You’re only five minutes away from being cool as a cucumber–and likely surprised by one too. When I first decided to do a post on a cucumber salad my motivation was to provide a recipe for a side dish that was quick, easy, and highly customizable. Let’s face it–it’s much easier to maintain a healthy diet when the recipes don’t place a lot of demands on time or energy!
Cucumber Salad Plated
Cucumbers are a Great Source of Hydration
When I can, I try to provide information on the nutritional benefits of the ingredients in my recipes. As I gathered together the information on the cucumber I was astonished at the nutritional benefits. The cucumber is a member of the cucurbitaceae or gourd family. Like many fruits and vegetables cucumbers are made up of mostly water (95%), which naturally is great for hydration during the summer months.
Cucumber Salad Ingredients
Benefits of Cucumbers
But the benefits go far beyond that: This low-calorie, high fiber veggie is not only good for weight loss and digestion, but also contains B vitamins, vitamins C and K, copper, manganese, magnesium, potassium, and iron. It contains a flavonol, polyphenols, and phytonutrients that work as an anti-inflammatory and have anti-cancer properties. The cucumber also has a history of being touted as a member of the beauty community. Chilled cucumber slices placed on the eyelids are said to reduce swelling and irritation due to the chilling and antioxidants, while placing a slice on the roof of the mouth helps to reduce bacteria and bad breath. Are you surprised yet??
Cucumber Salad Ingredients Sliced
Once I discovered what a treasure trove this little gourd was I made a beeline to one of my local farmers markets. Check out this handy tool from the USDA for locating a farmers market near you!
Green Maple Market
Sweety Drop Pepper Cucumber Salad
This Sweety Drop Pepper Cucumber Salad is just one of many twists you can do with a simple cucumber salad. It can be dressed up with many add-ons such as onion slices, various peppers, additional veggies, and herbs with an olive oil or creamy based dressing to take center stage on the table. Or it can remain simple so as not to overwhelm the feature presentation, but merely compliment its flavor.
Cucumber Salad Marinating
Serving Suggestions for Cucumber Salad
I used the sweet and sour flavor of the Sweety Drop Peppers paired with the scallions and pepperoncini pepper brine to add a dimension to the salad that would not overwhelm. As a punctuation to the flavor and color, I topped the salad with Falksalt Crystal Sea Salt Flakes Black Salt. If you don’t have Sweety Drop Peppers or you don’t want to use them you could try pickled Cherry Peppers as they are very similar in taste. If you don’t have Falksalt (I do highly recommend this product–see my Falksalt product review) regular sea salt can be substituted.
Cucumber Salad Plated
Cucumber Salad Plated
This simple and quick salad is delicious, incredibly nutritious, and rich with options for prep that will suit a multitude of meals, occasions, and palates! Enjoy!!
You're only five minutes away from being cool as a cucumber--and likely surprised by one too! This simple and quick salad is delicious, incredilbly nutritious, and rich with options for prep that will suit a multitude of meals, occasions, and palates!
Ingredients
- 2 medium/large cucumbers
- 2 large scallions (reserve 1/4 of scallions for top of salad)
- 3 tablespoons sweety drop peppers
- 4-5 pepperoncini peppers
- 1/4 - 1/3 cup pepperoncini pepper brine (to taste)
- sea salt and black pepper (to taste)
- black seasalt crystals for finishing, or other finishing salt of your selection
Instructions
- 1) Wash cucumbers and scallions and blot dry. Slice cucumbers and scallions in 1/8 - 1/4 inch slices and place in large mixing bowl.
- 2) Add pepperoncini pepper brine, pepperoncini peppers, and salt and pepper to taste, then mix gently with a spoon. Pour salad onto a platter and spread into an even layer.
- 3) Scatter reserved scallions and sweety drop peppers on top of salad and sprinkle with black sea salt to finish.
- See notes section for preparation alternatives.
Notes
*Preparation Options*
Sweety Drop Pepper Cucumber Salad is just one of many twists you can do with a simple cucumber salad. It can be dressed up with many add-ons such as onion slices, various peppers, additional veggies, and herbs with an olive oil or creamy based dressing to take center stage on the table. Or it can remain simple so as not to overwhelm the feature presentation and merely compliment its flavor. I used the sweet and sour flavor of the Sweety Drop Peppers paired with the scallions and pepperoncini pepper brine to add a dimension to the salad that would not overwhelm. As a punctuation to the flavor and color I topped the salad with Falksalt Crystal Sea Salt Flakes Black Salt. One of the many joys of this salad is its flexibility. If you don't have Sweety Drop Peppers or you don't want to use them, you could try pickled Cherry Peppers as they are very similar in taste. Regular sea salt can also be substituted.
Were the sweety drop peppers you used fresh or canned? I’ve only been able to find them canned. I had them on a salad today served in the Whole Foods restaurant (they seemed fresh) and tried to go to the produce section to buy some to take home because I was in love with them! Whole Foods does not carry them and only special orders them for use on the entree I ordered. I am interested in finding out as much about these as possible because I think they’re fabulous!
Hi Wendy, I love the sweety drop peppers, as well! I have not been able to find a source of fresh sweeties but a close second in the jarred offering at Wegmans. I would guess that Whole Foods might also offer the peppers in a jarred option. Try that?! I hope this helps! 🙂