This minted cucumber salad recipe is perfect for a refreshing side dish during warm weather months. It combines the cool crunch of English cucumbers with the pungent flavor of red onions and the bright notes of fresh mint. The result is a salad that's both easy to prepare and delightfully different.
While the ingredients for this recipe should be readily available in most supermarkets, note that English or hothouse cucumbers are used here. They are often wrapped in plastic and have a milder taste than regular cucumbers. If you can't find them, regular cucumbers can also be used but you might want to peel them to remove the tougher skin. For the fresh mint, ensure that it looks vibrant and smells strongly of mint.
Ingredients for Minted Cucumber Salad
English or hothouse cucumbers: These are milder and less bitter than regular ones. Their skin is also thinner and more pleasant to eat.
Salt: Used to draw out excess water from the cucumbers, intensifying their flavor.
Red onions: Their pungent flavor adds a nice contrast to the cool cucumbers. Soaking in ice water tames their bite.
White wine vinegar: Imparts a tart flavor to the salad, balancing out the sweetness of the cucumbers.
Extra virgin olive oil: Adds a smooth, fruity flavor to the salad.
Vegetable oil: Used for its neutral flavor.
Sugar: Just a touch to balance the tartness of the vinegar.
Freshly ground black pepper: For a hint of heat.
Fresh mint: Brings a bright, refreshing flavor that pairs wonderfully with the cucumbers.
One reader, Elora Pedraza says:
This minted cucumber salad recipe is a game-changer! The refreshing blend of cucumbers, mint, and zesty dressing creates a burst of flavor. It's a perfect side dish for any meal, and the crisp, cool taste is simply irresistible. I highly recommend trying it out!
Essential Techniques for Preparing Minted Cucumber Salad
How to prepare cucumbers: Cut the cucumbers in half lengthwise, scrape out the seeds, and then cut into thin slices. Toss the cucumbers with salt in a colander and let them drain for at least 30 minutes.
How to soak red onions: Soak the red onions in a small bowl of ice water for ten minutes, then drain in a fine mesh strainer and blot dry with a paper towel.
How to drain cucumbers: Tap the cucumber-filled colander on the base of the sink to release any excess water. Lay a clean dish towel flat on the counter, and then dump the cucumbers over top. Use the edges of the towel to blot the cucumbers dry.
How to adjust seasoning: Before serving, taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
How To Make Minted Cucumber Salad
Enjoy refreshing bites of crisp cucumber, tangy onions, and sweet mint all in one plate by whipping up this easy-to-follow cucumber salad recipe!
Serves:
Ingredients
- 2English cucumbers,or hothouse
- 1tspsalt
- ¼cupred onions,chopped
- ¼cupwhite wine vinegar
- 2tbspextra virgin olive oil
- 2tbspvegetable oil
- 2½tspsugar
- ¼tspfreshly ground black pepper
- ¼cupfresh mint,chopped
Instructions
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Cut the cucumbers in half lengthwise. Use a teaspoon to scrape out the seeds, then cut into thin slices. Toss the cucumbers with the salt in a colander.
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Let drain in the sink for at least 30 minutes.
-
Soak the red onions in a small bowl of ice water for 10 minutes, then drain in a fine mesh strainer. Blot dry with a paper towel.
-
Tap the cucumber-filled colander on the base of the sink to release any excess water. Lay a clean dish towel flat on the counter, and then dump the cucumbers over top. Use the edges of the towel to blot the cucumbers dry.
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In a medium bowl, toss the cucumbers, onions, white wine vinegar, olive oil, vegetable oil, sugar, pepper and mint.
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Cover and let stand in refrigerator for at least 20 minutes or up to 12 hours. Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning, if necessary.
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Serve cold, and enjoy!
