Weight Cucumber Salad

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Light and refreshing: The combination of cucumbers, vinegar, and lemon juice creates a fresh, vibrant salad that’s perfect for warm days or as a cool, crisp side dish.
• Low-calorie: This salad is low in calories, making it a great option for those watching their weight or looking for a light snack.
• Easy to make: With minimal ingredients and preparation, this salad comes together in just minutes.
• Versatile: You can adjust the sweetness, tanginess, or seasoning to suit your tastes. It pairs well with a variety of main dishes.
• Hydrating: Cucumbers are naturally hydrating and full of water, making this salad a great way to boost your hydration levels.

Ingredients

• 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced (peeled or unpeeled)
• ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar or white vinegar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (adds a tangy bite)
• 1–2 teaspoons zero-calorie sweetener (like stevia or monk fruit), optional
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or ½ teaspoon dried dill)
• Salt & black pepper, to taste
• Optional: pinch of garlic powder or 1 minced garlic clove

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the ingredients: Slice the cucumbers and red onion thinly, ensuring uniform slices for even flavor distribution. If you prefer, peel the cucumbers before slicing, or leave the skin on for added texture and nutrients.
2. Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar), lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and optional sweetener. Stir until the sweetener dissolves and the dressing is well combined.
3. Combine the salad: In a large bowl, add the cucumber slices, red onion, and fresh dill. If you’re using garlic powder or minced garlic, add it now as well.
4. Toss and season: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything together until evenly coated. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
5. Chill and serve: Let the salad sit for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to marinate. You can also refrigerate the salad for 30 minutes or more to enhance the flavors before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe serves 4-6 people as a side dish.
• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Total time: 10 minutes (plus optional chilling time)

Variations

• Add protein: For a more filling salad, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas to make it a complete meal.
• Spicy kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño for a bit of heat.
• Additional veggies: You can mix in other crunchy vegetables like bell peppers, radishes, or carrots for added color and texture.
• Herb swap: Fresh parsley, mint, or basil can be used in place of dill for a different herbal note.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The cucumbers may release water over time, so stir before serving again.
• Reheating: This salad is best served cold and not recommended for reheating.

FAQs

1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this salad ahead of time, and the flavors will only improve as it sits. However, it’s best to add the dressing right before serving to prevent the cucumbers from getting too soft.

2. Can I use a different type of vinegar?

Yes, you can use white wine vinegar or red wine vinegar if you prefer a different flavor, though apple cider vinegar is the most commonly used in this recipe.

3. How can I make this salad sweeter?

To make the salad sweeter, increase the amount of sweetener (like stevia or monk fruit). You can adjust it to your taste preference.

4. Can I use dried dill instead of fresh dill?

Yes, you can use dried dill. Since dried herbs are more concentrated, use about ½ teaspoon of dried dill to replace 1 tablespoon of fresh dill.

5. Can I add a protein to this salad?

Absolutely! Adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or even a hard-boiled egg can turn this into a more filling meal.

6. Can I use a different mustard?

Yes, you can substitute Dijon mustard with yellow mustard or whole grain mustard for a slightly different flavor.

7. Is this salad suitable for a keto diet?

Yes, this cucumber salad is keto-friendly as it is low in carbs, making it a great choice for those following a ketogenic diet.

8. Can I use frozen cucumbers for this recipe?

Fresh cucumbers work best for this recipe, as frozen cucumbers will lose their crunch and texture when thawed.

9. Can I make this salad spicy?

Yes, if you like a spicy kick, feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes, chopped chili peppers, or even a dash of hot sauce to the dressing.

10. Can I add avocado to this salad?

Yes, adding sliced avocado would provide a creamy texture and a boost of healthy fats to make the salad even more satisfying.

Conclusion

Weight Cucumber Salad is a refreshing, healthy dish that combines crisp cucumbers with tangy vinegar and a burst of fresh dill. It’s light, low in calories, and full of flavor—making it the perfect side dish for any meal or a simple snack on its own. With the option to customize it with different herbs, proteins, or veggies, this salad is both versatile and delicious. Whether you’re looking for something simple to add to your meal plan or a light dish to enjoy on a hot day, this cucumber salad is sure to become a favorite!

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