Cucumbers are a lot more versatile than many of us realize!
Just the other day, I made Cucumber infused water, pickles AND cucumber salad all at the same time using just 4 small cucumbers! (I prefer the Persian or English cucumbers for all of the above recipes).
Additionally, you can leave the skin on or peel it off. I left the skin on as it gives a different, richer flavor and keeps the cucumbers crunchier. For the purpose of this article, we will focus on making a classic cucumber salad.
Classic Cucumber Salad
Ingredients:
2-3 Persian or English Cucumbers (with seeds!) Seedless are generally grown using GMOs and we want to avoid that whenever possible.
Sea Salt
Fresh Herbs (if available) If not, dried parsley and dried dill work well.
Distilled white, white wine or sweet rice vinegar!
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Honey (optional)
Recipe:
Slice your cucumbers in thin circles and place in a bowl. Add a pinch or two of salt and place in the fridge for 30 minutes. This is a tip I recently learned. It will keep your cukes crunchy and prevent them from getting too watery. Cucumbers already have a lot of water and salt will help absorb a lot of the water while preserving the crunch.
Make your marinade while the cucumbers are "curing"
Classic Cucumber Salad Marinade:
1/3 cup of olive oil
1/4 cup of vinegar
1/2- 1 tsp. of raw honey or sugar (this will balance the vinegar perfectly)
Fresh or dried herbs (crushed)
Mix/shake well and set aside briefly
Blot off the salted cucumbers with a paper towel. No need to drain. Transfer cukes to a new bowl (ideally a glass container which you can also store the salad in.
Add the marinade to the cucumbers, toss/mix well to evenly distribute the oil, flavorings and vinegar.
Serve immediately or store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Great with many different dishes or on its on as a healthy snack. Kids may need an acquired taste, but I think teens will love it. Pair the classic cucumber salad with fish, chicken or a plate of quinoa!
For my cucumber infused water recipe please email me: elisaposniack@macaronikid.com
Enjoy!
