Cucumber-Zucchini Salad
Zambian Cucumber-Zucchini Salad Recipe with White Vinegar and Crushed Red Pepper
Introduction
Cucumber-Zucchini Salad is a refreshing and light dish that is perfect for a summer meal or as a side dish for a barbecue. The combination of cucumbers and zucchini creates a crunchy and flavorful salad that is sure to please your taste buds.
History
This recipe is a modern twist on traditional cucumber salads that have been enjoyed for centuries. Cucumbers have been cultivated for thousands of years and are a staple in many cuisines around the world. Zucchini, on the other hand, is a relatively newer vegetable that has gained popularity in recent years. The combination of these two vegetables in a salad is a delicious and healthy way to enjoy the flavors of summer.
Ingredients
- 2 medium cucumbers
- 2 medium zucchini
- 0.5 cup white vinegar
- 4 tbsp sugar dissolved in 1 cup hot water
- 1 tbsp salt
- 1 tsp coarse black pepper (freshly ground if available)
- 1 tsp crushed red pepper
How to prepare
- Arrange in alternate layers: 2 medium cucumbers, scored with a fork, not peeled but sliced very thinly, and 2 medium zucchini, raw, same size as cucumbers, prepared the same way.
- Drain any water formed from cucumbers before adding the dressing.
- Allow vegetables to marinate in the dressing for at least 1 hour before serving.
- Note that no oil is used in the dressing.
- The amount of sugar in the dressing is not excessive for this kind of recipe.
- An artificial sweetener may be substituted for the sugar if desired.
- Serve with meat or poultry.
Variations
- Add diced tomatoes or red onions for extra flavor and color.
- Mix in fresh herbs like dill or parsley for a burst of freshness.
- Top with crumbled feta cheese or toasted nuts for added texture and flavor.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Be sure to slice the cucumbers and zucchini very thinly for the best texture in the salad.
- Draining any excess water from the cucumbers before adding the dressing will prevent the salad from becoming too watery.
- Allowing the vegetables to marinate in the dressing for at least 1 hour will help the flavors to meld together and create a more delicious salad.
Serving Suggestions
This salad is best served as a side dish for grilled meat or poultry. It can also be enjoyed on its own as a light and refreshing snack.
Cooking Techniques
The key to making a delicious Cucumber-Zucchini Salad is to slice the vegetables very thinly and allow them to marinate in the dressing for at least 1 hour before serving.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you don't have zucchini on hand, you can use yellow squash as a substitute. You can also use apple cider vinegar instead of white vinegar for a slightly different flavor.
Make Ahead Tips
This salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just be sure to drain any excess water before serving.
Presentation Ideas
Serve the Cucumber-Zucchini Salad in a large bowl or on a platter garnished with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper for a pop of color.
Pairing Recommendations
This salad pairs well with grilled chicken, steak, or fish. It also goes well with a glass of crisp white wine or a light beer.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Leftover Cucumber-Zucchini Salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. It is best served cold and does not need to be reheated.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each serving of Cucumber-Zucchini Salad contains approximately 50 calories.
Carbohydrates
Each serving of Cucumber-Zucchini Salad contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates.
Fats
This salad is low in fat, with only 1 gram of fat per serving.
Proteins
Cucumber-Zucchini Salad is a low-protein dish, with only 1 gram of protein per serving.
Vitamins and minerals
This salad is a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as potassium and magnesium.
Alergens
This recipe is gluten-free, dairy-free, and nut-free, making it suitable for those with food allergies or sensitivities.
Summary
Cucumber-Zucchini Salad is a low-calorie, low-fat, and low-protein dish that is high in vitamins and minerals.
Summary
Cucumber-Zucchini Salad is a light and refreshing dish that is perfect for a summer meal or as a side dish for a barbecue. With its crunchy texture and flavorful dressing, this salad is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
How did I get this recipe?
I can still remember the exact moment I discovered this recipe for Cucumber-Zucchini Salad. It was a warm summer day, the sun was shining brightly, and I was visiting my dear friend Mary at her countryside home. Mary was known for her delicious home-cooked meals, and that day she decided to whip up a refreshing salad using fresh cucumbers and zucchinis from her garden.
As I watched Mary prepare the salad, I couldn't help but be captivated by her skill and creativity in the kitchen. She effortlessly sliced the cucumbers and zucchinis into thin rounds, tossed them with a simple vinaigrette dressing, and topped it off with a sprinkle of fresh herbs from her herb garden.
The moment I took my first bite of the Cucumber-Zucchini Salad, I knew I had to learn the recipe for myself. The combination of crisp cucumbers and tender zucchinis, paired with the tangy vinaigrette dressing, was simply divine. I asked Mary for the recipe, and she happily shared it with me, along with some tips and tricks she had picked up over the years.
I returned home that day with a newfound passion for cooking, determined to recreate Mary's delicious Cucumber-Zucchini Salad in my own kitchen. I gathered all the ingredients I needed – fresh cucumbers and zucchinis from my own garden, a bottle of olive oil, some white wine vinegar, a handful of fresh herbs, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
I carefully sliced the cucumbers and zucchinis into thin rounds, just like Mary had shown me. I whisked together the olive oil and white wine vinegar to create a simple vinaigrette dressing, adding a touch of honey for sweetness. I tossed the cucumbers and zucchinis in the dressing, making sure each piece was coated evenly.
As I took my first bite of the salad, I was transported back to Mary's sunny kitchen, surrounded by the sights and smells of the countryside. The flavors were just as I remembered – crisp and fresh, with a tangy kick from the vinaigrette dressing. I knew I had truly mastered the recipe for Cucumber-Zucchini Salad.
Over the years, I have continued to make Mary's Cucumber-Zucchini Salad for family and friends, each time receiving rave reviews. I have added my own twist to the recipe, experimenting with different herbs and spices to create new and exciting flavor combinations. But no matter how many variations I try, the original recipe will always hold a special place in my heart.
I often think back to that warm summer day at Mary's countryside home, where I first discovered the recipe for Cucumber-Zucchini Salad. It was a moment that sparked a lifelong passion for cooking and a love for sharing delicious meals with those I hold dear. And for that, I will always be grateful to my dear friend Mary and her amazing culinary skills.
Categories
| Broccoli Recipes | Cauliflower Recipes | Cucumber Recipes | Green Bean Recipes | White Vinegar Recipes | Zambian Recipes | Zambian Salads | Zucchini Recipes |