This Vegan Cucumber Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s creamy, tangy, and incredibly easy to make, using simple plant-based ingredients to create a satisfying and healthy side dish. This recipe swaps out traditional dairy products for a creamy cashew-based dressing that’s both light and flavorful.
Instructions:
Prepare the cashew cream: If you haven’t already, soak the cashews in hot water for at least 30 minutes to soften them. This will ensure a creamy texture for the dressing. Drain and rinse the cashews before blending.
Blend the creamy dressing: In a high-speed blender, combine the soaked cashews, water, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Blend until completely smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed.
Prep the vegetables: Wash the cucumbers thoroughly and pat them dry. You can peel them if you prefer, but leaving the skin on adds extra texture and nutrients. Thinly slice the cucumbers using a mandoline or a sharp knife. Thinly slice the red onion as well.
Combine and chill: In a large bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers, red onion, and fresh dill. Pour the cashew cream dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat everything evenly.
Let the flavors meld: For the best 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:
For the cashew cream:
1/2 cup raw cashews, soaked
1/4 cup water
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon maple syrup
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
For the salad:
2 large cucumbers
1/4 red onion
1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
Recipe Note: This recipe is easily customizable to your liking. Feel free to add other fresh herbs like parsley, mint, or chives. For a bit of crunch, consider adding a sprinkle of toasted sunflower seeds or chopped walnuts. You can also incorporate other vegetables like thinly sliced bell peppers or halved cherry tomatoes for added color and nutrients.
#vegancucumbersalad #saladspiration #saladinspiration
