Lebanese Cucumber Salad is a delightful and refreshing dish that captures the essence of Mediterranean flavors.
The fresh ingredients not only provide a burst of flavor but also pack in essential nutrients. Enjoy this vibrant and healthy salad that brings a touch of the Mediterranean to your table.
Table of Contents
Ingredients Needed For Lebanese Cucumber Salad
Lebanese Cucumber Salad is a delightful and refreshing dish perfect for any meal. This salad is simple to make and packed with fresh ingredients. Let’s look at the ingredients needed to create this delicious recipe for 4 persons.
- Cucumbers (Persian): 4-5 small cucumbers (about 1 per person)
- Garlic (minced): 2 cloves
- Dried Mint: 1-2 teaspoons
- Salt: 1 teaspoon (adjust to taste)
- Ice cubes or cold water: 1/4 cup (to thin down and cool the mixture)
- Leban: 1 cup (this is the base of the salad; you can adjust depending on desired creaminess)
Preparation Lebanese Cucumber Salad: Step 1: Prepare The Ingredients
Step 1 is all about preparing the ingredients. Let’s dive in and ensure everything is ready for a delicious outcome.
Slice The Cucumbers
Start with fresh Lebanese cucumbers. These cucumbers are smaller and have a crisp texture that adds to the salad’s charm. Follow these steps to slice them perfectly:
- Wash the cucumbers thoroughly under running water.
- Pat them dry with a clean towel.
- Trim the ends of each cucumber.
- Use a sharp knife to slice the cucumbers into thin rounds. Aim for slices about 1/8 inch thick.
- For added visual appeal, you can slice some cucumbers into half-moons.
Ensure the slices are uniform to maintain consistency in texture and flavor. This step is crucial for a balanced salad. You can also use a mandoline slicer for more precise cuts.
Mince The Garlic
Garlic adds a punch of flavor to the salad. Mince it finely to ensure it blends well with the other ingredients. Here’s how:
- Peel the garlic cloves. Use the flat side of a knife to crush the cloves slightly, making it easier to remove the skin.
- Trim off the root end of each clove.
- Place the garlic cloves on a cutting board.
- Use a chef’s knife to chop the garlic finely. Rock the knife back and forth over the cloves until they are minced.
For an even finer texture, you can use a garlic press. Minced garlic should be uniform in size to ensure even distribution of flavor throughout the salad.
Here are some tips to make mincing garlic easier:
- Use a garlic peeler tube to remove the skins quickly.
- For a smoother paste, sprinkle a little salt on the garlic while mincing.
With the garlic minced and cucumbers sliced, you’re well on your way to creating a delicious Lebanese Cucumber Salad.
Step 2: Mix The Salad Base
This crucial step ensures that all ingredients are well combined, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.
Combine Cucumbers, Garlic, And Dried Mint
Start by gathering your fresh cucumbers. Peel and slice the cucumbers into thin rounds or half-moons. Place them in a large mixing bowl. Next, take a few cloves of garlic. Mince the garlic finely and add it to the bowl of cucumbers. The garlic will add a robust, aromatic flavor to the salad.
Now, it’s time to add the dried mint. Sprinkle a generous amount of dried mint over the cucumbers and garlic. The mint gives the salad a refreshing, slightly sweet taste. Here’s a simple breakdown of what you need:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Cucumbers | 2 medium, sliced |
| Garlic | 2 cloves, minced |
| Dried Mint | 1 tablespoon |
Gently toss the cucumbers, garlic, and dried mint together. Ensure each cucumber slice is evenly coated with garlic and mint. This step is essential for a well-blended salad base.
Add Salt
Next, you’ll need to add salt to the salad. Sprinkle a pinch of salt over the cucumber mixture. Salt enhances the flavors of the garlic and mint, making the salad more delicious. Use about 1/2 teaspoon of salt as a starting point.
After sprinkling the salt, gently mix the salad again. This ensures the salt is evenly distributed throughout the cucumber slices. If you prefer, you can adjust the salt to taste, adding more or less depending on your preference.
Here’s a quick tip: let the salad sit for a few minutes after adding the salt. This allows the cucumbers to release some of their juices, making the salad even more flavorful. The salt draws out the moisture, creating a light dressing that coats the cucumbers beautifully.
Once mixed, your salad base is ready. You can now proceed to the next steps in creating your delicious Lebanese Cucumber Salad.
Step 3: Add Leban And Adjust Consistency
Step 3 is crucial for achieving the right balance. You need to add Leban and adjust the consistency. This step ensures your salad has the perfect creamy texture and refreshing taste.
Stir In The Leban
Leban is a traditional Middle Eastern yogurt. It adds a creamy texture and tangy flavor to the salad. Start by adding one cup of Leban to the bowl with cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions. Use a large spoon to mix the Leban thoroughly with the vegetables.
