Crisp & Tangy Cucumber Salad Recipe for Summer Refreshment

Cool summers demand a refreshing cucumber salad that dances with crisp textures and zesty flavors.

Neighbors often request this simple side dish when gathering for backyard barbecues.

Chilled ingredients mix perfectly with tangy herbs and light dressing.

Mediterranean kitchens inspire this quick recipe that takes mere minutes to assemble.

Fresh produce makes all the difference in creating a vibrant, crunchy experience.

Crisp slices of cucumber promise a delightful crunch that awakens your taste buds.

You will love how easily this salad comes together for any meal.

Dive into this delectable recipe and transform your next dinner into a celebration of fresh ingredients.

Why Cucumber Salad Is a Refreshing and Healthy Snack

• Boost Metabolism Naturally: Packed with metabolism-boosting ingredients like tienchi ginseng and apple cider vinegar, this cucumber salad helps support fat burning during rest.
• Quick and Easy Prep: Minimal chopping and simple whisking create a delicious, healthy dish in just a few minutes with basic kitchen skills.
• Nutrient-Dense Refreshment: Loaded with low-calorie vegetables and powerful spices, this salad delivers maximum nutrition with minimal calories, perfect for health-conscious individuals.
• Zero-Guilt Comfort Food: Enjoy a satisfying, flavorful side dish that supports weight management goals without sacrificing taste or enjoyment.

Ingredients for Fat-Burning Cucumber Salad

• Cucumber: A hydrating vegetable that helps remove excess water and provides a crisp texture to the salad.
• Carrot: Adds natural sweetness and vibrant color to the cucumber salad.
• Green Onion: Brings a mild, fresh onion flavor and provides a subtle aromatic touch.

• Salt: Helps draw out moisture from cucumbers and enhances overall flavor.
• Olive Oil: Creates a smooth and rich base for the dressing.
• Sugar: Balances the tangy and savory elements of the salad.
• Soy Sauce: Adds umami depth and a rich, salty flavor profile.
• Paprika: Provides a warm, slightly smoky undertone to the dressing.

• Tienchi Ginseng Powder: Offers potential health benefits and a unique herbal note.
• Apple Cider Vinegar, Rice Vinegar: Adds a tangy, bright acidity to the dressing and helps marinate the vegetables.

How to Make Cucumber Salad That Refreshes and Nourishes

Step 1: Prep Cucumber Magic

Remove seeds from cucumber and slice thinly. Sprinkle sea salt and let sit for 10 minutes to release water and reduce bitterness.

Gently pat cucumber slices dry with paper towel.

Step 2: Chop Colorful Companions

• Carrots
• Green onions
• Fresh herbs (optional: cilantro or parsley)

Step 3: Create Zesty Metabolism-Boosting Dressing

• Olive oil
• Apple cider vinegar
• Soy sauce
• Paprika
• Tienchi ginseng powder
• Honey or maple syrup

Step 4: Blend Flavors Beautifully

Pour dressing over chopped vegetables.

Toss gently until every slice is perfectly coated with the vibrant mixture.

Step 5: Chill and Enhance

Refrigerate salad for 15-20 minutes.

This cooling period allows ingredients to mingle and develop deeper, more complex flavors. Serve chilled as a refreshing side dish or light meal.

Pro Tip: Best enjoyed within 24 hours for maximum crispness and nutritional benefits.

Tips to Keep Cucumber Salad Crisp and Delicious

• Squeeze out excess water from cucumbers after salting to ensure a crisp, light texture that prevents soggy salad.
• Experiment with different vinegars like rice or apple cider to customize the tangy flavor profile without compromising the dish's health benefits.
• Add protein-rich ingredients such as chopped almonds or grilled chicken to transform this salad into a more substantial meal for weight management.
• Reduce sugar content by using stevia or monk fruit sweetener for a low-calorie, diabetic-friendly alternative that maintains the salad's delicious taste.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to two days, keeping the vegetables separate from the dressing to maintain optimal crunchiness and prevent wilting.

