Swedish Cucumber Red Onion Slad

Swedish cucumber and red onion salad is a staple summer side dish in classic Swedish cuisine that is rooted in the tradition of “husmanskost.” While there is no direct English equivalent, husmanskost roughly translates to “home cooked food”. More broadly, it references traditional Swedish food that is simple, grown locally or in a home garden, and focuses on seasonal ingredients and nutritional density. Everything from pickled herring to meatballs (kötbullar) fit into the husmanskost category and it’s common to serve cucumber red onion salad alongside these rich, often hefty dishes for a refreshing and crunchy contrast.

We love the concept of husmanskost, and our chefs created a highly adaptable version of Swedish cucumber and red onion salad that can easily be adjusted to include seasonal or garden produce. The base of the salad is thinly sliced cucumbers and red onions that are bound with vegan yogurt and generously seasoned with our unique Piquant Post Nordic Blend. Anchored by dill and rounded out with thyme, coriander and caraway seed, an earthy and slightly citrusy spice that is a quintessential flavor in Scandinavian cuisine, our Nordic Blend adds depth and character to this humble but deeply delicious side. The Nordic Blend also pairs beautifully with fresh fish and other produce, so feel free to experiment with everything from salmon filets to beets to apples to radishes. Serve Swedish cucumber and red onion salad alongside fish, grilled chicken and lamb, or pile it on a thick slice of rye bread for a hearty vegan option on a smörgåsbord table.