Cucumber Salad

Cucumber Salad - The Perfect Go-To for Every Meal

Cucumber salad has to be my most prepared dish. It’s my easy go-to when I need to serve veggies to my kids and my favorite side dish when I’m looking for a cooling, crunchy accompaniment to a fancy dinner. Not only is it incredibly refreshing, but it’s also versatile, quick to make, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. I often make it just drizzled with rice wine vinegar and salt, but I have listed various ways to prepare it below.

Cucumbers are naturally hydrating and packed with vitamins like K, C, and potassium. Their high water content makes them perfect for cooling the body down on a hot day, and their subtle flavor pairs beautifully with a wide range of dressings and ingredients. Whether you’re serving it alongside grilled meats or adding it to a potluck spread, cucumber salad never disappoints.

As a busy parent, I’ve always leaned on cucumber salad as a quick, healthy option for my kids. It’s a great way to sneak more veggies into their meals, and the crisp texture keeps them returning for more. Plus, it’s easy to customize! You can add tomatoes, herbs, or even a sprinkle of feta cheese to elevate the flavors and keep things interesting. Cucumber salad is the perfect complement when I plan a more elaborate meal. Its refreshing crunch balances out rich, savory dishes and adds a pop of color to the plate. Whether paired with grilled salmon or served with a hearty roast, cucumber salad holds its own while enhancing the overall dining experience.

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Favorite Variations

• Creamy Cucumber Salad- 1 cucumber sliced, 1 Tbsp. Greek yogurt, 1 oz. red onion sliced thin ( or pickled red onion), 1 Tbsp dill, 1 tsp garlic.

• Peanut Butter Cucumber Salad- 1 cucumber sliced, 1 Tbsp. peanut butter, 1 Tbsp. soy sauce, 1 tsp. sesame oil, 1 clove crushed garlic

• Spice Tuna Cumber Salad- 1 cucumber sliced, 1 oz. tuna, 1 Tbsp. spicy mayo, 1 Tbsp sliced scallions. 1 tsp sesame seeds

• Everything Bagel Cucumber Salad- 1 cucumber sliced, 1 oz. smoked salmon, 1 oz sliced red onions, 1 Tbsp. cream cheese, 1 Tbsp. bagel spice

• Cooling Watermelon Salad- 1 cucumber sliced, 1 cup diced watermelon, 1 Tbsp. fresh mint leaves, chopped, 1 Tbsp. olive oil, 1 tsp. lime juice, 1 tsp. honey

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Cucumber Salad with Rice Wine Vinegar

Ingredients

• 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 cup rice wine vinegar

• 1 tablespoon sesame oil

• 1 tablespoon soy sauce

• 1 clove garlic (minced)

• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (toasted)

• Optional: 1 teaspoon chili flakes, parsley or cilantro

Procedure

• Thinly slice the cucumbers using a knife or mandolin. Place the slices in a bowl, sprinkle them with salt, and toss to coat. If the cucumbers you are using have large seeds, scrape out the inside of them.

• In a small bowl, whisk together the rice wine vinegar, sesame oil, salt, soy sauce, and minced garlic until well combined.

  In a large bowl, combine the cucumbers with the dressing. Toss to coat the cucumbers evenly.

• If you want a bit of spice, sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds, fresh cilantro (or parsley), and chili flakes.

• For the best flavor, let the salad sit in the fridge for 10-15 minutes before serving. Enjoy as a side dish or a refreshing snack!

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