Cucumbers, not something we would choose for a garden produce. But when it came in the CSA package, I was determined to try them in new ways. We've not been fans of cucumbers, but maybe that was because we'd previously just had them sliced raw from a relish plate. I knew I'd had salads from our local restaurant's salad bar that I liked.
And we were pleasantly surprised! Not only are cucumbers healthy foods, but these salads are quite tasty. Research shows 7 health benefits of eating cucumbers:
* high in nutrients, low in calories but high in many important vitamins and minerals
* Contain antioxidants
* Promotes hydration
* May aid in weigh loss
* May lower blood sugar
* Could promote regularity
* easy to add to the diet
My favorite of these two recipes is the marinated one, but they are both good and make easy salads that can extend over a few days' meals.
MARINATED CUCUMBER, TOMATO, ONION SALAD
3 medium cucumbers, peeled and sliced
1 medium onion, sliced into rings
3 tomatoes, cut into wedges
½ cup vinegar
¼ cup sugar
1 cup water
2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. coarsely ground pepper
¼ cup oil
Whisk dressing ingredients together. Pour over prepared vegetables. Refrigerate for 2 hours or more.
Could add feta cheese just before serving.
CREAMY CUCUMBER SALAD
½ cup sour cream or ranch dressing or Greek yogurt or a combo
1 T. white vinegar
1 T. minced fresh dill (or 1 tsp. dried)
1 tsp. sugar
½ tsp. salt
¼ tsp. garlic powder
3 cups thinly sliced peeled cucumbers
Opt: add thinly sliced onion and/or chopped tomatoes
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