Looking for a quick and refreshing dish? Cucumber salads are trending right now! They’re crunchy, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion. With their refreshing texture and versatility, cucumber salads can be made in a variety of ways, from classic to innovative. Here’s how you can make your own cucumber salad, with ingredient suggestions, substitutes for readers in the US, UK, and Malaysia, and nutritional information.
Classic Cucumber Salad Recipe
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Measurement (Metric) | Measurement (US) |
|---|---|---|
| Cucumbers (sliced) | 2 medium (400 g) | 2 medium (14 oz) |
| Red onion (thinly sliced) | 1 small (70 g) | 1 small (2.5 oz) |
| White vinegar | 60 ml | 1/4 cup |
| Sugar | 15 g | 1 tbsp |
| Salt | 3 g | 1/2 tsp |
| Black pepper (ground) | 1 g | 1/4 tsp |
| Fresh dill (chopped) | 10 g | 1 tbsp |
| Water | 30 ml | 2 tbsp |
Double Serving Recipe
For larger gatherings or to store leftovers, simply double the ingredients:
| Ingredient | Measurement (Metric) | Measurement (US) |
|---|---|---|
| Cucumbers (sliced) | 4 medium (800 g) | 4 medium (28 oz) |
| Red onion (thinly sliced) | 2 small (140 g) | 2 small (5 oz) |
| White vinegar | 120 ml | 1/2 cup |
| Sugar | 30 g | 2 tbsp |
| Salt | 6 g | 1 tsp |
| Black pepper (ground) | 2 g | 1/2 tsp |
| Fresh dill (chopped) | 20 g | 2 tbsp |
| Water | 60 ml | 1/4 cup |
Instructions
- Slice cucumbers and onions thinly for an even texture.
- Mix vinegar, water, sugar, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
- Add the cucumbers and onions to the bowl. Toss well to coat evenly.
- Stir in fresh dill and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Serve cold and enjoy the refreshing crunch!
Serving Suggestions
Cucumber salad is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of dishes. Here are some ideas to elevate your meal:
- Pair this cucumber salad with grilled chicken, fish, or shrimp for a light, healthy meal.
- Serve it as a side dish with BBQ meats or sandwiches at picnics, potlucks, or family gatherings.
- Use the salad as a topping for tacos, wraps, or burgers for added freshness and crunch.
- It works perfectly as a refreshing side dish alongside spicy foods like curry or stir-fries to balance the heat.
- Transform it into a Mediterranean-inspired dish by adding feta cheese, olives, and a drizzle of olive oil.
- Mix with quinoa or couscous for a wholesome, satisfying salad that can stand alone as a main dish.
- For a more filling meal, serve with grilled vegetables or roasted chickpeas.
Ingredient Substitutes and Suggestions
Substitutes by Region:
Sometimes, you may not have all the ingredients on hand, but don’t worry! Here are some common substitutes:
| Ingredient | US Substitute | UK Substitute | Malaysian Substitute |
|---|---|---|---|
| White vinegar | Apple cider vinegar | Malt vinegar | Lime juice |
| Fresh dill | Parsley or cilantro | Coriander leaves | Coriander leaves |
| Red onion | Yellow onion | Shallots | Shallots |
Other Ingredient Suggestions:
You can get creative with your cucumber salad by adding:
- For a sweeter taste, add sliced cherry tomatoes or mango slices.
- For a creamy texture, toss in feta cheese or avocado slices.
- For extra crunch, sprinkle some sesame seeds or roasted sunflower seeds.
- If you prefer a natural sweetener, replace sugar with honey or agave syrup.
- Make the dressing richer by adding olive oil, or mix with Greek yogurt for a creamy twist.
- Include thinly sliced radishes for a colorful and crunchy addition.
Nutritional Information
Cucumber salad is a healthy choice. Here’s the nutritional breakdown for a single serving:
| Nutrient | Per Serving (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 40 kcal |
| Protein | 1 g |
| Carbohydrates | 9 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Fat | 0.2 g |
| Sodium | 300 mg |
| Sugar | 4 g |
Final Thoughts
Cucumber salad is a versatile and refreshing dish that’s easy to make and customize. It’s perfect for summer BBQs, picnics, or as a quick snack. The combination of crunchy cucumbers, tangy vinegar, and fresh herbs creates a balanced flavor profile, and it’s low in calories while being high in water and fiber—great for hydration and digestion.
You can adjust this recipe to suit your taste and experiment with different ingredients to create your own version. Plus, it’s an ideal way to incorporate fresh produce into your meals. Try it today and enjoy this light, healthy, and satisfying salad!
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