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Cucumber Salad

Cucumber Salad
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A classic cucumber salad that is light, crisp, and refreshingly tasty. Combining cool cucumbers, zesty dressings, and fresh herbs, this quick and easy salad is a versatile side dish perfect for meals or snacks. Ready in under 15 minutes, it offers a healthy, low-calorie option that can be customized with various dressings and toppings to suit your taste.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • Fresh Cucumbers – 2 medium, firm and crisp
  • Red Onion – 1 small, thinly sliced
  • Fresh Herbs (Dill, mint, or parsley) – 2 tablespoons, finely chopped
  • Lemon Juice or Vinegar – 2 tablespoons
  • Olive Oil or Yogurt – 2 tablespoons
  • Salt – ½ teaspoon (to taste)
  • Black Pepper – ¼ teaspoon (to taste)

Optional Variations

  • Jalapeños or Red Pepper Flakes – 1 teaspoon, sliced or to taste (for spicy kick)
  • Honey or Agave Syrup – 1 teaspoon (for sweet and tangy variation)
  • Toasted Nuts or Seeds (Almonds, sesame seeds) – 2 tablespoons (for added crunch)
  • Substitute Herbs – Fresh mint or basil as preferred (2 tablespoons)
  • Greek Yogurt – Use in place of olive oil for creamy dressing (2 tablespoons)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Cucumbers: Wash and thinly slice 2 medium cucumbers. Peel them partially or completely if desired for extra crispness. Thin slices allow the dressing to coat evenly.
  2. Slice the Onions and Chop Herbs: Thinly slice 1 small red onion to avoid overpowering the salad. Finely chop 2 tablespoons of fresh herbs like dill, mint, or parsley for an aromatic lift.
  3. Mix the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of lemon juice or vinegar, 2 tablespoons of olive oil or yogurt, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, and any optional ingredients such as honey, jalapeños, or nuts depending on your preferred variation.
  4. Combine Ingredients: Gently toss the sliced cucumbers, onions, and herbs with the dressing. Mix lightly to ensure even coating while avoiding sogginess.
  5. Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the salad for 10–15 minutes to let the flavors meld. Serve chilled for the best refreshing taste and crisp texture.

Notes

  • Use seedless cucumbers to reduce water content and keep the salad crisp longer.
  • Salt and drain cucumbers by tossing them with salt and letting them rest for 10 minutes to remove excess moisture.
  • Add fresh herbs just before serving to maintain their vibrant color and aroma.
  • Adjust acidity of the dressing by tasting and adding more lemon juice or vinegar as needed.
  • Serve cucumber salad immediately for optimal freshness and crunch, as cucumbers lose texture over time.

Nutrition

Keywords: cucumber salad, refreshing salad, quick side dish, healthy salad, low calorie, gluten free, light salad, easy cucumber recipe

Find it online: https://sophiespace.com/cucumber-salad/