Refresh your meal with a classic cucumber salad recipe, featuring thinly sliced cucumbers and onions tossed with vinegar, sugar, and salt.
Cucumber salad is the ultimate refreshment in a dish! Just imagine biting into a crisp, cool cucumber with a tangy dressing that dances on your taste buds. It’s the perfect dish to enjoy on a hot summer day.
WHY CUCUMBER SALAD IS PERFECT FOR SUMMER?
Cucumbers, being a superlative source of hydration due to their elevated water content, can be deemed as an excellent choice for the intake of fluids.
They are a low-calorie and nutrient-rich option, which fortify the health quotient of any meal.
The preparation of cucumber salad is facile and adaptable according to one’s preferences, as it permits the inclusion of a variety of ingredients.
WHAT KIND OF CUCUMBER SHOULD I USE FOR EASY CUCUMBER SALAD?
When making the salad, it’s important to choose the right type of cucumber with fewer seeds to ensure that your salad is crisp and flavorful. Here are some of the best types of cucumbers to use for cucumber salad:
- English cucumbers: Also known as hothouse or seedless cucumbers, English cucumbers are a popular choice for cucumber salad. They have thin skin, small seeds, and a mild, sweet flavor that pairs well with other ingredients.
- Persian cucumbers: These small, thin-skinned cucumbers are another great option for cucumber salad. They have a slightly sweeter flavor than regular cucumbers and are less likely to be bitter.
- Kirby cucumbers: Also known as pickling cucumbers, Kirby cucumbers are a smaller, more firm type of cucumber that works well in salads. They have a slightly tangy flavor and a crisp texture.
- Lemon cucumbers: These unique cucumbers have a round, yellow shape and a slightly sweeter flavor than regular cucumbers. They make a great addition to cucumber salad for their color and taste.
No matter which type of cucumber you choose, be sure to look for ones that are firm and free from bruises or soft spots. This will ensure that your salad is fresh and delicious.
CUCUMBER SALAD RECIPE
| Prep Time | Cooking Time | Total Time | Serving |
| 15 Min | 0 Min | 15 Min | 4 |
- Course: Side Dish
- Cuisine: German
- Diet: Non-vegetarian
INGREDIENTS
- 2 medium size cucumbers, thinly sliced crosswise on a mandoline
- 1/2 small onion, thinly sliced
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 2 1/2 tablespoons red wine vinegar or white vinegar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons sugar
HOW TO MAKE CUCUMBER SALAD
- Wash and cut the cucumber into thin slices crosswise with a mandoline.
- Thinly slice the onion.
- In a medium bowl, toss the cucumber slices with the sugar and salt. Keep aside for 5 minutes.
- Stir in the vinegar and onion and refrigerate for 10 minutes.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature
HOW TO STORE CUCUMBER SALAD
You can store cucumber salad for up to 3 days in the fridge in an airtight container.
VARIATIONS OF CUCUMBER SALAD
Cucumber salad is a delicious and versatile dish that can be prepared in many different ways. Depending on your taste preferences, you can easily customize the flavor of the salad by adding different ingredients.
TOMATO CUCUMBER SALAD
You can add diced tomatoes, onions, peppers, olives, feta cheese or herbs to give it a Mediterranean twist.
ASIAN CUCUMBER SALAD
You can add mangoes or pineapple to cucumbers for an Asian-inspired salad.
CREAMY CUCUMBER SALAD
You can also experiment with different dressings from a light vinaigrette to a creamy yogurt dressing to make a creamy salad.
CUCUMBER NUT SALAD
You can add some croutons or roasted nuts to the cucumbers for making a nutty flavored salad.
With so many variations available, it is sure to become one of your go-to dishes!
Also read: Lettuce and Egg Salad: A Delicious and Healthy Option
FAQ ABOUT CUCUMBER SALAD
HOW DO I MAKE CUCUMBER SALAD LESS WATERY?
You can add salt to the cucumbers before adding them to the salad. The salt will draw out some of the moisture leaving you with a less watery dish.
WHAT MIXES WELL WITH CUCUMBERS?
Cucumbers can be combined with tomatoes and onions to make a classic salad.
Vegetables like peppers, carrots and celery also pair nicely with cucumbers.
Herbs like dill, parsley and mint can be added for an extra flavor boost.
Fruits such as apples and oranges provide a nice contrast of sweetness to the cucumber’s mild taste.
Creamy dressings like ranch or Greek yogurt based dressings work well with cucumbers.
Nuts such as almonds or walnuts add crunchy texture and nutty flavor when sprinkled on top of cucumber salads or sandwiches.
Cheese is an excellent addition to any cucumber dish. feta cheese is especially delicious!
With so many options available, it’s easy to find something that mixes well with cucumbers!
CAN I USE ANOTHER TYPE OF VINEGAR?
Yes, you can use apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar if you prefer.
CAN I USE DRIED HERBS INSTEAD OF FRESH ONES?
Yes, you can use dried herbs if you don’t have fresh ones on hand. Just use about half the amount called for in the recipe.
CAN I MAKE THE SALAD AHEAD OF TIME?
Yes, you can prepare the salad up to a day in advance and store it in the fridge until ready to serve. Just give it a quick stir before serving.
PRO TIP
- Soak the sliced red onion in cold water for 10-15 minutes before adding it to the salad.
- Use a mandoline slicer to get evenly thin slices of cucumber and onion for a more visually appealing salad.
- Make sure to use extra-virgin olive oil for a richer, more flavorful dressing.
- Add some crumbled feta cheese or sliced cherry tomatoes for an extra burst of flavor.
NUTRITION FACTS
These salads are a great way to enjoy the many health benefits of cucumbers. Cucumbers are low in calories, fat and cholesterol, making them an ideal choice for a nutritious snack or meal. They contain high amounts of nutrients, including potassium, vitamins A, B and C, as well as magnesium.
Eating cucumber salads can help you stay hydrated since cucumbers contain mostly water. They also contain fiber which helps promote digestion and regularity.
Eating these salads can also help reduce inflammation because they contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.
Additionally, the combination of cucumbers with other vegetables like tomatoes or onions adds more nutritional value to your meal and makes it more enjoyable. Cucumber salads are a great way to get the most out of your vegetables!
| Nutrition Fact |
| Per Serving Calories: 70kcal Carbs: 16g Protein: 0.8g Fiber: 0.8g Fat: 0.1g |
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, With crisp cucumbers, tangy dressing, and flavorful herbs, this simple cucumber salad is a healthy and delicious addition to any summer meal.
Give it a try today and let us know what you think!
