Salata Khiyar (Sliced Cucumber Salad)

Salata Khiyar Recipe - Sliced Cucumber Salad from Arabia

Region / culture: Arabia | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 0 minutes | Servings: 2

Introduction

Salata Khiyar, also known as Sliced Cucumber Salad, is a refreshing and light dish that is perfect for a hot summer day. This salad is a popular side dish in Middle Eastern cuisine and is often served alongside grilled meats or as part of a mezze platter.

History

Cucumber salads have been enjoyed for centuries in various cultures around the world. The combination of cucumbers with herbs and a tangy dressing is a classic and timeless recipe that has been passed down through generations.

Ingredients

2 tbsp of flat leaf parsley, finely chopped (stems discarded)
0.5 cucumber, thinly sliced in halves
3 tbsp of fresh mint, finely chopped
1 tbsp of olive oil
1 tbsp of vinegar
1 tbsp of caster sugar
1 tsp of salt
pinch of black pepper

How to prepare

1. In a medium bowl, add the salt to the cucumber slices and mix well. Set aside.
2. To make the dressing, place the chopped parsley, olive oil, vinegar, sugar, and mint in a large bowl. Mix well together.
3. Place the cucumber slices on absorbent paper to soak up excess water. Set aside for a couple of minutes.
4. Add the cucumbers to the dressing and mix well.

Variations

Add diced tomatoes or red onion for extra flavor and color.
Try using different herbs such as dill or cilantro for a unique twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

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

- Allowing the cucumbers to sit with salt before adding them to the dressing helps to draw out excess water and intensify the flavors.

- Fresh herbs are key to this recipe, so be sure to use them for the best taste.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this salad alongside grilled chicken or lamb for a complete meal. It also pairs well with hummus and pita bread.

Cooking Techniques

This recipe requires no cooking, making it a quick and easy dish to prepare.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have fresh herbs, you can use dried herbs instead. Just use half the amount called for in the recipe.

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 mix in the cucumbers right before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve this salad in a decorative bowl or on a platter garnished with extra herbs for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This salad pairs well with grilled meats, rice dishes, and other Middle Eastern-inspired dishes.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This salad is best served cold and does not need to be reheated.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 60 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 6g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 4g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 1g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This salad is a good source of Vitamin C and Vitamin K.

Alergens

This recipe is gluten-free and dairy-free.

Summary

This salad is low in calories and carbohydrates, making it a healthy and light side dish option.

Summary

Salata Khiyar is a simple and delicious salad that is perfect for a light and refreshing side dish. With its crisp cucumbers, tangy dressing, and fresh herbs, this salad is sure to be a hit at your next meal.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was captivated by its flavors. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my friend Sarah's house for lunch. As soon as I walked into her kitchen, the fresh smell of cucumbers, mint, and lemon hit my nose, and I knew I was in for a treat.

Sarah's mother, Mrs. Ibrahim, was in the midst of preparing a dish called Salata Khiyar, or Sliced Cucumber Salad. She was slicing cucumbers into thin rounds, sprinkling them with salt, and letting them sit for a few minutes to release their juices. In another bowl, she was mixing together chopped mint, parsley, and lemon juice to create a zesty dressing.

I watched in awe as Mrs. Ibrahim combined the cucumbers and dressing, tossing them gently to ensure that each slice was coated in the flavorful mixture. The salad looked so simple, yet so delicious, and I couldn't wait to try it.

As we sat down to eat, Mrs. Ibrahim placed a large bowl of Salata Khiyar in the center of the table. The vibrant colors of the cucumbers and herbs glistened in the sunlight, and I eagerly took a spoonful of the salad and brought it to my mouth.

The flavors exploded on my tongue – the cool, crisp cucumbers paired perfectly with the tangy lemon juice and fragrant mint. It was a refreshing and satisfying dish, perfect for a hot summer day.

I immediately asked Mrs. Ibrahim for the recipe, and she was more than happy to share it with me. She told me that Salata Khiyar was a traditional Middle Eastern dish, popular in countries like Lebanon, Jordan, and Syria. It was often served as a side dish or appetizer, accompanying grilled meats or rice dishes.

I was determined to learn how to make Salata Khiyar myself, so Mrs. Ibrahim invited me back to her house the following week for a cooking lesson. As we stood side by side in her kitchen, she walked me through each step of the recipe, patiently showing me how to slice the cucumbers thinly, how to season them just right, and how to whisk together the dressing with precision.

I took notes furiously, making sure to write down every detail and ingredient. Mrs. Ibrahim laughed at my enthusiasm, telling me that cooking was all about passion and creativity. She encouraged me to experiment with different herbs and spices, to make the recipe my own.

After a few hours of chopping, mixing, and tasting, we finally sat down to enjoy the fruits of our labor. The Salata Khiyar tasted just as delicious as the first time I tried it, and I felt a sense of accomplishment and pride knowing that I had made it myself.

From that day on, Salata Khiyar became a staple in my recipe collection. I would often make it for family gatherings, potlucks, or simply as a light and healthy snack for myself. It never failed to impress, and I loved sharing the recipe with friends and loved ones.

Over the years, I have continued to experiment with different variations of Salata Khiyar, adding ingredients like feta cheese, olives, or red onion for a twist. Each time I make it, I am reminded of that sunny day in Sarah's kitchen, watching Mrs. Ibrahim work her magic and passing on her knowledge to me.

Cooking has always been a passion of mine, a way to express my creativity and connect with others. And Salata Khiyar will always hold a special place in my heart, as the dish that taught me the joy of learning new recipes, exploring different cultures, and sharing the love of food with those around me.