Lemon Cucumber Salad

Lemon Cucumber Salad Recipe - Fresh and Flavorful Vegetarian Dish

Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 0 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Lemon Cucumber Salad is a refreshing and light dish that is perfect for a hot summer day. The combination of crisp cucumbers, tangy red onion, and sweet red bell pepper, all tossed in a zesty dressing, makes for a delicious and healthy salad.

History

Cucumber salads have been enjoyed for centuries in various cultures around the world. The addition of lemon and other fresh ingredients in this recipe gives it a modern twist while still honoring the traditional flavors of cucumber salads.

Ingredients

3 tbsp rice wine vinegar
3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
1 tsp chopped chile pepper
1 tbsp chopped fresh lavender (optional)
salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
1 lb (454 g) lemon cucumbers, thinly sliced
1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
0.5 red bell pepper, cut into thin strips
red-leaf lettuce leaves

How to prepare

In a small bowl, combine vinegar, oil, chile pepper, and lavender if using.
Season with salt and pepper.
In a medium bowl, combine cucumbers, onion, and red pepper.
Pour the dressing over and toss to coat.
Let it stand for 10 minutes.
Arrange lettuce leaves on individual serving plates.
Spoon a generous amount of salad over the leaves.
Serve immediately.

Variations

Add diced avocado for a creamy texture.
Substitute red bell pepper with cherry tomatoes for a pop of color.
Use mint or basil instead of lavender for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to slice the cucumbers and onions thinly for the best texture and flavor.

- Letting the salad sit for a few minutes after tossing it in the dressing allows the flavors to meld together.

- Feel free to adjust the amount of chile pepper and lavender to suit your taste preferences.

Serving Suggestions

This salad can be served as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish, or enjoyed on its own as a light and refreshing meal.

Cooking Techniques

The key to this recipe is to slice the vegetables thinly and evenly to ensure a consistent texture in every bite.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have rice wine vinegar, you can use white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar as a substitute.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the dressing and chop the vegetables ahead of time, but it's best to toss the salad just before serving to maintain its crispness.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the salad in a glass bowl or on a platter lined with lettuce leaves for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This salad pairs well with grilled meats, seafood, or a light pasta dish.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Do not freeze. Serve chilled.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 120

Carbohydrates

Total Carbohydrates: 10g

Dietary Fiber: 2g

Sugar: 5g

Fats

Total Fat: 10g

Saturated Fat: 1g

Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

Protein: 1g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin C: 30% DV

Vitamin A: 10% DV

Iron: 4% DV

Alergens

This recipe is gluten-free and dairy-free. It may contain traces of nuts.

Summary

This Lemon Cucumber Salad is low in calories and fat, making it a healthy and nutritious option for a light meal or side dish.

Summary

Lemon Cucumber Salad is a simple and delicious dish that is perfect for a summer picnic or barbecue. With its fresh and vibrant flavors, it's sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I can still recall the sense of amazement I felt when I first saw this recipe for Lemon Cucumber Salad. It was a hot summer day, and I had just arrived at my friend Margaret's house for a backyard barbecue. As I walked into her kitchen to drop off my dish, I noticed her chopping up some fresh cucumbers and lemons.

"What are you making?" I asked, curious as always about new recipes.

"Oh, just a simple Lemon Cucumber Salad. It's perfect for a hot day like today," Margaret replied with a smile as she continued to mix the ingredients together.

I watched her with fascination, intrigued by the simplicity of the dish and the refreshing combination of flavors. Margaret noticed my interest and handed me a taste of the salad.

"Here, try it. I think you'll love it," she said, offering me a forkful of the crisp, tangy salad.

I took a bite and was immediately hooked. The cool crunch of the cucumbers, the zesty citrus of the lemons, and the hint of sweetness from the dressing all came together in perfect harmony. It was a revelation, a burst of freshness that seemed to transport me to a sunny garden filled with ripe produce.

"Wow, this is amazing!" I exclaimed, already thinking about how I could recreate the dish at home.

Margaret laughed at my enthusiasm and handed me a printed copy of the recipe.

"Here, take this. It's a family recipe that's been passed down for generations. I'm sure you'll enjoy making it as much as you enjoy eating it," she said, her eyes twinkling with the joy of sharing something special with a friend.

I thanked her profusely and left her house that day with a newfound passion for Lemon Cucumber Salad. I couldn't wait to try making it myself and share it with my own family and friends.

When I got home, I wasted no time in gathering the ingredients and following the simple steps outlined in the recipe. I chopped up the cucumbers, squeezed the lemons, and mixed everything together with a dash of sugar and salt. The salad came together quickly, and I marveled at how such a simple dish could be so delicious.

As I took my first bite of the finished salad, I was transported back to Margaret's sunny backyard, surrounded by friends and laughter. The flavors danced on my tongue, refreshing and bright, and I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my own kitchen.

Over the years, I made the Lemon Cucumber Salad countless times, tweaking the recipe here and there to suit my tastes. I added fresh herbs like mint and parsley for a burst of freshness, or a sprinkle of chili flakes for a hint of heat. Each time, the salad brought a smile to my face and a feeling of contentment in my heart.

As I shared the recipe with friends and family, they too fell in love with its simplicity and flavor. They marveled at how such humble ingredients could come together to create something so delightful, and they asked for the recipe so they could make it themselves.

I watched with pride as the Lemon Cucumber Salad became a beloved dish in my community, passed from one kitchen to another, creating connections and memories along the way. I knew that this recipe would always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the day I first tasted its magic at Margaret's house.

And so, as I sit here now, with a bowl of Lemon Cucumber Salad in front of me, I can't help but feel grateful for the simple pleasures in life. The joy of cooking, the warmth of sharing a meal with loved ones, and the magic of a recipe that brings people together in fellowship and happiness.

I hope that you too will find joy in making this Lemon Cucumber Salad, and that it will bring a bit of sunshine into your kitchen and your heart. Remember, the best recipes are not just about the ingredients, but about the love and care that goes into making them. Happy cooking, dear ones, and may your meals always be filled with love and laughter.