Recipe Notes
Make-Ahead Instructions: This salad can be made up to 12 hours ahead of time. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Nutrition
- Calories: 109.22kcal
- Fat: 9.31g
- Saturated Fat: 0.97g
- Trans Fat: 0.04g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 6.65g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.32g
- Carbohydrates: 6.40g
- Fiber: 0.90g
- Sugar: 3.71g
- Protein: 0.86g
- Sodium: 306.33mg
- Calcium: 26.42mg
- Potassium: 176.24mg
- Iron: 0.79mg
- Vitamin A: 12.76µg
- Vitamin C: 3.81mg
Pro Tip for Elevating Your Minted Cucumber Salad
When preparing the cucumbers for this salad, it's important to remove the seeds as they can make the salad watery and dilute the flavors. To do this, simply cut the cucumber in half lengthwise and use a teaspoon to scrape out the seeds. This will also create a nice texture for the salad. Additionally, allowing the cucumbers to drain after salting them will draw out excess moisture, ensuring that your salad stays crisp and fresh.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Minted Cucumber Salad
Prep ahead: Chop and soak the red onions and mix the dressing in advance to save time when assembling the salad.
Use a mandoline: Slice the cucumbers quickly and uniformly using a mandoline for efficient prep.
Double the recipe: Make a larger batch and store the extra salad in the fridge for a quick and convenient side dish for the next day.
Invest in a salad spinner: Use a salad spinner to quickly dry the cucumbers, saving time during the draining process.
Organize your workspace: Set up all your ingredients and tools before starting to streamline the cooking process.
Substitute Ingredients For Minted Cucumber Salad Recipe
English or hothouse cucumbers - Substitute with Persian cucumbers: Persian cucumbers are similar in texture and flavor to English cucumbers, making them a suitable substitute.
Red onions - Substitute with Shallots: Shallots have a milder flavor and a hint of garlic, which can work well as a substitute for red onions in this recipe.
White wine vinegar - Substitute with Apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar provides a slightly fruity and tangy flavor that can replace the acidity of white wine vinegar in the salad dressing.
Extra virgin olive oil - Substitute with Avocado oil: Avocado oil has a mild flavor and a high smoke point, making it a good substitute for extra virgin olive oil in this recipe.
Vegetable oil - Substitute with Canola oil: Canola oil has a neutral flavor and a high smoke point, making it a versatile substitute for vegetable oil in the salad dressing.
Fresh mint - Substitute with Basil: Basil can provide a fresh and aromatic flavor similar to mint, making it a suitable substitute for this salad recipe.
Best Presentation Ideas for Minted Cucumber Salad
Elevate the cucumber slices: Arrange the drained cucumber slices in a circular pattern on the plate, slightly overlapping each other for a visually appealing presentation.
Garnish with mint leaves: Place a few fresh mint leaves strategically on top of the cucumber slices to add a pop of color and a hint of freshness to the dish.
Drizzle with olive oil: Use a steady hand to drizzle a small amount of high-quality extra virgin olive oil in a circular motion around the cucumber slices for a touch of richness and flavor.
Sprinkle with red onions: Sprinkle the drained red onions over the cucumber slices, ensuring an even distribution for a burst of color and a subtle kick of flavor.
Finish with a dash of black pepper: Lightly dust the salad with freshly ground black pepper to add a hint of warmth and a visually striking contrast to the dish.
Serve on chilled plates: Present the minted cucumber salad on chilled plates to maintain its refreshing and crisp qualities, enhancing the overall dining experience.
Essential Tools for Making a Delicious Minted Cucumber Salad
- Cutting board: A flat board used for cutting and preparing ingredients.
- Knife: A sharp tool used for cutting and slicing ingredients.
- Colander: A bowl-shaped container with holes used for draining liquids from food.
- Mixing bowl: A bowl used for mixing ingredients together.
- Whisk: A kitchen tool used for whipping and mixing ingredients.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Used for accurately measuring ingredients in cooking and baking.
- Peeler: A tool used for peeling the skin off fruits and vegetables.
- Grater: Used for grating cheese, vegetables, and other ingredients.
- Salad spinner: Used for washing and drying salad greens and herbs.
- Serving platter: A large plate or dish used for serving food.
- Tongs: Used for gripping and lifting hot or delicate food items.
- Lemon squeezer: Used for extracting juice from lemons and other citrus fruits.
- Garlic press: Used for crushing and mincing garlic cloves.