Variations to Try with Cucumber Salad

• Keto-Friendly Version: Replace sugar with stevia or erythritol, eliminating carbs while maintaining sweetness. Use extra virgin olive oil and add more herbs for flavor boost.
• Protein-Packed Variation: Incorporate grilled chicken strips or tofu cubes into the salad for added protein. Sprinkle hemp seeds or almonds for extra nutritional value.
• Spicy Asian Remix: Add sriracha sauce or red pepper flakes to the dressing. Include sliced radishes and sesame seeds for a zesty, crunchy texture that elevates the original recipe.
• Mediterranean Transformation: Substitute soy sauce with lemon juice, add crumbled feta cheese, and include chopped fresh dill. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil for a Greek-inspired cucumber salad.

What Pairs Well with Healthy Cucumber Salad

• Enhance Fat-Burning Boost: Pair this cucumber salad with green tea to amplify metabolic benefits and add a refreshing, antioxidant-rich companion.
• Protein Power Match: Serve alongside grilled chicken breast or baked salmon to create a balanced, low-calorie meal that supports muscle recovery and weight management.
• Probiotic Perfect Companion: Complement the salad with a small serving of kimchi or yogurt to improve digestion and support gut health while enjoying the crisp vegetable mix.
• Hydration Helper Drink: Sip on infused water with lemon or mint to further support the salad's detoxifying and fat-burning properties, creating a complete wellness-focused meal experience.

How to Store Cucumber Salad for Freshness

Store the cucumber salad in a sealed glass or plastic container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Keep the salad cold to maintain its crisp texture and prevent bacterial growth.

Before storing, drain any accumulated liquid to prevent the salad from becoming soggy. Use a slotted spoon when transferring to the storage container.

Gently stir the salad and let it sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving, as it can make cucumbers mushy and lose their fresh crunch.

Skip freezing this salad, as cucumbers and fresh vegetables will lose their texture and become watery when thawed.

FAQs

• What are the health benefits of this cucumber salad?

This salad is packed with low-calorie ingredients that support metabolism and weight loss. Cucumbers are hydrating and help flush toxins, while tienchi ginseng powder can boost fat burning and improve overall energy levels.

• Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this salad up to 24 hours in advance. The flavors actually improve as they sit, making it a perfect meal prep option for busy individuals who want a quick, healthy dish.

• Is this salad suitable for special diets?

The recipe is naturally gluten-free and can be easily adapted for vegan diets by replacing sugar with a plant-based sweetener. It’s also low-carb and fits well into many healthy eating plans.

Cucumber Salad Recipe

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4.8 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Cool Mediterranean cucumber salad delivers refreshing crunch with tangy Greek yogurt and zesty herbs. Fresh ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a light summer side that will elevate your meal with Mediterranean sunshine.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Vegetables:

• 1 cucumber, sliced
• 1 carrot, sliced thinly
• 2 green onions, sliced

Seasonings and Dressing:

• Salt, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (or rice vinegar)

Herbal Supplement:

• 1 teaspoon tienchi ginseng (Panax notoginseng) powder

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Instructions

1. Liberally salt cucumber slices and allow them to rest for 10 minutes, enabling moisture extraction and enhancing flavor concentration.
2. Finely dice carrots and green onions, then incorporate them into the cucumber base, creating a vibrant vegetable medley.
3. Craft a dynamic dressing by whisking olive oil, sugar, soy sauce, paprika, tienchi ginseng powder, and vinegar until thoroughly integrated and smooth.
4. Delicately drizzle the prepared dressing over the vegetable mixture, gently tossing to ensure comprehensive and uniform coating.
5. Refrigerate the salad for approximately 15-20 minutes at 40°F, allowing ingredients to harmonize and develop a refreshing, crisp profile before serving chilled.

Notes

• Cucumber draws out excess water when salted, creating a crispier, less watery salad that enhances texture and flavor concentration.
• Tienchi ginseng powder boosts metabolism, potentially supporting weight loss goals while adding a subtle herbal undertone to the dish.
• Chilling allows flavors to meld together, intensifying the taste profile and creating a more harmonious blend of ingredients.
• For low-carb or keto diets, replace sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener to maintain the dressing’s balance without added carbohydrates.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: None
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 146 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 876 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 1.5 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg