Are you looking for a quick, easy, and incredibly refreshing side dish to brighten up your next meal? Look no further! This Cucumber Salad recipe, bursting with the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean, is the perfect solution. It's a healthy and delicious addition to any barbecue, picnic, or weeknight dinner, and it's so simple to make, even beginners will feel like culinary pros. Prepare to be amazed by how much flavor this simple salad packs!
Ingredients: A Symphony of Mediterranean Flavors
This recipe is designed to be easily adaptable to your taste and what you have on hand, but here's a great starting point:
- 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced (English cucumbers work best, but any kind will do)
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped
- Dressing:
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide
This cucumber salad comes together in minutes! Here’s how:
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Prep the vegetables: Wash and thinly slice the cucumbers and red onion. If you want to remove excess moisture from the cucumbers, you can gently salt them and let them sit in a colander for 10-15 minutes. This helps prevent a watery salad. Rinse and pat dry before proceeding.
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Combine the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers, red onion, Kalamata olives, feta cheese, dill, and mint.
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Whisk the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper.
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Dress the salad: Pour the dressing over the cucumber mixture and gently toss to combine.
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Chill and serve: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This step is crucial for the best taste! Serve chilled and enjoy!
Cooking Tips for the Perfect Cucumber Salad
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For a milder onion flavor: Soak the sliced red onion in cold water for 10 minutes before adding it to the salad. This will help to reduce its sharpness.
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Don't overdress: Start with a smaller amount of dressing and add more to taste. You can always add more, but you can't take it away!
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Get creative with herbs: Feel free to experiment with other fresh herbs like parsley or chives.
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Add some crunch: Toasted pine nuts or sunflower seeds would make a delicious addition to this salad.
Variations: Tailor it to Your Taste
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Spicy Cucumber Salad: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing for a little kick.
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Creamy Cucumber Salad: Stir in a dollop of plain Greek yogurt to the dressing for a creamier texture.
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Vegan Cucumber Salad: Omit the feta cheese or substitute it with a vegan feta alternative.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate)
This recipe provides a light and healthy meal option, low in calories and high in vitamins and minerals. Nutritional values will vary slightly depending on the specific ingredients used. The approximate values are:
- Calories: 150-200
- Fat: 12-15g
- Protein: 4-5g
- Carbohydrates: 10-12g
- Fiber: 2-3g
This Mediterranean Cucumber Salad is the perfect example of how delicious and healthy food can be quick and easy to prepare. It's a wonderful addition to any meal and a testament to the power of simple, fresh ingredients. Enjoy!