Fresh Cucumber Salad

My garden is producing cucumbers left and right this season! This is a great thing since my kiddos love cucumbers. They like eating them whole!

Cucumbers are one of my favorite veggies so I am always on the hunt to find a new way to serve them.

I wanted a dish that was yummy and possibly something the kids would enjoy. I had a few kids at our July 4th get-together that really enjoyed this dish.

I think next time I make it I will increase the red pepper flakes for a bit more heat for the adults.

This dish is perfect withy our favorite BBQ or just as a nice side dish to a simple grilled chicken.

Cucumber Salad 

1-1/2 lbs cucumber (about 3 medium), peeled, halved lengthwise & thinly sliced
2 tsp pink Himalayan salt
1/2 c white wine vinegar
1/2 c water
3 Tbs sugar
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
2 Tbs minced red onion or Shallots

Place cucumber slices in a colander sitting over a bowl, sprinkle with salt and toss well.

Let sit for 1 hour refrigerated.  Toss the cukes a few times while they drain as well.  While cucumber slices are draining, prepare marinade.

Combine vinegar, water, sugar and red pepper in a small saucepan; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cook until reduced to a 1/3 cup (about 10 minutes). Remove from heat and add onion.  Let mixture cool to room temp.

When cucumbers are done resting, pat them dry with a few paper towels and then combine with the vinegar reduction.  This can be served immediately, but for best results refrigerate until well chilled.

This will not last but a day or two in the fridge if you actually have leftovers. The vinegar breaks down the cucumbers pretty well after the 1st day in the fridge and they become very soft.

Tagged as: bbq, healthy, recipe, side dish