Spicy Cucumber Salad

Introduction

History

Cucumber salads have been enjoyed for centuries in various cultures around the world. The addition of spicy ingredients like jalapenos and soy sauce adds a modern twist to this classic dish, creating a unique and exciting flavor profile.

Ingredients

How to prepare

Variations

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to remove the seeds from the cucumbers before slicing them, as the seeds can make the salad watery.

- Adjust the amount of jalapenos to suit your spice preference. You can also leave the seeds in for an extra kick of heat.

- For a milder flavor, you can substitute the jalapenos with bell peppers.

- To make the salad ahead of time, prepare the ingredients separately and toss them together just before serving to prevent the cucumbers from becoming soggy.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Spicy Cucumber Salad as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish, or enjoy it on its own as a light and refreshing snack.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to slice the cucumbers thinly to ensure that they absorb the flavors of the dressing.

- Toss the salad gently to avoid crushing the cucumbers and onions.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use regular cucumbers if Scottish cucumbers are not available.

- Substitute the jalapenos with serrano peppers for a different level of heat.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the ingredients ahead of time and toss them together just before serving to keep the salad fresh and crunchy.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the Spicy Cucumber Salad with a sprinkle of chopped peanuts for added texture and flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

This salad pairs well with grilled meats, seafood, or tofu. Serve it alongside a bowl of rice or quinoa 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 may become slightly watery as it sits, so be sure to drain any excess liquid before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

120

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 12g

- Dietary Fiber: 2g

- Sugars: 5g

Fats

- Total Fat: 7g

- Saturated Fat: 1g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 3g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin C: 15% of the Daily Value

- Vitamin K: 10% of the Daily Value

- Potassium: 8% of the Daily Value

Alergens

Contains peanuts and soy sauce

Summary

This Spicy Cucumber Salad is a low-calorie dish that is rich in vitamin C and fiber. It is a healthy and delicious option for a light meal or side dish.

Summary

Spicy Cucumber Salad is a simple and delicious dish that is perfect for a light and refreshing meal. With its crunchy cucumbers, spicy jalapenos, and tangy dressing, this salad is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe repertoire. Enjoy it on its own or as a side dish with your favorite main course.

How did I get this recipe?

I can't forget the moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Spicy Cucumber Salad. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my friend Maria's house for a barbecue. As we chatted and sipped on refreshing lemonade, Maria disappeared into the kitchen and returned with a large bowl of the most vibrant and enticing salad I had ever seen.

"I whipped up this Spicy Cucumber Salad earlier today," Maria said with a smile. "It's a family recipe that's been passed down for generations."

I took a bite of the salad and was immediately blown away by the burst of flavors dancing on my taste buds. The refreshing crunch of the cucumber, the tanginess of the vinegar, and the kick of heat from the red pepper flakes all worked together harmoniously to create a truly unforgettable dish.

"Maria, this is incredible!" I exclaimed. "I have to know how to make this myself."

Maria laughed and handed me a handwritten recipe card. "Here you go, dear. It's a simple recipe, but it's all about the balance of flavors. Enjoy!"

I treasured that recipe card like it was a precious heirloom, and I made sure to replicate the salad for every gathering I attended. Each time I made it, I received rave reviews and requests for the recipe. I knew then that this Spicy Cucumber Salad would become a staple in my own collection of recipes.

As the years went by, I continued to make the salad for family gatherings, potlucks, and even just for a light and refreshing lunch at home. But it wasn't until I stumbled upon a farmers' market in the heart of the city that I truly learned the secret to making this salad exceptional.

I was browsing through the stalls, admiring the vibrant array of fresh produce, when I came across a vendor selling the most beautiful cucumbers I had ever seen. They were crisp, juicy, and perfectly ripe – everything I needed to make my beloved Spicy Cucumber Salad.

I struck up a conversation with the vendor, an elderly woman with a kind smile and a twinkle in her eye. She told me that her cucumbers were grown with love and care on her family farm, and that she had a special recipe for a cucumber salad that had been passed down through generations.

Intrigued, I asked her if she would be willing to share her recipe with me. With a nod and a grin, she began to recite the ingredients and instructions to me, as if it was a cherished family secret that she was entrusting me with.

I listened intently, taking mental notes of her tips and tricks for making the salad truly exceptional. She emphasized the importance of using the freshest ingredients possible, of letting the salad marinate in the refrigerator for at least an hour to allow the flavors to meld together, and of adding just the right amount of red pepper flakes to give it that perfect kick of heat.

Armed with this newfound knowledge, I returned home and eagerly set to work making the salad following the vendor's instructions to the letter. As I sliced the cucumbers, minced the garlic, and mixed together the dressing, I felt a sense of excitement and anticipation building within me.

Finally, when the salad was ready, I took a bite and was transported back to that warm summer day at Maria's house. The flavors were bold and bright, each ingredient shining through in perfect harmony with the others. It was a dish that brought joy and comfort with every forkful, and I knew then that I had truly mastered the art of making Spicy Cucumber Salad.

From that day on, whenever I made the salad, I would think back to the kind vendor at the farmers' market and the wisdom she had imparted to me. I would share the recipe with friends and family, passing down the knowledge and love that had been shared with me.

And so, the recipe for Spicy Cucumber Salad became not just a dish I enjoyed making, but a story of friendship, tradition, and the power of good food to bring people together. It was a recipe that had been passed down through generations, and now, it was a part of my own legacy to pass it on to those who would appreciate it as much as I did.

As I sit here now, reflecting on the journey that led me to discover this beloved recipe, I am filled with gratitude for the people and experiences that have shaped me into the cook I am today. And as I continue to whip up batches of Spicy Cucumber Salad for gatherings and quiet meals at home, I know that the flavors and memories of this dish will always hold a special place in my heart.

Categories

| English Cucumber Recipes | English Recipes | Jalapeno Pepper Recipes | Lime Juice Recipes | Peanut Recipes | Red Onion Recipes | Thai Recipes | Thai Salads | Thai Vegetarian |

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