Best Cucumber Salad

You know a salad is totally fabulous if it made for 4 and 2 people eat it all! So many health benefits in this easy salad!

Easy Cucumber Salad Recipes

Oh, I love salads, and if you’ve not taken a look at some of my creations, then you’re missing ideas that are stupendous! These are not your typical lettuce leaves and a few other veggie salads. Not at all! So just click here and take a gander at salads that are easy, simple, healthy and definitely five-star! 

Asian Cucumber Recipe

Having spent a lot of time in Asia, China, Thailand, Singapore, Hong Kong, I realize that cucumbers and peas are very popular. And, they’re super healthy. 

1. Low in Calories: Cucumbers and peas are low-calorie vegetables, making this salad a great option for those looking to manage their weight. You can enjoy a satisfying portion without consuming too many calories.

2. High in Fiber: Both cucumbers and peas are good sources of dietary fiber. Fiber is essential for digestive health as it helps regulate bowel movements, prevent constipation, and support a healthy gut microbiome.

3. Hydration: Cucumbers have a high water content, which can help keep you hydrated, especially on hot days.

Creamy Cucumber Dill Salad

Now my cucumber and pea salad isn’t ‘creamy’ at all. However, IF you want to add a touch of creaminess, it would be simple. Just dollop in about one half cup of plain Greek yogurt and blend in with the vinaigrette. 

If you’re looking for something with chickpeas, well, this spinach chickpea salad is just for you. Add a grilled protein to it and you’re in business! 

Salads with Snap Peas

Yes,  you can also substitute fresh snap peas in this recipe. My recommendation is to wash and drain them, dry, then cut each pea pod into 3-4 smaller bite size pieces. Here are more of the health benefits of cucumbers and peas. 

1. Rich in Vitamins: Cucumbers provide vitamins such as vitamin K (important for bone health), vitamin C (an antioxidant that supports the immune system), and vitamin A (beneficial for vision and skin health). Peas are a good source of vitamin K, vitamin C, and several B vitamins, including folate.

2. Minerals: Both cucumbers and peas contain essential minerals like potassium and manganese. Potassium is important for heart health and maintaining healthy blood pressure levels.

3. Antioxidants: Cucumbers and peas contain antioxidants, such as flavonoids and carotenoids, which help combat oxidative stress and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

4. Protein: Peas are relatively high in protein for a vegetable, making them a valuable addition to a vegetarian or vegan diet.

Cucumber and Pea Salad

This is a super versatile salad as are most all of my salads. 

You can customize your cucumber and pea salad with various herbs, seasonings, and dressings to suit your taste preferences, making it a versatile and enjoyable dish.

Healthy Dressing for Salad

What makes this salad kind of burst with more flavor is the vinaigrette! Oh, gosh, it’s so dang healthy, too. Fresh ginger. Fresh grated garlic. Olive oil. Maple syrup. Rice vinegar. 

To maximize the health benefits, consider adding other vegetables or ingredients like tomatoes, red onions, fresh herbs, or a light vinaigrette dressing to your cucumber and pea salad.

This will not only enhance the flavor but also increase the variety of nutrients in the dish.

Healthy Salad

So what are more selling points for making this salad?

1. Digestive Health: The fiber content in this salad supports a healthy digestive system by promoting regular bowel movements and the growth of beneficial gut bacteria.

2. Eye Health: The vitamin A content in cucumbers contributes to maintaining healthy vision.

3. Skin Health: The combination of vitamins and hydration from cucumbers can contribute to healthy, glowing skin.

Best Cucumber Salad

Yield: Serves: About 4-5

Print

Ingredients

• VINAIGRETTE
• 1 Tbl. fresh ginger, grated
• 1 Tbl. garlic, grated
• 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 3-4 Tbl. maple syrup
• SALAD
• 5 cups cucumbers, washed, skin on, small dice
• 1 cup green onions, finely chopped
• 10-12 oz. petite green peas, previously frozen, mostly thawed
• 1 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
• 1/4 cup black sesame seeds

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, add the ingredients for the vinaigrette and whisk well. Set aside.
2. In a medium serving bowl, put all the salad ingredients. Toss together.
3. Pour on the vinaigrette. Toss and blend. Let it sit about 15 minutes before serving.

Notes

This salad refrigerates well for a couple of days.

ONIONS: You can swap out green onions for red onions or use both. Just adjust the amount of each to reflect

PREFERRED CUCUMBERS: Small cocktail cucumbers or English cucumbers.

WASH cucumbers well and dry.

DICE with skin on. Dicing should be on the small side.

BASIL leaves should be left whole with some of the stem if preferred, more flavor!

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