Summer is cucumber season, and today we went crazy with cucumbers.
We made cucumber tomato feta salad, cucumber carrot salad with buttermilk dressing and even a cucumber drink.
Yes, cucumber insanity has reached us, and we’re thankful because there aren’t that many vegetables as refreshing and versatile as a cucumber.
Whether you put them in your gazpacho or your Greek salad or in that simple sandwich, cucumbers are always ready to bring a refreshing punch, especially on those really hot days. Enjoy!
Agua Fresca de Pepino
Serves 4
Ingredients:
- 3 cups chopped seeded peeled cucumber (about 2 medium)
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1/4 Serrano pepper, seeded
- 3 cups water
- Ice
- Lime slices (optional)
- Cucumber slices (optional)
Combine first 4 ingredients in a blender; process until smooth. Add 3 cups water; cover and refrigerate the mixture overnight.
Strain cucumber mixture through a fine sieve over a pitcher; discard solids. Serve over ice; garnish with lime or cucumber slices, if desired.
Recipe from Cooking Light, June 2010
Cucumber, Tomato & Feta Salad
Serves 8
Ingredients:
- 3 cups coarsely chopped English hothouse or Persian cucumbers
- 1 large tomatoes, coarsely chopped
- 1 bunch chives, chopped
- 1 cup assorted pitted Kalamata olives
- 1 7-ounce package feta, crumbled, divided
- 2 tablespoons coarsely chopped fresh mint
- 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- Kosher salt
Combine cucumbers, tomatoes, chives, olives, half of feta, and mint in a large bowl. Whisk oil and lemon juice in a small bowl; season dressing with salt and pepper. Pour dressing over salad; toss to coat. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Sprinkle remaining half of feta over and serve.
Adapted from Bon Appétit, June 2011
Cucumber Carrot Salad with Buttermilk Dressing
Serves 2
Ingredients:
- 1 cup shaved carrots
- 1 cup cucumbers
- 1 large tomato
Buttermilk Dressing
Ingredients:
- 2/3 cup chilled buttermilk
- 1/2 cup regular mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and freshly ground pepper
Combine all ingredients in a jar, cover tightly, and shake well until combined. Or can also use your blender.
