Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 large cucumber, peeled and sliced
- 2 medium tomatoes, chopped
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Special equipment needed: None
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the sliced cucumber, chopped tomatoes, and thinly sliced red onion.
2. Add the chopped fresh parsley and mint to the bowl and toss to combine.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and red wine vinegar.
4. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
5. Season the salad with salt and black pepper to taste.
6. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.
10 minutes
Temperature: Room temperature or chilled
Serving size: 4 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 120
- Total fat: 10g
- Saturated fat: 1.5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Total carbohydrates: 7g
- Dietary fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 4g
- Protein: 2g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Cucumber can be substituted with zucchini or yellow squash.
- Tomatoes can be substituted with cherry tomatoes or sun-dried tomatoes.
- Red onion can be substituted with shallots or green onions.
- Fresh parsley and mint can be substituted with cilantro or basil.
- Red wine vinegar can be substituted with white wine vinegar or lemon juice.
Variations:
- Add crumbled feta cheese or sliced olives for a Greek twist.
- Add diced avocado or grilled chicken for a more filling salad.
- Add chopped walnuts or almonds for a crunchy texture.
Tips and tricks:
- To prevent the salad from becoming watery, salt the sliced cucumber and let it sit for 10 minutes before adding it to the bowl.
- Use a mandoline slicer to thinly slice the red onion for a more uniform texture.
- Make the dressing ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use.
Storage instructions:
- Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating instructions:
- This salad is best served cold and does not need to be reheated.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the salad in a large bowl or on individual plates.
- Garnish with additional chopped herbs or a drizzle of olive oil.
Garnishes:
- Chopped fresh herbs
- Crumbled feta cheese
- Sliced olives
- Chopped nuts
Pairings:
- Grilled chicken or fish
- Pita bread or naan
- Hummus or tzatziki sauce
Suggested side dishes:
- Grilled vegetables
- Rice pilaf
- Roasted potatoes
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the salad becomes watery, drain off any excess liquid before serving.
Food safety advice:
- Wash all produce thoroughly before using.
- Store the salad in the refrigerator to prevent bacteria growth.
Food history:
- Sallatë me Kastravec is a traditional Albanian salad that is typically served as a side dish.
Flavor profiles:
- This salad is fresh and light with a tangy dressing and a combination of herbs.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve as a side dish or as a light lunch.
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Region: Albanian