Cucumber Salad
User Reviews
5
Cucumber Salad
Description
The Cucumber Salad features thinly sliced English cucumber rounds and red onion tossed with rice vinegar, agave nectar or honey, sea salt, toasted sesame oil, and chopped dill for a refreshing, slightly sweet dressing. Fresh mint leaves added before serving enhance the brightness and complexity. Optional pickled mustard seeds, prepared separately by simmering yellow mustard seeds in a spiced vinegar syrup for 30 minutes, add a subtle tang and mild pungency.
The salad is chilled briefly to meld flavors and serve crisp. The combination of cool cucumbers, sharp onion, and fresh herbs is complemented by the sweet acidity of the dressing and the textured pop from mustard seeds when used. A light drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil adds a gentle richness.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- ½ tablespoon agave nectar or honey
- 1 English cucumber thinly sliced into rounds
- ⅓ cup red onion thinly sliced
- ½ teaspoon salt sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon sesame oil toasted
- 1 tablespoon dill chopped
- 1 tablespoon mint leaf fresh
- mustard seeds optional (recipe below, pickled
- extra-virgin olive oil for drizzling, optional
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup water
- 3 tablespoons cane sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt sea salt
- 1/3 cup yellow mustard seeds
Instructions
- Make the pickled mustard seeds, if using. Combine the vinegar, water, sugar, and salt in a small pot over medium heat. Bring to a simmer, stir in mustard seeds, reduce the heat, and cook over low heat for 30 minutes or until the mustard seeds are plump. Remove from the heat and let cool to room temperature. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- Make the salad. In a large bowl, combine the vinegar, agave nectar, cucumber, onion, salt, sesame oil, and dill. Toss to coat and chill for 10 minutes. Transfer to a serving bowl, leaving some of the excess water behind. Top with fresh mint, dollops of pickled mustard seeds, if using, and a drizzle of olive oil, if desired. Season to taste and serve.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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