Healthy Cucumber Salad Recipe
Refreshing and Energizing: Healthy Cucumber Salad Recipe
Welcome to a culinary delight that’s both refreshing and energizing – our Healthy Cucumber Salad! This recipe is not only addictive but also a nutritious addition to any meal. With its crisp cucumbers and flavorful dressing, it’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Join us as we delve into the details of creating this vibrant salad, complete with nutritional information and Weight Watchers Smart Points for your convenience.
Ingredients:
- 3 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (for vegan option)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: crumbled feta cheese, sliced cherry tomatoes, sliced radishes, toasted pine nuts
Instructions:
- Preparation: Begin by washing and drying the cucumbers thoroughly. Using a sharp knife or mandoline slicer, thinly slice the cucumbers into rounds. Place the sliced cucumbers in a large mixing bowl.
- Onion Addition: Peel the red onion and slice it thinly into half-moons. Add the sliced onion to the bowl with the cucumbers.
- Herb Infusion: Chop the fresh dill and parsley finely, then add them to the bowl with the cucumbers and onion. These herbs will add a burst of flavor and freshness to the salad.
- Dressing Preparation: In a small bowl, whisk together the apple cider vinegar, olive oil, honey or maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. This tangy dressing will enhance the flavors of the salad and bring all the ingredients together.
- Dressing Incorporation: Pour the dressing over the cucumbers, onion, and herbs in the mixing bowl. Toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly with the dressing.
- Chilling Time: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour before serving. Chilling allows the flavors to meld together and enhances the crispness of the cucumbers.
- Topping and Serving: Before serving, garnish the salad with optional toppings such as crumbled feta cheese, sliced cherry tomatoes, sliced radishes, or toasted pine nuts for added texture and flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Total Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 14g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 8g
- Protein: 2g
Smart WW Points:
- Green Plan: 4 SP
- Blue Plan: 4 SP
- Purple Plan: 4 SP
In-depth Exploration:
Our Healthy Cucumber Salad is more than just a recipe; it’s a celebration of fresh, vibrant ingredients that nourish both the body and the soul. Cucumbers are not only hydrating but also low in calories, making them an excellent choice for those looking to maintain a healthy weight. Additionally, they are rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin K, vitamin C, and potassium, which are essential for overall health.
The addition of red onion provides a pop of color and a subtle bite to the salad, while fresh herbs like dill and parsley elevate the flavor profile with their aromatic freshness. The tangy dressing, made with apple cider vinegar, olive oil, and Dijon mustard, adds a zesty kick that ties everything together beautifully.
But what truly makes this salad addictive is its versatility. Feel free to customize it with your favorite toppings and add-ons to suit your taste preferences. Whether you’re craving something savory, sweet, or crunchy, there are endless possibilities for creating your perfect bowl of Healthy Cucumber Salad.
In addition to being delicious, our Healthy Cucumber Salad is also incredibly nutritious. With just 4 Smart Points per serving on the Weight Watchers program, you can enjoy this flavorful dish guilt-free. Plus, its high water content makes it a hydrating option, perfect for staying refreshed and energized throughout the day.
So why not add a burst of flavor to your mealtime with our Healthy Cucumber Salad? Whether enjoyed as a side dish, a light lunch, or a refreshing snack, this recipe is sure to brighten your day and leave you feeling satisfied and energized.