Hello, be welcome Paulina cooks once again! On this occasion we will talk about a recipe with an ingredient that we love, for how fresh, how easy it is to do and the tasty: cucumber salad .
Surely many of you will think that a cucumber salad recipe is somewhat boring, but not friends! If it is done well, it can be a flavored party. As? With small tricks and a good vinaigrette that elevates the cucumber to another level.
And the truth is that there is not only a cucumber salad , but it can be combined in many ways, to make it very different every time. So they are looking for pencil and paper to write down a few councils that will allow them to take out all the juice (literal) to the salad cucumber .
Content table
About cucumber salad
The cucumber salad is one of those recipes that cross borders and times. From Mediterranean cuisine to Asian , each one has its version to enjoy the wonders of this vegetable.
To begin with, the cucumber combines well with sweet, acids, spicy and salty ingredients. Its main virtue is freshness . It is moisturizing, crispy and light , ideal for those who seek something healthy but full of flavor.
And although it seems simple, to get a simple cucumber salad to be memorable has its tricks, but see the magic of the Greek salad . It all starts with the type salad cucumber that is chosen, how it is prepared, with what ingredients it combines it and, of course, a perfect vinaigrette that accompanies it.
7 characteristics that make us say yes to the salad with cucumber
- Absolute versatility : The cucumber salad admits everything, from yogurt to garlic, through fresh herbs such as mint, dill or coriander.
- Extreme simplicity : few ingredients and minimal preparation What else can you ask for?
- Under calories, high in flavor : it is the ideal option for those who want to eat something light without sacrificing flavor.
- Refreshing but not being able to : thanks to its high water content, the salad with cucumber is the perfect dish for the summer.
- Adaptable for all tastes : if it is preferred sweeter, honey combines very well with cucumber. If you look for something more acidic, a touch of apple cider vinegar makes a difference.
- Crispy texture : A characteristic of the salad with cucumber is that it allows us that perfect bite that makes it irresistible.
- Ideal to accompany main dishes : a simple cucumber salad works with everything, meats, fish, and rice.
Ways to prepare a cucumber salad
The cucumber salad has as many versions as chefs. We leave some ideas to be inspired by:
- Classic with vinaigrette : cucumber, a good olive oil, vinegar and salt. Basic and delicious.
- With yogurt : a creamy option, ideal with mint and a touch of garlic. Very in the Greek style, which reminds us of the tzatziki sauce
- Asian : a touch of soy sauce, sesame oil and a touch of ginger. Spectacular!
- With fruits : cucumber and melon, or even mango . An unexpected but very tasty combination.
- Picosa : Pepine with Chile powder, lemon and salt. Perfect for spicy lovers .
- Marinated Pepine (the most famous on the Internet): with a and striking cut many condiments to give more flavor. In this YouTube video Paulina shows us how to prepare it .
How do you prepare the cucumber for the salad?
- First, the big question: Does the cucumber peel for the salad? The answer depends on the type of cucumber we use . The Spanish cucumber, for example, has fine skin that does not need to peel (besides, there is much of the fiber!). But if they use larger cucumbers or with thick skin, it is better to remove it.
- Another tip: If you are looking for a softer texture it is better to remove the seeds. Just cut it along and scrape them with a spoon.
- For a cucumber that does not release so much liquid in the salad, a good technique is to salary it and let it drain a few minutes before mixing it with the other ingredients.
How to make cucumber salad
Making a good cucumber salad is a simple but precise art. It all starts with a fresh and firm cucumber (none of those that seem sponges!). Then, it is cut into slices, in strips or even in cubes. The key is to find the way that the vinaigrette retains the best.
The next step is the dressing . Here there are no strict rules, but a good balance between the acid and the fatty is fundamental. Classical vinaigrette ( olive and vinegar oil) never fails, but if you are looking for something different, honey, lemon or even yogurt are excellent options.
5 cucumber salad vinaigrette options
- Classic : olive oil, white or apple wine vinegar, salt and pepper. Simple and effective.
- Creamy: Natural yogurt , lemon juice, a touch of grated garlic and some mint leaves.
- Sweet: honey, apple vinegar and olive oil. Perfect to combine with fruits.
- Asian: soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil and a touch of sugar. Guaranteed taste!
- With mustard : mustard vinaigrette admits several versions, with honey, with yogurt, or with soy sauce , but in all it has that taste that can give much more personality to the cucumber salad.
4 tips to enjoy cucumber salad
- Using fresh cucumber : it seems obvious, but makes a difference. An old and gummy cucumber can ruin everything.
- Cut uniformly : so that all pieces absorb the dressing equally.
- Experiment : mint, coriander, garlic or even fennel seeds can transform cucumber salad into a flavors party.
- Add something crispy : rolled almonds or sesame seeds give it a special touch.
- Let stand : If possible, let the salad rest for a few minutes refrigerated so that the flavors are mixed and the cucumber absorbs the dressing.
- Choose a good vinaigrette : the key is to find the perfect balance for cucumber, but you can try a different combination every time.
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Cucumber salad
Yields: 4 portions
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 medium cucumbers
- 3 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or ½ lemon juice
- 1 minced or grated garlic clog (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs like mint or parsley (optional)
- 1 cup of natural yogurt (it is optional but we recommend strong)
How to make step -by -step cucumber salad
- Wash cucumbers well and, optionally, peel them.
- Cut the cucumbers into fine slices or in strips.
- In a bowl, mix the oil, vinegar or lemon, garlic, yogurt (if used) salt and pepper.
- Add the cucumbers to the bowl and mix well. If possible, let stand for about 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
- Decorate with fresh herbs before serving and enjoy.
