Hello garden friends! Today, let's talk about one of the simplest yet most refreshing treats straight from the garden: fresh sliced cucumbers. Whether you've just harvested them from your own backyard or picked them up from the local farmer's market, there's something delightful about the crispness of a freshly sliced cucumber on a warm day.
Here are a few easy and delicious recipes to enjoy those
cucumbers:
1. Classic Cucumber Salad
Ingredients:
- 2
medium cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 1/4
cup thinly sliced red onion
- 2
tablespoons chopped fresh dill
- 3
tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1
tablespoon olive oil
- 1
teaspoon sugar (optional)
- Salt
and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a
large bowl, combine sliced cucumbers, red onion, and chopped dill.
- In a
small bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar, olive oil, sugar (if
using), salt, and pepper.
- Pour
the dressing over the cucumber mixture and toss to coat evenly.
- Let
the salad marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before
serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve
chilled as a refreshing side dish.
2. Cucumber and Tomato Salad
Ingredients:
- 2
medium cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 2
medium tomatoes, diced
- 1/4
cup thinly sliced red onion
- 2
tablespoons chopped fresh basil
- 2
tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1
tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- Salt
and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a
large bowl, combine sliced cucumbers, diced tomatoes, red onion, and
chopped basil.
- In a
small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Pour
the dressing over the cucumber and tomato mixture and toss gently to
combine.
- Allow
the salad to sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving
to let the flavors mingle.
- Serve
as a light and refreshing side dish or atop grilled fish or chicken.
3. Cucumber and Yogurt Dip
Ingredients:
- 1
medium cucumber, peeled and grated
- 1
cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2
cloves garlic, minced
- 1
tablespoon lemon juice
- 1
tablespoon chopped fresh mint
- Salt
and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Place
the grated cucumber in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out any excess
moisture.
- In a
medium bowl, combine the squeezed cucumber, Greek yogurt, minced garlic,
lemon juice, chopped mint, salt, and pepper.
- Stir
until well combined.
- Cover
and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld
together.
- Serve
the cucumber yogurt dip with fresh vegetable crudites, pita bread, or as a
topping for grilled meats.
These recipes celebrate the crisp and refreshing flavor of
freshly sliced cucumbers, making them perfect for enjoying during the warmer
months. Whether you prefer them in a salad, as a dip, or simply seasoned with
salt and pepper, cucumbers are a versatile and delicious addition to any meal.
So next time you find yourself with an abundance of cucumbers, give one of
these recipes a try and savor the taste of summer!
Tags
Vegetables