Cucumber Salad Dressing

Cucumber Salad Dressing Recipe from Taiwan - Tofu, Cucumber, Lemon Juice, and More

Region / culture: Taiwan | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 0 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Cucumber salad dressing is a refreshing and light dressing that is perfect for drizzling over salads or using as a dip for vegetables. This recipe is a healthier alternative to store-bought dressings, as it is made with fresh ingredients and contains no preservatives or artificial additives.

History

Cucumber salad dressing has been a popular condiment in many cultures for centuries. Cucumbers are known for their hydrating and cooling properties, making them a perfect ingredient for dressings in hot climates. This recipe combines the crispness of cucumbers with the creaminess of tofu to create a unique and delicious dressing.

Ingredients

2 oz (57 g) firm tofu, drained
1 cup coarsely chopped and unpeeled cucumber
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tbsp vegetable oil
0.5 tsp salt
0.25 tsp dark sesame oil
0.13 tsp ground red pepper

How to prepare

Place all the ingredients into a food processor and process until they become smooth.

Variations

You can customize this dressing by adding fresh herbs like dill or mint, or by adding a clove of garlic for extra flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To make this dressing even creamier, you can add a tablespoon of Greek yogurt or mayonnaise. You can also adjust the seasonings to suit your taste preferences by adding more lemon juice for acidity or more salt for seasoning.

Serving Suggestions

This dressing is perfect for drizzling over a mixed green salad, using as a dip for raw vegetables, or as a marinade for grilled chicken or tofu.

Cooking Techniques

Using a food processor to blend the ingredients will ensure a smooth and creamy consistency for the dressing.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have tofu on hand, you can substitute it with Greek yogurt or mayonnaise for a creamier dressing.

Make Ahead Tips

This dressing can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Serve this dressing in a small pitcher or drizzle it over a salad in a decorative pattern for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This dressing pairs well with fresh salads, grilled vegetables, or as a dipping sauce for spring rolls.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir well before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

This cucumber salad dressing contains approximately 80 calories per serving.

Carbohydrates

This cucumber salad dressing contains approximately 4 grams of carbohydrates per serving.

Fats

This dressing contains approximately 6 grams of fat per serving.

Proteins

This dressing contains approximately 3 grams of protein per serving.

Vitamins and minerals

Cucumbers are a good source of vitamin K, vitamin C, and potassium. Tofu is a good source of iron, calcium, and magnesium.

Alergens

This recipe contains soy from the tofu, so it may not be suitable for those with soy allergies.

Summary

Overall, this cucumber salad dressing is a healthy and nutritious option for adding flavor to your salads.

Summary

Cucumber salad dressing is a light and refreshing option for adding flavor to your salads. This recipe is easy to make and can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Enjoy this dressing on your favorite salads or as a dip for vegetables.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is one I won't soon forget. It was a sunny afternoon in the heart of summer, and I was visiting my friend Martha in her cozy little cottage by the sea. Martha was known far and wide for her delicious home-cooked meals, and I always looked forward to the culinary delights she had in store for me whenever I came to visit.

On this particular day, Martha had prepared a lovely lunch spread for us to enjoy out on her porch overlooking the sparkling blue waters of the ocean. As we sat down to eat, I couldn't help but notice a fresh and tangy cucumber salad on the table that looked absolutely irresistible.

I took a bite and was immediately blown away by the burst of flavors in my mouth. The crispness of the cucumbers, the zing of the vinegar, the sweetness of the sugar – it was a perfect harmony of tastes that danced on my taste buds. I turned to Martha, my eyes wide with excitement, and asked her for the recipe.

Martha chuckled and said, "Oh, that old thing? It's just a simple family recipe that's been passed down for generations. Would you like me to write it down for you?"

I practically jumped out of my seat with joy and eagerly accepted her offer. Martha handed me a piece of parchment and a quill, and I carefully copied down the ingredients and instructions for making the cucumber salad dressing. As I finished writing, Martha leaned in and whispered, "Now remember, the key to a perfect cucumber salad is to let it marinate in the dressing for at least an hour before serving. That's what gives it that extra kick of flavor."

I nodded eagerly, already envisioning myself making this delectable dish for my own family back home. As I bid Martha farewell and made my way back to my own little cottage, I couldn't wait to try out the recipe for myself.

The next day, I gathered all the necessary ingredients – fresh cucumbers, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper – and set to work in my own kitchen. As I sliced the cucumbers and mixed together the dressing, the memories of my time with Martha came flooding back to me. I could almost hear her cheerful laughter and feel the gentle sea breeze on my face as I stirred the ingredients together.

After letting the salad marinate for an hour, I eagerly took my first bite. It was just as delicious as I remembered – crisp, refreshing, and bursting with flavor. I felt a surge of pride and satisfaction knowing that I had successfully recreated Martha's recipe in my own kitchen.

From that day on, Martha's cucumber salad dressing became a staple in my household. Whenever I made it for my family or friends, it never failed to impress and delight. I shared the recipe with anyone who asked, passing on the tradition of this simple yet delectable dish to all who were eager to try it.

As the years went by, Martha's cucumber salad dressing became a beloved family favorite. It was served at holiday gatherings, picnics, and Sunday dinners, bringing joy and laughter to all who tasted it. And each time I made it, I couldn't help but think back to that sunny afternoon at Martha's cottage by the sea, where I had discovered this treasured recipe that would become a cherished part of my own culinary repertoire.

So here it is, Martha's cucumber salad dressing, a recipe that holds a special place in my heart and will forever remind me of the wonderful memories shared with dear friends and loved ones. May it bring you as much joy and happiness as it has brought to me over the years. Bon appétit!