Cumber Salad for a Quick Weeknight Dinner Recipe
There is nothing quite as refreshing and satisfying as a crisp, tangy cucumber salad to brighten up any evening meal. The Cumber Salad for a Quick Weeknight Dinner delivers just that—a vibrant mix of fresh cucumbers, juicy cherry tomatoes, and a zesty dressing that makes weeknight dinners feel effortlessly gourmet. It’s the perfect balance of flavors and textures, coming together with simple ingredients you probably already have on hand, turning a busy night into a delightful culinary moment.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Cumber Salad for a Quick Weeknight Dinner lies in its straightforward ingredients, each carefully selected to contribute brightness, crunch, and a kiss of acidity. These essentials not only build layers of flavor but also create a colorful presentation that’s as appealing to the eyes as it is to the palate.
- Cucumbers: Peeled and sliced thin, cucumbers add a crisp, hydrating base that anchors the salad.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Halved for bursts of sweetness and juicy color contrast.
- Red Onion: Thinly sliced to offer a mild, slightly sharp bite that complements the fresh veggies.
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped just before mixing, parsley adds a fresh, herbaceous lift.
- Olive Oil: Extra virgin for a smooth, fruity richness that ties the dressing together.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Delivers a pleasant tang that wakes up the entire salad.
- Honey: Just a touch to balance acidity with subtle sweetness.
- Salt: Essential for enhancing all the natural flavors.
- Black Pepper: Freshly cracked for a light peppery snap that finishes the dish.
How to Make Cumber Salad for a Quick Weeknight Dinner
Step 1: Prep Your Fresh Ingredients
Start by giving your cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and parsley a thorough rinse under cold water to remove any dirt or residual pesticides. Pat everything dry to avoid excess moisture diluting the flavor. Peeling and thinly slicing those cucumbers ensures every bite is crisp and refreshing without overpowering the other textures.
Step 2: Combine the Vegetables
Next, take those thin cucumber rounds and add them to a large mixing bowl. Halve the cherry tomatoes and toss them in. Thinly slice the red onion, allowing its subtle bite to blend smoothly with the overall salad. Finish this step by adding the freshly chopped parsley, which will bring a beautiful herbaceous note that elevates each forkful.
Step 3: Whisk Together the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together three tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, and one teaspoon of honey. The honey tames the acidity of the vinegar, while the olive oil adds richness, creating a luscious dressing that coats every nook and cranny of the salad.
Step 4: Toss and Season
Pour your beautifully blended dressing over the vegetable mixture, then gently toss to ensure everything is evenly coated. Season generously with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to enhance all the vibrant flavors. Give the salad a moment—5 to 10 minutes to let the flavors marry, allowing the sharpness of the vinegar and sweetness of the honey to soften and mingle with the fresh veggies.
Step 5: Final Toss and Serve
Before serving, give the salad one last gentle toss. This rejuvenates the textures and flavors, making sure each bite is as packed with flavor as the first.
How to Serve Cumber Salad for a Quick Weeknight Dinner
Garnishes
To add an extra layer of appeal, sprinkle some toasted nuts, like slivered almonds or pine nuts, for crunch. Alternatively, a few crumbles of feta cheese or a handful of fresh herbs like dill or basil can really transform this salad into something special without complicating your weeknight prep.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish, making it a versatile side or light main course. Serve it alongside warm pita bread or a bowl of hearty soup for an effortlessly balanced meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a splash of fun, serve the Cumber Salad for a Quick Weeknight Dinner in individual mason jars, layering the dressing at the bottom for a pretty visual effect. Another option is to present it atop crisp lettuce leaves or inside hollowed-out tomatoes for a delightful bite-size experience. Presentation can be just as comforting as the taste itself!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftovers stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The fresh crunch will soften slightly but the salad remains flavorful, perfect for a quick snack or lunch the next day.
Freezing
Cucumber salad is best enjoyed fresh and does not freeze well due to its high water content, which can turn mushy when thawed. If you want to keep prep time down on busy nights, slice the vegetables and keep separate from dressing in the fridge for a couple of days, then toss just before serving.
