’s simultaneously familiar and unexpected, comforting and exciting. It’s a dish that’s sure to satisfy your cravings and leave you feeling refreshed and invigorated.

Equipment

Cutting board
Sharp knife
Salad bowl
Large bowl
Measuring cups and spoons
Spatula
Cheesecloth

How to store Mizeria

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Mizeria is best served fresh, so try to consume it within one day of making it. After this point, the cucumbers may become too soft and the flavors deteriorate. You dont want to eat a soggy salad, trust me.

Stir before serving: Before serving Mizeria, stir it well to redistribute the dressing and ensure all ingredients are well-coated.

Recipe Tips

Choose young, fresh cucumbers with thin and tender skin. I use English cucumber now.
You can remove the middle part to avoid excess liquid in your salad when using large, watery cucumbers with lots of seeds.
Use mandoline for even thin slices. You can also use a food processor to slice cucumbers.
Don’t skip the step of salting the cucumbers, as this helps to remove excess liquid and prevent a watery salad. Remember that cucumbers are mostly water, so salting is crucial!
Use cheesecloth to drain the cucumber. Lay it over cucumber slices in the strainer and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. Trust me on this one —it is worth the extra step.

How to Serve this Salad

Let the salad sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. It needs that time to develop flavor, and it tastes best chilled!

Mizeria is a versatile salad that can be served as a side dish or as part of a larger meal. Here are some ideas for what to serve with Mizeria:

Grilled meats: Mizeria pairs well with grilled meats such as chicken, beef, or pork. The salad’s cool, refreshing flavor complements the meat’s rich, smoky flavor.
Pierogi: Pierogi is a traditional Polish dish with dumplings filled with savory or sweet ingredients. Mizeria perfectly accompanies pierogi, as the salad’s cool, tangy flavors help balance the dumplings’ richness.
Roasted vegetables: Roasted vegetables, such as zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers, are a delicious and healthy side dish that goes well with Mizeria. The salad’s cool, fresh flavors help cut through the vegetables’ richness.
Grilled sausages: Grilled sausages, such as kielbasa or bratwurst, are popular in many Eastern European countries. Mizeria is a great side dish for grilled sausages, as the salad’s cool, tangy flavors help balance the meat’s richness.
This healthy recipe is perfect for hot summer days when cucumber season is in full swing!

More Side Dishesh Recipes

Avocado Salad Recipe

Broccoli Salad

Easy Creamy Savory Sweet Potatoes Recipe