How to Make a Refreshing Summer Cucumber Salad
When summer rolls in, the heat and humidity can feel so intense that even the simplest tasks seem like a chore. On days like these, staying hydrated isn’t just a good idea, it’s essential. There are plenty of ways to keep your body cool and hydrated, but few are as tasty and satisfying as a chilled, crunchy salad.
Among all the veggie salads you could make, this summer cucumber salad is a standout. It’s not only refreshing, but also packed with nutrients and vibrant flavors. Made with fresh cucumbers, red onions, dill, and crunchy walnuts, this simple salad is just what you need to brighten up a hot summer day. Plus, it’s super easy to throw together, no fuss, no stress!
Why Make a Cucumber Salad in Summer?
Cucumbers are one of the best vegetables to eat during the warmer months. Why? Because they’re made up of more than 90% water, which makes them a fantastic way to help your body stay hydrated. A cucumber salad helps cool you down from the inside out and is the perfect pick for scorching summer days. Add in some sliced red onion, chopped dill, and a handful of walnuts, and you’ve got yourself a seasonal salad that’s light, flavorful, and wonderfully simple.
How to Make Summer Cucumber Salad
You’ll need:
• 4 fresh cucumbers (thinly sliced into rounds)
• 1 red onion (very thinly sliced)
• A small bunch of fresh dill (finely chopped)
• 2 tablespoons chopped walnuts
For the dressing:
• ½ cup plain yogurt
• 1 teaspoon salad seasoning or yogurt spice blend
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Step-by-step:
Start by washing and peeling the cucumbers. (If you’re using seedless cucumbers with tender skin, feel free to leave the peel on.) Slice them into thin, even rounds.
Peel and thinly slice the red onion. Red onions have a milder, slightly sweet flavor that pairs beautifully with crisp cucumber. Add the onion, chopped dill, and crushed walnuts to a mixing bowl.
Now for the dressing:
– In a separate bowl, stir together the yogurt and your favorite salad or yogurt seasoning, Tavazo’s blend works perfectly here. If you like, you can also add a pinch of salt and black pepper. Add in the lemon juice and stir until smooth.
– Pour the dressing over the cucumber mixture and toss gently until everything is well coated. Pop the salad into the fridge for 15 to 20 minutes so the flavors have time to mingle and the salad gets nice and cold.
– The yogurt dressing is what really brings this salad to life. Creamy, tangy, and full of flavor, it complements the cool crunch of the cucumbers and ties everything together into a dish that’s as satisfying as it is refreshing.
A little tip:
You can swap out the walnuts for any other nuts you like -hazelnuts, almonds, pistachios- just make sure they’re raw to keep the flavors light and in harmony with the fresh veggies.
In a nutshell:
This summer cucumber salad isn’t just delicious; it’s a perfect way to stay cool and hydrated during hot days. With just a few fresh ingredients and a light, zesty dressing, it’s a dish you’ll want to make again and again. Whether served as a side or enjoyed all on its own, this salad delivers that clean, refreshing bite we all crave when the sun’s beating down. So grab some cucumbers, chop up a few simple additions, and enjoy a bowl of cool comfort all summer long.