On scorching summer time evenings, I usually choose to eat gentle. Earlier than I ate Paleo, generally I might simply have recent veggies in a light salad with some dressing. And whereas there are days I might most likely be completely glad with simply veggies, I do know now that I’ve so as to add protein to verify I keep full longer; these veggie-only dinners would usually lead just a few hours later to snacking. So once I’m in that temper, I’ll prepare dinner a chunk of fish and pair it with a shiny, flavorful salad. One in all my favorites is that this cucumber salad.
I’ve a buddy who usually orders salads at eating places however she nearly at all times asks for the salad with out lettuce. Inevitably, there’s at all times somebody on the desk who’s befuddled by this. Julie at all times solutions the identical approach: “iceberg lettuce is a waste of chewing time.” Now, I’m not as anti-lettuce as Julie, however I see her level.
There are only a few nutritional vitamins and vitamins in iceberg lettuce (the sort of lettuce most eating places use for salads) and why not give attention to the great things within the salad? Peppers, cucumbers, tomatoes, carrots… mmm.
So some time again, Julie acquired me considering: why not make salads that actually showcase a selected veggie? Or at the least don’t make the lettuce the star. This cucumber salad was considered one of my first adventures into this veggie philosophy.
To be sincere, there’s nothing actually genius about this recipe. It’s basically a veggie with a vinegar-herb dressing, and if you happen to’re brave, you may positively strive variations on this theme. I picked cucumbers as a result of they’ve a light-weight taste and so they have a tendency to take in the juices and flavors they’re wearing, so every chunk is tremendous flavorful. However I might completely see a model of this salad utilizing peppers, carrots, and even celery.
And once I suppose “cucumber,” I instantly suppose “dill.” They simply go so nicely collectively. I might use a special herb or spice taste for a special vegetable. However dill is simply good for cucumber. The spring onion (often known as inexperienced onion) and garlic add their taste and nearly spiciness to the combo, whereas honey offers it an nearly imperceptible, however essential, sweetness.
You is likely to be considering, “why can’t I simply slice up some cucumbers and pop open a bottle of store-bought dressing?” I encourage you to learn the ingredient record and dietary data earlier than you try this. Most retailer purchased dressings have lots of sugar, preservatives, and different processed elements. If that doesn’t cease you from utilizing store-bought dressing, it will: selfmade dressings just like the one used on this recipe merely style higher! And you may at all times make additional and maintain it in a screw-top mason jar within the fridge for some time to make use of on extra cucumbers or different salads.
Now… right here’s a bit of secret… within the recipe, it says “serve instantly.” And, for positive, it’s nice as quickly because it’s all blended collectively. However if you happen to’re a fan of the intense taste of vinegar, put any leftover salad in a big baking dish so each cucumber is sitting within the vinegar combine.
Cowl and chill in a single day and the cucumbers will actually take in that vinegar-dill taste. You’ve mainly taken step one in the direction of making dill pickles! However your cucumbers will nonetheless be crisp and the flavors will probably be good and tangy and shiny. Get pleasure from!
(Make this subsequent: Simple Paleo Salad-in-a-Jar with Mustard Vinaigrette)
Extra Good Cucumber Salad Recipes
Candy and Spicy Cucumber Salad
This gentle, refreshing cucumber salad has each candy and spicy parts. This crunchy and flavorful dish must be ready at the least 3 hours earlier than serving, because the flavors intensify after marinating. The cucumbers must also be allowed to empty of extra moisture for about half-hour earlier than the remainder of the elements are put collectively.
Components
2 giant cucumbers, peeled and sliced
1/2 tbsp salt
1/4 cup crimson onion, diced
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup water
2 tbsp honey
Sprint of crimson pepper flakes
Directions
1. Place the sliced cucumbers in a strainer and toss with salt. Enable to empty for about half-hour.
2. In a small saucepan, mix the vinegar, water, honey, and crimson pepper flakes over medium warmth. Deliver to a boil after which take away from warmth. Enable to chill for 10-Quarter-hour.
3. Mix all the elements in a medium bowl and canopy. Refrigerate for 3 hours earlier than serving.
Thai Cucumber Salad
This Asian-inspired cucumber salad is a flavorful and lightweight summer time snack. Small Persian cucumbers work nicely as the bottom for the recipe. Sesame oil, coconut aminos, and sesame seeds all convey a Thai affect to the dish. Refrigerate earlier than serving to permit the flavors to meld collectively.
Components
5 Persian cucumbers, sliced
1/2 bell pepper, diced
2 carrots, shaved
1 small shallot, minced
2 tsp coconut aminos
1 tsp sesame oil
1 tsp recent ginger, grated
1/2 tsp apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp sesame seeds
Directions
1. In a small bowl, whisk collectively the coconut aminos, sesame oil, ginger, and apple cider vinegar.
2. Mix the cucumbers, bell pepper, carrots, and shallot in a big bowl. Drizzle with the dressing and toss to coat. Refrigerate for half-hour earlier than serving. Prime with sesame seeds to serve.
Israeli Cucumber Salad
This very simple cucumber salad recipe focuses on recent greens reasonably than leafy greens for highly effective flavors and daring colours. The recipe makes a superb facet dish or lunch, and recent herbs resembling parsley or basil will also be added. Although the preparation takes a bit of time, a big batch of the salad retains nicely within the fridge for having fun with all through the week.
Components
2 bell peppers, thinly sliced
4 Persian cucumbers, sliced
1/2 crimson onion, thinly sliced
1 pint cherry tomatoes, quartered
2-3 tbsp balsamic vinegar
2 tbsp additional virgin olive oil
Salt and pepper, to style
Directions
1. Add the bell peppers, cucumbers, onion, and tomatoes collectively in a medium bowl. Drizzle within the balsamic and olive oil and toss to coat. Add salt and pepper to style. Place within the fridge for one hour earlier than serving.
