Introduction:

If you’re looking for a fresh, light, and healthy dish that perfectly complements your Weight Watchers (WW) lifestyle, this WW cucumber salad is a fantastic choice. Not only is it packed with refreshing flavors, but it is also low in smart points, making it ideal for those tracking their WW points. This recipe is simple, versatile, and can be enjoyed as a side dish or a light snack. The combination of crisp cucumber, fresh herbs, and a tangy dressing creates a satisfying yet low-calorie option for anyone looking to stick to their dietary goals.

Cucumber salad is not only hydrating and packed with nutrients but also versatile, as it can be adapted with different seasonings, herbs, and additional vegetables based on personal preference. Whether you are following WW for weight loss, maintenance, or overall health, this cucumber salad fits well into a balanced meal plan.

In this detailed recipe, we’ll cover everything from the ingredients and step-by-step instructions to the nutritional breakdown, including WW SmartPoints and additional tips to enhance the flavor. By the end of this guide, you will have a refreshing, delicious cucumber salad recipe that’s as easy to make as it is to enjoy.

Ingredients:

For a serving size that yields about 4 servings, you will need the following ingredients:

  • 3 medium cucumbers (approximately 2 lbs)
    (Preferably English cucumbers as they are less watery and have fewer seeds, but regular cucumbers work as well.)
  • 1 small red onion
    (Thinly sliced; red onion adds a mild sweetness that balances the tangy dressing.)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes
    (Optional, but they add a burst of sweetness and color.)
  • 2 tbsp fresh dill
    (Chopped, fresh dill complements the cucumber’s flavor beautifully. You can substitute with dried dill if fresh is unavailable.)
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley
    (Chopped, parsley adds a refreshing taste that pairs well with cucumber.)
  • 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
    (For a healthy fat source and a light base for the dressing.)
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
    (The tang from vinegar adds a refreshing zest to the salad and helps with digestion.)
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
    (This adds a slight tanginess and depth of flavor to the dressing.)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
    (For a subtle garlic flavor that complements the vegetables.)
  • 1 tsp salt
    (Adjust according to taste.)
  • ½ tsp black pepper
    (Freshly cracked pepper enhances the flavor profile of the salad.)
  • 1 tsp honey
    (Optional, if you prefer a slightly sweet balance to the tangy vinegar.)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Cucumbers

Start by washing the cucumbers thoroughly under cold water. Since cucumbers often have wax on their skin, it’s a good idea to peel them if you prefer a smoother texture or if the skin is tough. For added texture, you can peel them in a striped pattern, leaving some of the skin on for color and crunch. Slice the cucumbers into thin rounds or half-moons, depending on your preference. If you’re using larger cucumbers, remove the seeds with a spoon to prevent excess water from being released into the salad.

Step 2: Slice the Red Onion and Tomatoes

Next, peel and thinly slice the red onion. The onion’s thin slices add a mild crunch and a hint of sweetness to the salad. If you find the flavor of raw onion too pungent, you can soak the onion slices in cold water for 10 minutes before adding them to the salad. This will mellow out their sharpness.

If you’re including cherry tomatoes, slice them in half or quarters, depending on your preference. The sweet and juicy tomatoes provide a delightful contrast to the crisp cucumbers.

Step 3: Prepare the Dressing

In a separate small bowl or jar, mix together the extra virgin olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and honey (if using). Whisk or shake the ingredients until the dressing is well combined and emulsified. The mustard helps the ingredients come together while providing a slight tang. If you prefer a sweeter dressing, you can adjust the honey to taste.

Step 4: Combine the Salad

In a large mixing bowl, combine the prepared cucumbers, red onions, and cherry tomatoes (if using). Add the fresh dill and parsley to the vegetables. These fresh herbs will provide an aromatic, refreshing note that complements the cool cucumber.

Pour the dressing over the vegetable mixture and toss everything together gently to coat evenly. Be careful not to crush the vegetables when tossing; you want the cucumber slices to remain crisp and intact.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Once the salad is well-mixed, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes before serving. Chilling allows the flavors to meld together and makes the salad even more refreshing. If you have the time, let it chill for up to 2 hours for the best flavor.

Before serving, give the salad one more quick toss and taste for seasoning. If necessary, adjust the salt, pepper, or vinegar according to your taste preferences. Serve the salad chilled as a side dish or enjoy it as a light snack.

Nutritional Breakdown (per serving):

This WW cucumber salad is not only refreshing and delicious but also healthy, low-calorie, and packed with nutrients. Here’s the nutritional breakdown for one serving (about 1 cup):

  • Calories: 50 kcal
  • Total Fat: 3g
    • Saturated Fat: 0.5g
    • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg
  • Sodium: 300mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 8g
    • Dietary Fiber: 2g
    • Net Carbs: 6g
  • Sugars: 3g (natural sugars from cucumber and tomatoes)
  • Protein: 1g
  • Vitamin A: 4% of the Daily Value (DV)
  • Vitamin C: 15% of the DV
  • Calcium: 2% of the DV
  • Iron: 2% of the DV

WW SmartPoints Breakdown:

For those following the Weight Watchers (WW) program, this cucumber salad is an excellent choice with minimal points. The SmartPoints calculation for this recipe is as follows:

  • WW SmartPoints (Blue, Green, Purple): 1 point per serving

This makes it a perfect side dish for those following the WW program, as it is both satisfying and light in points. The combination of fresh vegetables and a light dressing means you can enjoy a generous serving without using up many of your daily SmartPoints.

Variations and Tips for Enhancing Your Cucumber Salad:

  1. Add Protein for a Complete Meal: If you want to turn this cucumber salad into a more filling meal, consider adding some grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas for an extra source of protein. This will elevate the dish while still keeping it light and healthy.
  2. Customize the Dressing: Feel free to experiment with different herbs or spices in the dressing. A touch of fresh lemon juice, cumin, or paprika can add a unique twist. If you’re looking for a creamier dressing, try adding a tablespoon of Greek yogurt or sour cream to the mix.
  3. Add More Vegetables: For extra crunch and flavor, consider adding thinly sliced bell peppers, radishes, or even celery. These vegetables will complement the cucumber’s coolness while increasing the salad’s fiber content.
  4. Use Apple Cider Vinegar or Balsamic: While apple cider vinegar gives the salad a refreshing, tangy flavor, you can also swap it for balsamic vinegar for a deeper, slightly sweet flavor profile. This works especially well if you add tomatoes to the salad.
  5. Chill for Best Results: The longer the cucumber salad chills, the better the flavors meld. However, it’s important to not leave it for more than a couple of hours, as the cucumbers can release water, making the salad soggy.
  6. Try It with Fresh Cheese: If you want to add a rich, creamy element, crumbled feta cheese or goat cheese can be sprinkled on top of the salad just before serving. This adds a delightful richness that pairs perfectly with the fresh vegetables.

Conclusion:

This WW cucumber salad is the perfect side dish or light meal for those looking for a healthy, low-point option in their Weight Watchers meal plan. It’s fresh, simple to make, and packed with flavors that will keep you coming back for more. Whether you’re serving it at a BBQ, enjoying it with lunch, or eating it as a snack, this salad is a great way to stay on track with your WW goals while enjoying a refreshing, delicious treat.

With its low SmartPoints, this cucumber salad allows you to indulge in a guilt-free snack without compromising your daily points. Packed with fiber, healthy fats, and plenty of vitamins, it’s a must-try recipe for anyone following the WW program or anyone looking to eat healthier in general.

So, gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and enjoy this vibrant and refreshing cucumber salad that will leave you feeling satisfied and nourished.