Reheating
This salad is best served cold or at room temperature, so no reheating is necessary. Simply give it a good toss and it’s ready to refresh your palate anytime.
FAQs
Can I use other types of vinegar in this salad?
Absolutely! While apple cider vinegar offers a mild, fruity tang, you can also experiment with white wine vinegar or rice vinegar for a different twist. Just adjust the quantity to your taste to keep the balance right.
Is it okay to leave the cucumber skin on?
Yes, if you prefer more texture and nutrients, you can keep the skin on. Just make sure to wash them thoroughly. Peeling is more about personal preference or achieving a more delicate bite.
How long does the Cumber Salad for a Quick Weeknight Dinner last?
This salad stays fresh and crisp for about two days refrigerated. After that, the cucumbers may become soggy, so it’s best enjoyed fresh or within that timeframe.
Can I make this salad vegan and gluten-free?
Definitely! This recipe is naturally both vegan and gluten-free, making it a fantastic option for all kinds of dietary preferences without any substitutions needed.
What’s the secret to the best flavor in this salad?
Letting the salad rest for a few minutes before serving is key. This time allows the dressing to seep into the vegetables, softening the onion’s bite and bringing all the flavors together beautifully.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a breeze of freshness and flavor on a hectic evening, the Cumber Salad for a Quick Weeknight Dinner is a perfect go-to recipe that won’t let you down. It’s simple yet bursting with personality, proving that great meals don’t have to be complicated. So grab your cucumbers and toss up this vibrant salad tonight—you’re going to love how it brightens your dinner table and mood!
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Cumber Salad for a Quick Weeknight Dinner Recipe
- Total Time: 10-15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and easy-to-make cucumber salad featuring crisp cucumbers, juicy cherry tomatoes, and a tangy olive oil and apple cider vinegar dressing, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a light side dish.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 2 large Cucumbers (peeled and sliced)
- 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes (halved)
- 0.5 medium Red Onion (thinly sliced)
- 1 handful Fresh Parsley (chopped)
Dressing Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons Olive Oil (extra virgin)
- 2 tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Honey
- Salt (to taste)
- Black Pepper (freshly cracked, to taste)
Instructions
- Wash and Dry Ingredients: Rinse cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and parsley thoroughly under cold running water to remove any dirt or impurities. Pat them dry gently using a clean towel or paper towels.
- Prepare Cucumbers: Peel the cucumbers carefully and slice them into thin rounds. Transfer the cucumber slices into a large mixing bowl to start building the salad base.
- Add Cherry Tomatoes: Halve the cherry tomatoes and add them directly to the bowl with the cucumber slices, adding vibrant color and sweetness to the salad.
- Slice Red Onion: Thinly slice the red onion and add these slices to the mixing bowl, lending a mild sharpness to the flavor profile.
- Chop Parsley: Finely chop the fresh parsley and sprinkle it over the other salad ingredients, enhancing freshness and aroma.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together extra virgin olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and honey until the mixture is smooth and well combined, creating a balanced tangy and sweet dressing.
- Combine Dressing and Salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients. Toss the mixture gently but thoroughly so each piece is evenly coated with the flavorful dressing.
- Season: Add salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste, adjusting the flavors according to your preference.
- Let Flavors Meld: Allow the salad to rest for 5 to 10 minutes at room temperature so the dressing can infuse into the vegetables, enhancing their taste.
- Final Toss and Serve: Give the salad a final gentle toss just before serving to redistribute the dressing and enjoy a delicious, fresh cucumber salad.
Notes
- For added crunch, you can add toasted sunflower seeds or chopped nuts.
- This salad is best served fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours for flavors to develop further.
- Adjust the honey quantity to your taste preference or substitute with maple syrup for a vegan option.
- Use Persian cucumbers for a less watery salad if preferred.
- Serve as a side dish to grilled proteins or as a light vegetarian meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-cook, Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: cucumber salad, quick salad, easy weeknight dinner, fresh salad, healthy side dish, vegetarian salad
