Picnic Salads

Nigerian Picnic Salads Recipe with Cucumber, Radishes, Green Onions, and More

Region / culture: Nigeria | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 0 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Picnic salads are a popular choice for outdoor gatherings, as they are easy to transport and can be made ahead of time. This cucumber and radish salad is a refreshing and creamy option that is sure to be a hit at your next picnic.

History

This recipe is a modern twist on traditional cucumber salads, which have been enjoyed for centuries in various cultures around the world. The addition of radishes and cottage cheese adds a unique flavor and texture to this classic dish.

Ingredients

1 medium cucumber
6 radishes
4 green onions
2 cups cream-style cottage cheese
0.33 cup sour cream
1 tsp salt
0.25 tsp pepper
1 dash red cayenne pepper
lettuce cups (optional)

How to prepare

Cut the cucumber lengthwise into fourths, then into 1.5-inch pieces. Cut the radishes into halves and the onions into 1.5-inch pieces.
Place the vegetables in a blender container; add enough water to cover. Cover and blend on high speed until finely chopped; drain completely. (You can also use a food processor, or finely chop the vegetables by hand).
Mix the cottage cheese, sour cream, salt, pepper, and red pepper; stir in the vegetables.
I recommend covering and refrigerating for several hours to let the flavors blend.
Spoon the mixture into lettuce cups and, if desired, garnish with sliced ripe olives.

Variations

Feel free to customize this salad to suit your taste preferences. You can add in other vegetables, such as bell peppers or cherry tomatoes, or swap out the cottage cheese for Greek yogurt for a tangier flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure that your salad is extra creamy, be sure to drain the vegetables thoroughly after blending them. This will prevent excess water from diluting the dressing.

Serving Suggestions

This salad can be served on its own as a light lunch or paired with grilled chicken or fish for a more substantial meal.

Cooking Techniques

Blending the vegetables in a blender or food processor helps to create a smooth and creamy texture for the salad. Be sure to drain them well to prevent excess water.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have radishes on hand, you can substitute them with thinly sliced red onions or bell peppers. You can also use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter dressing.

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 give it a good stir before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve this salad in lettuce cups for a fun and elegant presentation. You can also garnish it with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of paprika for added color.

Pairing Recommendations

This salad pairs well with grilled meats, such as chicken or steak, and is also delicious alongside sandwiches or wraps.

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

Each serving of this salad contains approximately 180 calories, making it a light and satisfying option for a picnic lunch.

Carbohydrates

This salad is low in carbohydrates, making it a great option for those following a low-carb diet. Each serving contains approximately 8 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

The cottage cheese and sour cream in this salad provide a good source of healthy fats. Each serving contains approximately 10 grams of fat.

Proteins

This salad is a good source of protein, thanks to the cottage cheese. Each serving contains approximately 15 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Cucumbers and radishes are both rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C and potassium. This salad is a great way to boost your intake of these essential nutrients.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy in the form of cottage cheese and sour cream. It may not be suitable for those with dairy allergies.

Summary

Overall, this salad is a nutritious and delicious option for a picnic. It is low in carbohydrates, rich in protein, and packed with vitamins and minerals.

Summary

This cucumber and radish salad is a light and refreshing option for a picnic lunch. Packed with protein and vitamins, it is a nutritious choice that is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I have a clear recollection of the first time I saw this recipe for Picnic Salads. I was just a young girl, eager to learn the art of cooking from my own grandmother. She was a wonderful cook, always whipping up delicious meals for our family gatherings. One summer day, as we were preparing for a family picnic, she pulled out her trusty recipe book and showed me how to make the perfect picnic salad.

The recipe was simple yet versatile, allowing for a variety of ingredients to be mixed and matched to create a delicious and refreshing salad. My grandmother explained to me that the key to a great picnic salad was using fresh, seasonal ingredients and adding a touch of love and creativity to the mix.

As we gathered the ingredients for the salad, my grandmother shared with me the story of how she had acquired the recipe. She told me that she had learned it from a dear friend many years ago, who had passed it down to her with the promise that it would become a cherished family tradition.

I watched closely as my grandmother chopped and mixed the ingredients, adding a sprinkle of herbs and a splash of dressing to bring out the flavors. She taught me the importance of balancing flavors and textures in a salad, ensuring that each bite would be a delightful experience for the taste buds.

As we sat down to enjoy our picnic salad, surrounded by the sounds of laughter and the warmth of the sun, I realized that this recipe was more than just a dish to be shared. It was a connection to the past, a link to the generations of women who had come before me, passing down their knowledge and love through the simple act of cooking.

From that day on, I made it my mission to perfect the recipe for Picnic Salads, experimenting with different ingredients and variations to create my own unique twist on the classic dish. I shared the recipe with my friends and family, watching as it became a staple at our gatherings and celebrations.

Over the years, I have added my own touch to the recipe, incorporating new flavors and ingredients to keep it fresh and exciting. But no matter how much it evolves, the essence of the recipe remains the same - a simple, delicious salad that brings people together and creates lasting memories.

As I look back on that summer day when I first learned to make Picnic Salads with my grandmother, I am filled with gratitude for the knowledge and traditions that she passed down to me. Cooking has always been a way for me to connect with my loved ones, to share stories and laughter over a shared meal. And I know that as long as I continue to make Picnic Salads, I will carry on the legacy of my grandmother and the generations of women who came before me.