This cucumber salad is a vibrant mix of fresh vegetables and a creamy, flavorful dressing. It’s the perfect dish to eat every day, offering a blend of crisp textures and zesty flavors that make it a refreshing addition to any meal. Whether you’re looking for a light dinner option or a healthy side dish, this salad fits all occasions.
Ingredients
- ½ Chinese cabbage, shredded
- 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, cut into half rings
- Spring onions, chopped
- 1 carrot (optional, grated for the second recipe)
- Salt, to taste
- Sugar, to taste
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Tomatoes with Italian herbs (quantity adjusted to preference)
- 1 clove of garlic, minced
For the Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons sour cream
- 2 tablespoons grainy mustard
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 30 ml 9% vinegar (for the second recipe)
- Italian herbs and spices to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Vegetables:
- Place the shredded Chinese cabbage in a large mixing bowl.
- Add the thinly sliced cucumber and sprinkle with salt. Stir and let sit for 10 minutes to draw out some juice from the cucumbers.
- Cook Vegetables:
- In a pan, heat some vegetable oil over medium heat.
- Fry the sliced red bell pepper and onion half-rings, adding a sprinkle of sugar to the onions during frying to caramelize slightly.
- Combine Salad:
- Drain the extracted juice from the cucumbers (reserve for the dressing if desired).
- Combine the fried vegetables with the Chinese cabbage and cucumbers in the bowl.
- Add chopped spring onions and optional grated carrot to the mix.
- Prepare Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together sour cream, grainy mustard, honey, and minced garlic.
- If preparing the second recipe, also incorporate the vinegar into the dressing.
- Dress the Salad:
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with Italian herbs, additional salt, or sugar according to your preferences.
Serving Suggestions
- As a Main Dish: Serve this salad as a light, refreshing main course for dinner, perfect for warm evenings.
- Side Dish: Pair it with grilled meats or fish for a balanced meal.
- Additional Toppings: Consider adding crumbled feta or sliced olives for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
Nutritional Highlights
- Low in Calories: This salad is predominantly made from vegetables, making it low in calories but high in fiber and essential nutrients.
- Antioxidants: Ingredients like red bell pepper and tomatoes are rich in vitamins C and A, which are powerful antioxidants.
- Healthy Fats: The dressing includes sour cream and vegetable oil, which provide a good source of healthy fats necessary for vitamin absorption.
Additional Tips
- Marinating Time: Let the salad marinate for at least 20 minutes before serving to enhance the flavors.
- Freshness: For the best taste, use fresh, crisp vegetables. This will ensure your salad is as refreshing as it is nutritious.
- Customization: Feel free to tweak the vegetable components based on what’s available seasonally or according to personal preference.
Enjoy your homemade cucumber salad, a dish that not only satisfies with its taste but also benefits your health with its fresh ingredients and straightforward preparation.
