Cucumber Salad

We're very into cucumbers lately.  It's one of those vegetables that Thatbaby can't get enough of, and Thatboy and I enjoy equally.  Cucumber seems flavorless, but there's something about their cool, fresh taste.  I think of them as a very summery vegetable.  Like the veggie version of watermelon.  I add a little tang to them for the spring - the vinegar gives them a bit of a kick.


The fun thing about this cucumber salad in particular is Thatbaby helped make it.  If by "helped" I mean he stood beside me while I sliced cucumbers and onions, picking them up and eating them before they made it into the bowl.  Yes, even the onions.  Apparently he likes a little bit of a kick too.

Cucumber Salad

2 cucumbers, sliced
1/2 onion, sliced
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
salt and pepper to taste
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 Tbsp sugar

1 Tbsp olive oil

1. Combine cucumbers and onions in a medium bowl.
2. In a separate, small bowl, combine vinegar, salt and pepper, garlic, sugar, and olive oil.
3. Pour the vinegar mixture over the cucumbers and onions and toss to mix.  Cover and refrigerate at least 30 minutes.

Cool as a...

I've never been one of those "ladies who lunch" but I have to say, the imagery captivates me.  I adore the idea of getting together with my best gal pals in beautiful clothing, eating dainty bites of salads and gossiping over the latest charity function I've thrown on my beautifully manicured lawns.

Unfortunately I have neither beautifully manicured lawns nor beautiful clothing.  When my friends and I get together we are more apt to drink margaritas than eat salads, although the gossip is always there in full force.  This weekend it was beautiful out.  Sunny and warm, more of a summer day than even spring.  We met with friends for lunch on Saturday, but lunching at McDonalds is decidedly un-"ladies who lunch." 

But since when has reality ever stood in my way? 

Instead, I cast my thoughts to cool, refreshing, summer salads.  Perfect for a balmy March day.  Crisp bites of cucumber are exactly what I would serve at my manicured lawn parties.  The tang of vinegar would be matched only by the sharp tongue of my companions. And between our sips of lemonade we would marvel at how one little vegetable can transport one right out of their own life and into something far more fanciful.

 

Garlic Cucumber Salad

1 cucumber, peeled and thinly sliced

1 clove of garlic, peeled

salt

2 Tbsp vinegar

1 Tbsp sugar

1. Place the cucumbers in a bowl and cover with water.  Add the garlic and sprinkle with salt.  Let stand 1 hour.
2. Drain the cucumbers and discard the garlic.  Place the cucumbers back in the bowl.
3. In a small separate bowl, stir in the vinegar, sugar, and a Tablespoon of water until the sugar is dissolved. Pour over the cucumbers and stir.  Salt to taste.  Chill before serving.

Tangy Cucumber Salad

1 cucumber

salt

2 Tbsp greek yogurt

1 green onion, minced

juice of half a lemon

1 Tbsp vinegar

1/4 tsp dry mustard

1/2 Tbsp dill, minced

1. Peel the cucumber and slice thin.  Spread over the bottom of a colander and sprinkle salt on top.  Let them drain for 30 minutes and chill.
2. Blend the greek yogurt, green onion, lemon juice, vinegar, and dry mustard together.  Salt to taste.
3. Toss the dressing with the cucumber and sprinkle with the dill. Chill before serving.