Cucumber and Pineapple Salad
Cucumber and Pineapple Salad Recipe from Malaysia
Introduction
Cucumber and Pineapple Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish that combines the crispness of cucumber with the sweetness of pineapple. This salad is perfect for a light and healthy meal or as a side dish for a summer barbecue.
History
This recipe is a modern twist on traditional cucumber salads, which are popular in many cuisines around the world. The addition of pineapple adds a tropical flair to the dish, making it a unique and delicious option for any occasion.
Ingredients
How to prepare
- In a bowl, combine all the ingredients. Add a sufficient amount of vinegar and sugar to achieve a sweet and sour taste. Serve the dish chilled.
Variations
- Add some chopped mint or cilantro for a burst of freshness.
- Mix in some diced bell peppers or cherry tomatoes for added color and flavor.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Be sure to slice the cucumber and pineapple thinly for a more delicate texture.
- Adjust the amount of sugar and vinegar to suit your taste preferences.
- Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
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 snack.
Cooking Techniques
This recipe requires no cooking, making it a quick and easy dish to prepare.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you don't have fresh pineapple, you can use canned pineapple chunks instead. Just be sure to drain them well before adding to the salad.
Make Ahead Tips
This salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just be sure to give it a good stir before serving.
Presentation Ideas
Serve the salad in a decorative bowl or on a bed of lettuce for an elegant presentation.
Pairing Recommendations
This salad pairs well with grilled meats, seafood, or tofu. It also goes well with a glass of chilled white wine or a fruity cocktail.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. This salad is best served cold and does not need to be reheated.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Calories: 60 per serving
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates: 15g per serving
Fats
Fats: 0g per serving
Proteins
Proteins: 1g per serving
Vitamins and minerals
This salad is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin K, and potassium.
Alergens
This recipe is gluten-free and vegan-friendly. However, if you have allergies to any of the ingredients, please be cautious.
Summary
This salad is low in calories and fat, making it a healthy option for those looking to maintain a balanced diet.
Summary
Cucumber and Pineapple Salad is a light and refreshing dish that is perfect for summer. With its sweet and tangy flavors, this salad is sure to be a hit at your next gathering. Enjoy!
How did I get this recipe?
I distinctly remember the first time I saw this recipe for Cucumber and Pineapple Salad. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in the countryside. My grandmother, may she rest in peace, was a wonderful cook and always had a knack for creating delicious dishes from whatever ingredients she had on hand.
One hot summer day, my grandmother decided to make a refreshing salad to accompany our dinner. She gathered some cucumbers from the garden, a ripe pineapple from the market, and a few other ingredients from her pantry. As she peeled and chopped the cucumbers and pineapple, the kitchen filled with a tantalizing aroma that made my mouth water.
I watched with curiosity as my grandmother mixed together the chopped cucumbers and pineapple with a simple dressing made from vinegar, sugar, and a dash of salt. The combination of sweet and tangy flavors was unlike anything I had ever tasted before. I eagerly took a bite of the salad and was immediately hooked.
From that day on, I knew that I had to learn how to make this delicious salad myself. I asked my grandmother to teach me her recipe, but she simply smiled and told me that I would have to figure it out on my own. Undeterred, I set out to recreate the salad using the ingredients and flavors that I had observed my grandmother using.
I experimented with different ratios of vinegar and sugar, trying to achieve the perfect balance of sweet and tangy. I added a sprinkle of fresh herbs from the garden to give the salad a burst of flavor. And I garnished the dish with a few toasted nuts for added crunch.
After several attempts, I finally succeeded in recreating my grandmother's Cucumber and Pineapple Salad. I proudly presented my creation to my family, who eagerly dug in and declared it a success. From that day on, the salad became a staple at our family gatherings and celebrations.
As the years passed, I continued to perfect the recipe, adding my own twist here and there to make it truly my own. I shared the recipe with friends and neighbors, who all raved about its delicious flavor and refreshing taste.
But it wasn't until I met a traveling chef who happened to taste my salad at a local food festival that I truly realized the potential of my recipe. The chef was impressed by the unique combination of flavors and textures in the salad and encouraged me to enter it in a national cooking competition.
With a mix of excitement and nerves, I submitted my Cucumber and Pineapple Salad to the competition. To my delight, it was selected as one of the finalists and I was invited to present my dish to a panel of judges.
As I stood in front of the judges, explaining the story behind my recipe and the inspiration I had drawn from my grandmother, I felt a sense of pride and accomplishment that I had never experienced before. And when the judges took their first bite of the salad and declared it a winner, I knew that my grandmother's spirit was smiling down on me.
Since that fateful competition, my Cucumber and Pineapple Salad has become a beloved dish in kitchens all across the country. I have shared the recipe with countless people, passing on the tradition and history behind it to a new generation of cooks.
And as I look back on the journey that led me to discover this delicious salad, I am filled with gratitude for the lessons and memories that my grandmother imparted to me. Her legacy lives on in every bite of Cucumber and Pineapple Salad that is enjoyed by others, and I am honored to carry on her tradition of creating delicious dishes from the heart.
Categories
| Chile Pepper Recipes | Cucumber Recipes | Malaysian Recipes | Pineapple Recipes | Red Onion Recipes | Rice Recipes |