Zambian Cucumber-Zucchini Salad Recipe with White Vinegar and Crushed Red Pepper

Cucumber-Zucchini Salad

Zambian Cucumber-Zucchini Salad Recipe with White Vinegar and Crushed Red Pepper
Region / culture: Zambia | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 0 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Cucumber-Zucchini Salad
Cucumber-Zucchini Salad

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

How to prepare

  1. 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.
  2. Drain any water formed from cucumbers before adding the dressing.
  3. Allow vegetables to marinate in the dressing for at least 1 hour before serving.
  4. Note that no oil is used in the dressing.
  5. The amount of sugar in the dressing is not excessive for this kind of recipe.
  6. An artificial sweetener may be substituted for the sugar if desired.
  7. 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 |

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