Cucumber Salad Recipe 🥒🍅🥚

Cucumber Salad Recipe 🥒🍅🥚

This Cucumber Salad is a refreshing, creamy, and slightly tangy dish that’s perfect as a side for summer meals, barbecues, or light lunches. With crisp cucumbers, crunchy carrots, juicy tomatoes, and a creamy honey-mayonnaise dressing, this salad is both simple and satisfying. The addition of hard-boiled eggs makes it hearty enough to stand on its own as a light meal.

Let’s dive into how to make this delicious and easy salad step by step.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Light & Refreshing : Perfect for warm weather or as a palate cleanser alongside heavier dishes.
2. Quick & Easy : Ready in under 15 minutes with minimal prep work.
3. Customizable : Add herbs, spices, or other veggies to suit your taste.
4. Versatile : Great as a side dish, snack, or even a light lunch.

Ingredients

(Serves 4–6)

• 3 small cucumbers , thinly sliced
• 1 small carrot , grated or julienned
• 1 tomato , diced
• 1/4 small red onion , thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon vinegar (white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar works well )
• 4 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon honey (adjust to taste )
• 2 hard-boiled eggs , chopped
• Salt and pepper , to taste
• Optional garnish : Fresh dill or parsley, chopped

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

1. Wash and thinly slice the cucumbers. If the cucumbers have thick skin, you can peel them partially or entirely, depending on your preference.
2. Grate or julienne the carrot for added texture.
3. Dice the tomato into small pieces.
4. Thinly slice the red onion. If you prefer a milder flavor, soak the onion slices in cold water for 5–10 minutes, then drain before using.

Step 2: Make the Dressing

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, honey, and vinegar until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust sweetness or tanginess by adding more honey or vinegar as needed.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers, grated carrot, diced tomato, and red onion.
2. Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss gently to coat everything evenly.

Step 4: Add Hard-Boiled Eggs

1. Gently fold in the chopped hard-boiled eggs. Be careful not to break them up too much for a more appealing presentation.

Step 5: Season and Chill

1. Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste.
2. Cover the salad and chill in the refrigerator for at least 15–30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 6: Serve

1. Garnish with fresh dill or parsley if desired.
2. Serve chilled and enjoy this refreshing salad as a side dish or light meal!

Tips for Success

1. Use English Cucumbers : If available, use English cucumbers (also called hothouse cucumbers) for their thinner skin and fewer seeds.
2. Adjust Sweetness : Add more or less honey depending on how sweet you like your dressing.
3. Add Protein : For extra heartiness, add cooked chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas.
4. Make Ahead : This salad can be made a few hours ahead of time and stored in the fridge. However, add the hard-boiled eggs just before serving to keep them from becoming soggy.
5. Spice It Up : Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.

Perfect Pairings

This Cucumber Salad pairs beautifully with:

• Grilled Meats : Serve alongside grilled chicken, steak, or salmon for a complete meal.
• Sandwiches : Pair with a turkey or ham sandwich for a refreshing contrast.
• Potato Dishes : Complement with roasted potatoes, potato salad, or mashed potatoes.
• Bread : Serve with crusty bread or crackers for a satisfying crunch.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approx.)

• Calories : ~180 kcal
• Protein : ~5g
• Carbohydrates : ~15g
• Fat : ~12g
• Fiber : ~2g

Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific brands and portion sizes.

Final Thoughts

This Cucumber Salad is a delightful blend of fresh, crunchy vegetables and creamy, tangy dressing, making it a versatile dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick side dish, a light lunch, or a refreshing addition to your dinner table, this recipe has got you covered.

With its bright flavors, vibrant colors, and ease of preparation, it’s a salad that’s sure to become a go-to favorite. So grab your cucumbers, whip up that dressing, and get ready to enjoy a dish that’s as satisfying to eat as it is easy to make!