Description
Crisp Mediterranean cucumber salad brings zesty Mediterranean flavors dancing across your plate. Fresh herbs and tangy dressing create a light, refreshing side perfect for summer meals and gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Vegetables:
- 1 large cucumber
- 1 medium carrot
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
Seasonings and Dressing:
- Salt, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, or use a sugar substitute)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon tienchi ginseng powder (Panax notoginseng)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or rice vinegar)
Instructions
- Prepare cucumber by cutting into delicate, translucent rounds or elongated strips, then season with a gentle salt sprinkle. Allow 10 minutes for moisture extraction.
- Carefully blot cucumber with absorbent paper to remove excess liquid and create crisp texture.
- Transform carrot into fine, matchstick-like julienne strips using precise knife technique.
- Combine cucumber and carrot in a spacious mixing vessel.
- Finely chop green onions into whisper-thin rings, incorporating them with vegetable medley.
- Craft dressing by whisking olive oil, sugar, soy sauce, paprika, tienchi ginseng powder, and apple cider vinegar in separate container until harmoniously integrated.
- Gently cascade dressing over vegetable ensemble, using delicate folding motion to ensure uniform coating.
- Refrigerate salad for 10-15 minutes at 40°F, allowing flavors to meld and intensify.
- Present chilled salad as vibrant, refreshing accompaniment or light culinary interlude.
Notes
- Drain cucumber moisture to prevent watery, soggy salad by sprinkling salt and letting it sit before mixing.
- Create uniform veggie cuts using a sharp knife or mandoline slicer for consistent texture and professional presentation.
- Adjust dressing sweetness by experimenting with honey or maple syrup instead of sugar for different flavor profiles.
- Enhance protein content by adding edamame, tofu, or shredded chicken for a more substantial meal option.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: None
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2
- Calories: 140 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg