This Cucumber and Basil Salad is a refreshing and aromatic celebration of summer’s bounty. It’s incredibly simple to make, yet bursting with fresh, vibrant flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Crisp cucumbers and fragrant basil leaves take center stage, complemented by a tangy, light dressing that perfectly balances the flavors.
–
–
Why You’ll Love This Salad:
-
Cool and Aromatic: This salad is the epitome of refreshing, with the cool crunch of cucumbers and the bright, slightly peppery flavor of fresh basil. It’s a welcome addition to any meal, especially on warm days.
-
Simple Yet Flavorful: Despite its simplicity, this salad is bursting with flavor. The combination of cucumbers, basil, and a tangy lemon dressing creates a harmonious balance that’s both satisfying and refreshing.
-
Easy to Make: This recipe comes together in minutes, requiring minimal chopping and no cooking. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a last-minute side dish.
-
Versatile Side Dish: This salad pairs well with a wide variety of main courses, from grilled meats and fish to hearty stews and sandwiches. It’s also a delicious addition to buffets and potlucks.
–
Instructions:
-
Prepare the cucumbers: Wash the cucumbers thoroughly and pat them dry. For a milder flavor and appealing color contrast, consider peeling every other stripe of cucumber skin. Thinly slice the cucumbers using a mandoline or a sharp knife.
-
Prepare the basil: Wash the basil leaves and pat them dry. Stack the leaves on top of each other, roll them tightly, and thinly slice them into ribbons. This chiffonade technique will prevent the basil from bruising and release its fragrant oils.
-
Create the lemon dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, sugar, salt, and black pepper. This simple vinaigrette adds a bright and tangy element that complements the fresh cucumbers and basil beautifully.
-
Combine and chill: In a large bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers and basil ribbons. Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to ensure everything is evenly coated.
-
Rest and serve: For optimal flavor, cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the cucumbers to soak up the delicious dressing.
–
Ingredients:
-
2 medium cucumbers
-
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
-
2 tablespoons lemon juice
-
1 tablespoon olive oil
-
1/2 teaspoon sugar
-
1/4 teaspoon salt
-
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
–
Recipe Note: This recipe is a blank canvas for your culinary creativity! Feel free to adjust the amount of basil to your liking. For a bit of heat, consider adding a minced jalapeño or serrano pepper to the dressing. You can also incorporate other vegetables like thinly sliced red onion or halved cherry tomatoes for added color and flavor.
–
#cucumberandbasilsalad #cucumber #saladspiration
–
–