- Mandoline: A slicing tool used for cutting fruits and vegetables into thin, even slices.
- Pepper mill: Used for grinding peppercorns to add freshly ground pepper to dishes.
- Salad bowl: A large bowl used for tossing and serving salads.
- Plastic wrap: Used for covering and storing food items.
- Refrigerator: Used for storing perishable ingredients and dishes at a cool temperature.
Storing and Freezing Minted Cucumber Salad for Later
- This cucumber salad is best enjoyed fresh, but it can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- If you want to make the salad ahead of time, prepare the cucumbers and red onions as directed, but store them separately from the dressing. Combine the vegetables and dressing just before serving to prevent the salad from becoming too watery.
- It's not recommended to freeze this salad, as the cucumbers will lose their crisp texture and become mushy when thawed. The mint will also lose its flavor and texture after being frozen.
- If you have leftover salad that you don't want to waste, you can try blending it into a chilled soup or adding it to a smoothie for a refreshing twist. The cucumber and mint flavors will add a cool, refreshing note to your favorite summer beverages.
Interesting Trivia About Minted Cucumber Salad
The cucumber is a low-calorie vegetable, with a high water content, making it a great choice for hydration. It also contains antioxidants and nutrients that are beneficial for overall health.
Is Making Minted Cucumber Salad at Home Cost-Effective?
The cost-effectiveness of this minted cucumber salad recipe is quite high. Cucumbers and mint are affordable, and the other ingredients are commonly found in households. The recipe's simplicity and use of basic ingredients make it a budget-friendly choice. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $5-$7. Overall Verdict: 9/10
Is This Minted Cucumber Salad Healthy?
The minted cucumber salad recipe is a refreshing and light dish that offers some health benefits, but there is room for improvement. Here's a breakdown of the recipe's healthiness:
- Cucumbers are low in calories and high in water content, making them a hydrating and weight-friendly ingredient
- Red onions contain antioxidants and may help lower blood sugar levels
- Mint is a good source of vitamin A and antioxidants, which can help protect against oxidative stress
- Olive oil is a healthy fat that may reduce inflammation and improve heart health
However, the recipe also includes some less healthy components:
- The addition of vegetable oil, which is likely a refined oil high in omega-6 fatty acids, can contribute to inflammation when consumed in excess
- Sugar, although in a small amount, adds unnecessary calories and may not be suitable for those watching their sugar intake
- The recipe is relatively high in sodium due to the added salt, which may be a concern for those with high blood pressure
To make this salad even healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Replace the vegetable oil with an additional 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil to increase the proportion of healthy fats
- Reduce the sugar content by half or omit it entirely, allowing the natural flavors of the cucumbers and mint to shine through
- Use less salt when initially preparing the cucumbers, and adjust the seasoning to taste before serving to minimize sodium intake
- Add other nutrient-dense ingredients, such as cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, or nuts, to increase the variety of vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats in the dish
- Serve the salad alongside lean proteins and whole grains to create a well-rounded, balanced meal
Editor's Opinion on This Refreshing Minted Cucumber Salad
The minted cucumber salad recipe is a refreshing and vibrant dish that perfectly balances the crispness of cucumbers with the tangy sweetness of the dressing. The addition of fresh mint adds a delightful burst of flavor, elevating the overall taste profile. The step-by-step instructions ensure that the cucumbers are perfectly seasoned and well-marinated, resulting in a delicious and refreshing salad. This recipe is a wonderful addition to any summer meal, providing a light and flavorful side dish that is sure to impress.
Why trust this Minted Cucumber Salad Recipe:
This recipe guarantees freshness and flavor, using fresh mint and English cucumbers. The careful preparation, including draining the cucumbers and soaking the onions, ensures the perfect texture and balance of flavors. The combination of white wine vinegar and extra virgin olive oil adds a delightful tanginess, while the sugar brings a touch of sweetness. The inclusion of red onions provides a subtle sharpness, and the freshly ground black pepper adds a hint of warmth. With these high-quality ingredients and meticulous steps, this recipe promises a refreshing and delicious minted cucumber salad experience.
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