Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Special equipment needed:
None
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers, red onion, parsley, and mint.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, honey, salt, and black pepper.
3. Pour the dressing over the cucumber mixture and toss to coat.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
5. Serve chilled.
Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Chilling time: 30 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
5. Temperature:
Refrigerate before serving.
Serving size:
4 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 140
Fat: 12g
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 1g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 300mg
Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can substitute white onion for red onion.
- You can substitute dried parsley and mint for fresh herbs, but the flavor won't be as vibrant.
Variations:
- Add diced tomatoes or bell peppers for extra color and flavor.
- Add crumbled feta cheese for a creamy, salty addition.
- Add sliced olives for a briny twist.
Tips and tricks:
- Use a mandoline or sharp knife to slice the cucumbers thinly and evenly.
- Make the dressing ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use.
- For a spicier salad, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing.
Storage instructions:
Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating instructions:
Israeli cucumber salad is best served cold and doesn't need to be reheated.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the salad in a large bowl or on individual plates. Garnish with extra herbs or sliced cucumbers.
Garnishes:
- Fresh herbs
- Sliced cucumbers
- Lemon wedges
Pairings:
- Grilled chicken or fish
- Falafel
- Hummus and pita bread
Suggested side dishes:
- Israeli couscous
- Roasted vegetables
- Grilled eggplant
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the salad is too tart, add a little more honey to balance the flavors.
- If the salad is too salty, add more cucumber slices to dilute the dressing.
Food safety advice:
- Wash your hands and all produce before preparing the salad.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator and discard any that have been left out at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Food history:
Israeli cucumber salad is a popular side dish in Israel and the Middle East. It's often served with grilled meats or as part of a mezze platter.
Flavor profiles:
This salad is fresh, bright, and herbaceous with a tangy dressing.
Serving suggestions:
Serve Israeli cucumber salad as a side dish or as part of a larger spread of Middle Eastern dishes.
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
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Region: Israeli
Taste: Refreshing, Tangy, Bright, Crisp, Herbal