Cucumber and Olive Salad
Ukrainian Cucumber and Olive Salad Recipe with Mint and Vinegar
Introduction
Cucumber and Olive Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish that is perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish for a summer barbecue. The combination of crisp cucumbers, tangy pickled red peppers, and briny olives creates a delicious and satisfying salad that is sure to please your taste buds.
History
Cucumber and Olive Salad has Mediterranean origins, with cucumbers and olives being staple ingredients in many Mediterranean cuisines. The addition of pickled red peppers adds a unique twist to this classic salad, giving it a tangy and slightly spicy kick.
Ingredients
How to prepare
- Peel and cut the cucumbers lengthwise, then remove the seeds. Slice them finely and sprinkle with mint.
- Add the chopped and sliced peppers, along with salt.
- Dress the mixture with oil and vinegar.
- Add salt to taste.
Variations
- Add crumbled feta cheese for a creamy and tangy twist.
- Substitute black olives for green olives for a different flavor profile.
- Add cherry tomatoes or red onion for extra color and flavor.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Be sure to remove the seeds from the cucumbers before slicing them, as the seeds can make the salad watery.
- For extra flavor, you can marinate the cucumbers in the dressing for a few hours before serving.
- Feel free to customize the salad by adding other ingredients such as feta cheese, cherry tomatoes, or red onion.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this salad as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish, or enjoy it on its own as a light and refreshing lunch.
Cooking Techniques
This salad requires no cooking, making it a quick and easy dish to prepare.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you don't have pickled red peppers, you can use roasted red peppers instead.
Make Ahead Tips
This salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Presentation Ideas
Serve the salad in a large bowl or on a platter, garnished with fresh mint leaves for a pop of color.
Pairing Recommendations
This salad pairs well with grilled meats, seafood, or as part of a mezze platter.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This salad is best served cold and does not need to be reheated.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Calories: 120 per serving
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates: 10g per serving
Fats
Fats: 7g per serving
Proteins
Proteins: 2g per serving
Vitamins and minerals
This salad is rich in vitamin C, vitamin K, and potassium.
Alergens
This recipe contains olives, which may be an allergen for some individuals.
Summary
This salad is a healthy and nutritious option that is low in calories and high in vitamins and minerals.
Summary
Cucumber and Olive Salad is a simple yet delicious dish that is perfect for a light and healthy meal. With its crisp cucumbers, tangy pickled red peppers, and briny olives, this salad is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe repertoire.
How did I get this recipe?
The first time I saw this recipe, I was drawn to it like a moth to a flame. It was a hot summer day and I was browsing through a stack of old cookbooks at a yard sale. The cover of the book was faded and tattered, but the pages inside were filled with handwritten notes and recipes that had been passed down through generations.
As I flipped through the pages, a recipe for Cucumber and Olive Salad caught my eye. The combination of crisp cucumbers, tangy olives, and fresh herbs sounded like a refreshing and flavorful dish that would be perfect for a summer picnic. I knew I had to try it.
I bought the old cookbook for a mere fifty cents and rushed home to gather the ingredients. I sliced the cucumbers thinly, chopped up some fresh parsley and mint, and tossed everything together in a simple vinaigrette made with olive oil, lemon juice, and a touch of honey.
The salad turned out even better than I had imagined. The cucumbers were cool and crisp, the olives added a briny kick, and the herbs gave it a fresh and vibrant flavor. I couldn't believe how such simple ingredients could come together to create such a delicious dish.
I shared the salad with my family that evening and they all raved about it. My husband said it was the best salad he had ever tasted, and my children couldn't get enough of it. I knew then that this recipe would become a staple in our household.
Over the years, I have made this Cucumber and Olive Salad countless times. I have tweaked the recipe here and there, adding different herbs or experimenting with different types of olives. But the basic formula has remained the same, and it never fails to impress.
I have shared the recipe with friends and neighbors, who have all fallen in love with it just as I did. It has become my go-to dish for potlucks, picnics, and family gatherings. And every time I make it, I am reminded of that hot summer day when I stumbled upon the recipe that would become a beloved favorite.
As I sit here now, flipping through the worn pages of that old cookbook, I am filled with gratitude for the serendipitous moment that brought this recipe into my life. It is a reminder of the power of food to bring people together, to create memories, and to nourish both body and soul.
So here it is, my beloved recipe for Cucumber and Olive Salad, passed down through generations and shared with love. May it bring you as much joy and delight as it has brought me. And may it inspire you to seek out new flavors, to experiment in the kitchen, and to savor the simple pleasures of good food shared with loved ones. Bon appétit!
Categories
| Black Olive Recipes | Cucumber Recipes | Slavic Recipes | Ukrainian Recipes | Ukrainian Salads |