This cucumber salad, packed with fresh vegetables and dressed with a yogurt-mustard vinaigrette, is not only delicious but also a healthier choice that may assist in weight management. Accompanied by homemade garlic toast, it makes for a refreshing meal. Here’s how to prepare this salad and toast:
Ingredients for the Salad:
- 1/2 red cabbage (300g), thinly sliced
- 1 yellow chili, thinly sliced
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 green cabbage (300g), thinly sliced
- 1 tomato, diced
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- 1 green apple, diced
- 1 carrot, grated
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 4 tablespoons Greek yogurt (120g)
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 teaspoon pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 clove of garlic, minced (for dressing)
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper (for dressing)
- Fresh parsley and dill, chopped
Ingredients for Garlic Toast:
- Bread slices
- Olive oil
- 1 clove of garlic, minced
Instructions:
For the Salad:
- Prepare the Vegetables:
- Thinly slice the red and green cabbage, yellow chili, and onion. Dice the tomato and green apple, slice the cucumber, and grate the carrot.
- Make the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, mustard, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Whisk together until smooth and well-blended.
- Combine and Dress:
- In a large salad bowl, toss all the prepared vegetables and apple together. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss again to ensure all the ingredients are evenly coated.
- Garnish:
- Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley and dill over the top of the salad for added flavor and visual appeal.
For the Garlic Toast:
- Prepare the Toast:
- Brush bread slices lightly with olive oil on both sides. Sprinkle minced garlic over the bread for a garlicky flavor.
- Toast:
- You can either grill the bread in a pan over medium heat or bake it in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes or until crisp and golden.
Serving:
- Serve the cucumber salad chilled or at room temperature with a side of warm garlic toast. This combination makes for a satisfying and nutritious meal.
Tips:
- Customization: Feel free to add other vegetables or herbs according to your preference.
- Additional Toppings: Adding seeds like flaxseeds or chia seeds can provide extra nutrients and a bit of crunch.
- Storing: This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store it in the refrigerator for a day. Keep the dressing separate if you plan to store the salad to maintain freshness.
Conclusion:
This cucumber salad is not just about great taste but also about making healthy eating enjoyable and satisfying. Paired with simple garlic toast, it offers a balance of flavors and textures that can help keep your diet on track while still indulging in delicious food. Enjoy your meal and the potential health benefits!
