Summer is here, and there’s no better time to enjoy fresh and healthy salads. This refreshing summer salad features crisp cucumbers, tender zucchini, and tangy dressing. Perfect for a light lunch or a side dish at a summer barbecue. Let’s dive in!.
Ingredients
- 1 large cucumber, sliced
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh herbs (such as parsley, dill, or mint)
- 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
- For the Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables: Slice the cucumber and zucchini into thin rounds. Thinly slice the red onion. Chop the fresh herbs.
- In a large bowl, combine the cucumbers, zucchinis, red onion, and fresh herbs.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss gently to combine. Sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese.
- Serve immediately, or refrigerate until ready to serve.
Variations
This refreshing summer salad with cucumbers and zucchini is perfect as is, but you can always switch it up to keep things interesting. Here are a few ideas:.
- Swap the feta cheese for goat cheese or blue cheese.
- Add some sliced cherry tomatoes to the mix for a burst of color and sweetness.
- Top with some toasted pine nuts or sliced almonds for added crunch.
- Use a different type of vinegar in the dressing, such as balsamic or apple cider vinegar.
- Add some cooked quinoa or brown rice to make it a more substantial meal.
Tips
Here are a few tips to help you make the best refreshing summer salad with cucumbers and zucchini:.
- Use a mandoline or a sharp knife to slice the vegetables thinly and evenly.
- Don’t skip the fresh herbs! They add flavor and brightness to the salad.
- Make the dressing in a jar with a lid – it’s easy to shake and store in the fridge.
- Be sure to toss the salad gently so that the vegetables keep their shape and don’t break apart.
- This salad is best served immediately, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Conclusion
This refreshing summer salad with cucumbers and zucchini is a delicious and healthy way to enjoy the season’s bounty. With crisp vegetables, tangy dressing, and crumbled feta cheese, it’s a flavor explosion in every bite.
Try it out for your next summer barbecue or picnic – your guests will love it!.