Looking for a refreshing and tasty green salad that’s easy to make? Look no further than this crisp and cool salad featuring cucumbers and zucchini.
This salad is the perfect accompaniment to any meal – whether you’re looking for a quick lunch salad or a light and refreshing side dish to serve with dinner. Here’s how to make it!.
Ingredients
- 1 large cucumber, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 medium zucchini, thinly sliced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 large handful of fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 large handful of fresh mint, chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers, zucchini, and red onion. Toss to combine.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss to combine.
- Add the chopped parsley and mint to the bowl and toss gently to mix.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, then serve.
Variations
While this crisp and cool salad is delicious as is, there are plenty of variations you can try to mix things up:.
- Swap out the cucumbers for thinly sliced fennel for a more anise-flavored salad.
- Add some crumbled feta cheese to the salad for some creamy goodness.
- Try using a mix of herbs – oregano, thyme, or basil would all be good choices.
- For an extra crunch, toss in some sliced almonds or pine nuts.
- Add some grilled chicken or shrimp to the salad to make it a meal.
Tips for Making the Perfect Crisp and Cool Salad
Want to make sure your salad comes out perfectly every time? Here are some tips to keep in mind:.
Use the freshest vegetables possible.
This salad relies on the subtle crunch of sliced cucumbers and zucchini, so it’s best to use fresh produce.
Look for vegetables that are firm and brightly colored – if they’re soft, mushy, or wilted, they won’t give you the crisp texture you’re looking for.
Don’t overdress your salad.
While the dressing for this salad is flavorful, it’s important not to overdo it. Too much dressing can make your vegetables soggy and limp. Start with a small amount of dressing and toss well, then add more as needed until the salad is just coated.
Chop your herbs finely.
If the herbs in your salad are too large, they can overpower the other flavors. Chop them finely so they’re evenly distributed throughout the salad.
Balance your flavors.
This salad is all about balancing crisp, fresh vegetables with tangy dressing and flavorful herbs. Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning as needed to make sure you’re getting the perfect balance of flavors in each bite.
Enjoy!
With its fresh and tangy flavors, this crisp and cool salad is sure to become a new favorite. Serve it as a side dish or enjoy a larger portion as a main course. Either way, you’ll love the refreshing simplicity of this delicious salad.