Are you looking for a quick, healthy, and incredibly refreshing side dish to brighten up your meals? Look no further! This healthy cucumber salad recipe is the perfect solution. It's incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients and cooking time, making it ideal for busy weeknights or effortless entertaining. This recipe is a delightful blend of crisp cucumbers, tangy vinegar, and fresh herbs, resulting in a delicious and healthy addition to any meal. It's a perfect example of how simple homemade cooking can be both delicious and nutritious.
Ingredients:
- 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced (English cucumbers work best, but any variety will do)
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
- 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar (or apple cider vinegar for a slightly sweeter taste)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese for extra flavor and creaminess
Instructions:
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Prep the Cucumbers and Onion: Wash and thinly slice the cucumbers and red onion. For a truly effortless experience, you can use a mandoline slicer for perfectly even slices. However, a sharp knife works perfectly fine too!
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Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, gently combine the sliced cucumbers, red onion, dill, and mint.
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Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the white wine vinegar (or apple cider vinegar), olive oil, salt, and pepper.
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Dress the Salad: Pour the dressing over the cucumber mixture and toss gently to coat everything evenly. Be careful not to over-toss, as you don't want to bruise the cucumbers.
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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 a truly delicious and refreshing salad. Serve chilled as a side dish with grilled chicken, fish, or any other main course. If using feta cheese, sprinkle it on just before serving.
Cooking Tips for the Best Cucumber Salad:
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Choose the right cucumber: English cucumbers have thinner skins and fewer seeds, making them ideal for salads. If using regular cucumbers, peel them and remove the seeds for a less watery salad.
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Don't over-salt: Adding the salt too early can draw out excess moisture from the cucumbers, making the salad watery. Add the salt just before serving or right before chilling to avoid this.
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Adjust the seasoning to your taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper to your preference.
Delicious Variations:
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Greek Cucumber Salad: Add crumbled feta cheese, Kalamata olives, and a sprinkle of oregano for a Mediterranean twist.
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Spicy Cucumber Salad: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a kick.
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Creamy Cucumber Salad: Stir in a dollop of plain Greek yogurt or sour cream for a richer, creamier salad.
Nutritional Information (per serving, without feta cheese):
This information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 50-60
- Fat: Approximately 3-4g
- Protein: Approximately 1g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 8-10g
- Fiber: Approximately 1g
This easy and healthy cucumber salad recipe is a perfect example of quick dinner ideas and delicious dishes that don't compromise on flavor or health. Enjoy this refreshing side dish, and happy cooking!