Description
Fresh and delicious cucumber salad with a crisp, refreshing twist, combining cool cucumbers, tangy apple cider vinegar dressing, fresh herbs, and optional natural sweetener. Perfect for a quick, light, and healthy side dish that brightens any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh firm cucumbers, thinly sliced (rounds or half-moons with skin on)
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh mint, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon natural gelling agent
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion or shallots
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup (natural) or agave nectar (natural) (optional)
Variations (Optional Add-ins)
- Sliced jalapeños or pinch of chili flakes for spicy kick
- 2 tablespoons plant-based yogurt for creamy style
- 2 tablespoons toasted almonds or walnuts for crunch
- 1/4 cup diced fresh mango or pomegranate seeds for sweet and tangy flavor
- Fresh cilantro and basil mix as alternative herbs
Instructions
- Prepare the Cucumbers: Wash cucumbers thoroughly. Slice into thin rounds or half-moons, keeping the skin on for extra crunch. Place sliced cucumbers into a large mixing bowl.
- Add the Fresh Herbs: Finely chop your choice of fresh herbs such as dill and mint. Toss them gently with the cucumbers to evenly distribute their fresh aroma.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar (natural), olive oil, minced garlic, natural gelling agent, salt, pepper, and sweetener if using. Ensure the dressing is smooth and well combined.
- Combine and Toss: Pour the dressing over the cucumbers and herbs. Add thinly sliced red onions or shallots. Toss everything together until the salad is evenly coated.
- Let it Rest: Allow the salad to sit at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes. This helps the cucumbers absorb the flavors for a harmonious taste before serving.
Notes
- Choose fresh, firm, and unblemished cucumbers for the best crispness.
- Lightly salt the cucumber slices and drain excess water to avoid a watery salad.
- Adjust the amount of apple cider vinegar (natural) to suit your preferred tartness.
- Chill the salad before serving to intensify flavors and enhance refreshment.
- Use a sharp knife for neat, even cucumber slices for better texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No Cooking
- Cuisine: International
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 70
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: cucumber salad, refreshing salad, healthy side dish, easy cucumber recipe, gluten free salad, plant-based salad
