On a warm, sunny day in beautiful Italy, we decided to make a light, healthy and refreshing summer salad. It’s simple, easy to prepare, and will delight you with its fresh flavor. Cucumbers make a great snack on their own and add beautiful color to a dish.
Cucumbers are rich in water, thereby keeping one hydrated. The also contain many vitamins and minerals, as well as phytonutrients (plant chemicals) called lignans, which have been shown in studies to lower risk of heart disease, menopausal symptoms and some cancers. Research has also suggested that cucumbers may provide benefit for osteoporosis and diabetes, to name a few.
Here is the recipe to a simple, healthy, and revitalizing salad.
Enjoy!
Cucumber Salad
4
portions10
minutes + resting timeIngredients
4 medium sized fresh cucumbers (choose firm darker colored cucumbers)
Sprig of fresh mint leaves
3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice (or you can substitute with white wine vinegar)
5 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Salt to taste
Ground black pepper to taste
Directions
Peel and wash cucumbers, then cut the cucumbers in half and split them lengthwise. Use a spoon to scrape out the seeds and place cucumbers cut side down, then slice into half moons or crescent shape. Transfer sliced pieces in a mixing bowl and set aside *
Clean and chop fresh mint then place in the bowl with cucumbers.
Either prepare an emulsion with oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper or place ingredients directly in the bowl to season the cucumbers. Mix well, cover with plastic wrap and place the salad in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to mix the flavors.
Mix well before serving.
Notes
- The skin of cucumbers contain lots of vitamins and nutrients. It is also is a little bitter, but it’s perfectly fine to eat. You can also peel off a few stripes to maintain some of the dark green color and flavor. If you decide to keep the skin, purchase unwaxed cucumbers and clean under cold water, then lightly scrub them with a kitchen or paper towel. If you purchase waxed cucumbers, we recommend that you peel them and discard the skin. You can also keep or remove the seeds - the choice is yours!
You can find traditional Italian recipes, turned to gluten-free alternatives on ‘Pasqualina’s table, Our Italian Family Traditions …The Gluten-Free Way’ available on Amazon 👉 here.
