Sliced Cucumbers with Fresh Mint
Sliced Cucumbers with Fresh Mint Recipe - Refreshing Side Dish
Introduction
Sliced Cucumbers with Fresh Mint is a refreshing and light salad that is perfect for a hot summer day. The combination of crisp cucumbers, tangy rice vinegar, and fresh mint creates a delicious and healthy dish that is sure to please your taste buds.
History
This recipe is a modern take on a classic cucumber salad. Cucumbers have been enjoyed for centuries, with records of their cultivation dating back to ancient civilizations. The addition of fresh mint adds a burst of flavor and freshness to the dish, making it a popular choice for summer meals.
Ingredients
- 3 cucumbers, peeled, split lengthwise, seeded, and thinly sliced
- 0.25 cup seasoned rice vinegar
- 2 tbsp oil
- 0.25 tsp salt
- 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes
- 3 tbsp minced fresh mint, plus mint leaves for garnish
How to prepare
- In a large bowl, toss together cucumbers, vinegar, oil, salt, and red pepper flakes.
- Refrigerate for up to 6 hours.
- Before serving, toss the mixture well and pour off any excess liquid.
- Add mint to the mixture and toss again.
- Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
- Garnish with mint leaves.
- Serve the salad chilled.
Variations
- Add diced tomatoes or red onions for extra flavor and color.
- Substitute apple cider vinegar for the rice vinegar for a slightly sweeter taste.
- Mix in some feta cheese or olives for a Mediterranean twist.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Be sure to peel and seed the cucumbers before slicing them to ensure a crisp and clean texture.
- Refrigerating the salad for a few hours allows the flavors to meld together and intensify.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your taste preferences.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Sliced Cucumbers with Fresh Mint as a side dish to grilled meats or fish, or enjoy it on its own as a light and refreshing snack.
Cooking Techniques
This recipe requires no cooking, making it a quick and easy dish to prepare.
Ingredient Substitutions
Use apple cider vinegar instead of rice vinegar.
- Substitute olive oil for the oil in the recipe.
- Use dried mint if fresh mint is not available.
Make Ahead Tips
Sliced Cucumbers with Fresh Mint can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just be sure to toss the salad well before serving.
Presentation Ideas
Serve the salad in a glass bowl or on a platter garnished with extra mint leaves for a beautiful presentation.
Pairing Recommendations
Pair Sliced Cucumbers with Fresh Mint with grilled chicken, fish tacos, or a quinoa salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The salad is best served chilled and does not need to be reheated.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each serving of Sliced Cucumbers with Fresh Mint contains approximately 80 calories.
Carbohydrates
Each serving of Sliced Cucumbers with Fresh Mint contains approximately 8 grams of carbohydrates.
Fats
Each serving of Sliced Cucumbers with Fresh Mint contains approximately 5 grams of fats.
Proteins
Each serving of Sliced Cucumbers with Fresh Mint contains approximately 1 gram of proteins.
Vitamins and minerals
Cucumbers are a good source of vitamin K, vitamin C, and potassium. Mint is rich in vitamins A and C, as well as minerals like iron and calcium.
Alergens
This recipe is gluten-free, dairy-free, and nut-free.
Summary
Sliced Cucumbers with Fresh Mint is a low-calorie, refreshing salad that is rich in vitamins and minerals. It is a healthy and delicious option for a light meal or side dish.
Summary
Sliced Cucumbers with Fresh Mint is a simple and delicious salad that is perfect for a light and healthy meal. With its crisp cucumbers, tangy vinegar, and fresh mint, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy it as a side dish or snack on a hot summer day.
How did I get this recipe?
The moment I found this recipe is etched in my memory forever. It was a hot summer day, much like today, and I was visiting my dear friend, Mrs. Johnson. She was known throughout the neighborhood for her delicious garden-fresh dishes, and I always looked forward to our culinary conversations.
As we sat in her sunlit kitchen, sipping on iced tea and chatting about life, Mrs. Johnson suddenly got up and disappeared into her backyard. Curious, I followed her out, and there, in the corner of her garden, I saw rows upon rows of vibrant green cucumber plants.
Mrs. Johnson smiled mischievously and plucked a plump cucumber from the vine. She handed it to me and said, "Here, dear, try this. It's one of my favorite summer treats."
I bit into the crisp, cool cucumber and was instantly refreshed by its juicy sweetness. Mrs. Johnson then disappeared into her house and returned with a handful of fresh mint leaves. She sliced the cucumbers thinly, sprinkled them with salt, and tossed them with the fragrant mint leaves.
I couldn't believe how simple yet flavorful the dish was. The combination of the crunchy cucumbers and the aromatic mint was a match made in heaven. I asked Mrs. Johnson for the recipe, and she laughed and said, "Oh, it's nothing special, dear. Just cucumbers, mint, and a little love."
But to me, it was more than just a recipe. It was a symbol of friendship, of shared moments, and of the simple joys of summer. From that day on, sliced cucumbers with fresh mint became a staple in my own kitchen.
I started making the dish for my family, who quickly fell in love with its refreshing taste. I would serve it as a side dish at barbecues, picnics, and family gatherings, and it always disappeared within minutes.
But what made this recipe truly special was the memories it held. Every time I sliced a cucumber and picked fresh mint from my garden, I was transported back to that sunny day in Mrs. Johnson's garden, savoring the taste of summer and the warmth of friendship.
Over the years, I shared the recipe with friends and family, passing on Mrs. Johnson's legacy of simple, delicious cooking. And each time I made the dish, I felt a connection to her, a reminder of the bond we shared over a love of good food and good company.
As I sit here now, preparing another batch of sliced cucumbers with fresh mint, I can't help but smile at the memories that flood back. Mrs. Johnson may no longer be with us, but her spirit lives on in every bite of this simple yet extraordinary dish.
So here's to you, Mrs. Johnson, wherever you may be. Thank you for introducing me to the magic of sliced cucumbers with fresh mint, a recipe that will forever hold a special place in my heart.
Categories
| Cucumber Recipes | Jewish Salads | Mint Recipes | Seasoned Rice Vinegar Recipes |