As you stir, make sure the Leban coats every piece of vegetable. This will ensure that each bite is flavorful. If you prefer a thicker consistency, you can add more Leban. But be careful not to add too much, as it can overpower the other flavors.
- One cup of Leban for a balanced flavor
- Mix thoroughly for even coating
- Add more Leban for a thicker salad
Adjust With Ice Cubes Or Cold Water
If your salad is too thick, you can adjust it with ice cubes or cold water. Add ice cubes directly to the salad bowl. This not only thins the consistency but also keeps the salad cold and refreshing.
If you prefer using water, add small amounts of cold water gradually. Stir the salad after each addition. This helps you achieve the desired consistency without making the salad watery.
- Add a few ice cubes for a chilled salad
- Stir and check the consistency
- Add more ice cubes if needed
- Use cold water as an alternative
- Add water gradually and stir
Adjusting with ice cubes or cold water ensures that your salad is refreshing and perfectly balanced. This step is essential for a great Lebanese Cucumber Salad. Enjoy your perfectly creamy and refreshing salad!
Step 4: Final Touches
This step is crucial for enhancing the salad’s flavors and ensuring it’s ready to serve.
Taste And Adjust Seasoning
Before serving, it’s essential to taste the salad to ensure the flavors are balanced. The right seasoning can elevate your dish from good to great. Here’s how you can do it:
- Take a small bite of the salad to gauge the current flavor profile.
- If the salad lacks salt, add a pinch more. Sea salt often works best.
- For a bit more tang, squeeze in a bit more lemon juice.
- If you like it spicy, consider adding a dash of crushed red pepper.
- Mix well after each adjustment to ensure even distribution of flavors.
Here’s a simple table to help you with common seasoning adjustments:
| Flavor Lacking | Adjustment |
|---|---|
| Saltiness | Add a pinch of sea salt |
| Tanginess | Extra squeeze of lemon juice |
| Spiciness | Dash of crushed red pepper |
Keep tasting and adjusting until you achieve the perfect balance. Your taste buds are the best guide in this final step.
Serve
Once the seasoning is spot-on, it’s time to serve the Lebanese Cucumber Salad. Presentation matters, so here are a few tips:
- Use a large, shallow bowl to showcase the vibrant colors of the salad.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh mint or parsley for added freshness and color.
- Add a few lemon wedges on the side for those who like an extra tang.
- Drizzle a small amount of extra-virgin olive oil on top for a glossy finish.
For a more formal setting, you can serve the salad in individual bowls or plates:
- Place a serving of salad in each bowl.
- Top each serving with a bit of crushed red pepper for a pop of color and spice.
- Add a mint leaf or parsley sprig on top for a final touch.
Whether you’re serving it at a family dinner or a summer picnic, this salad is sure to impress. Enjoy the burst of flavors and the refreshing crunch in every bite!
Nutritional Benefits Lebanese Cucumber Salad
This salad not only tastes great but also offers numerous nutritional benefits. Let’s explore the nutritional benefits of Lebanese Cucumber Salad.
Low Calorie
Lebanese Cucumber Salad is an excellent choice for those watching their calorie intake. This salad is naturally low in calories, making it ideal for weight management.
Here are some key points on why it’s low in calories:
- Cucumbers are mostly water and contain very few calories.
- Tomatoes, another main ingredient, are also low in calories.
- Onions add flavor without adding many calories.
- Olive oil is used sparingly, providing healthy fats without a significant calorie increase.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the calorie content per serving:
| Ingredient | Calories |
|---|---|
| Persian Cucumber (1 cup, sliced) | 16 |
| Tomato (1 medium) | 22 |
| Onion (1/4 cup, chopped) | 16 |
| Olive Oil (1 tbsp) | 119 |
This makes Lebanese Cucumber Salad a guilt-free option for any meal.
Rich In Vitamins
Lebanese Cucumber Salad is rich in vitamins, providing essential nutrients for your body. The ingredients used are packed with vitamins that boost your health.
Some key vitamins in this salad include:
- Vitamin K from cucumbers helps with blood clotting and bone health.
- Vitamin C from tomatoes boosts the immune system and skin health.
- Vitamin A from tomatoes supports vision and skin health.
- Vitamin E from olive oil acts as an antioxidant, protecting cells from damage.
Here’s a table showing the vitamin content per serving:
| Ingredient | Vitamin K | Vitamin C | Vitamin A | Vitamin E |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cucumber (1 cup, sliced) | 11% DV | 4% DV | 1% DV | 0% DV |
| Tomato (1 medium) | 8% DV | 28% DV | 20% DV | 2% DV |
| Onion (1/4 cup, chopped) | 0% DV | 5% DV | 0% DV | 0% DV |
| Olive Oil (1 tbsp) | 0% DV | 0% DV | 0% DV | 10% DV |
Including Lebanese Cucumber Salad in your diet ensures you get a healthy dose of essential vitamins.
