This Queen of Quick cucumber salad recipe is the perfect summer side dish or snack to cool you down! It is also very simple and you likely have all the ingredients you need right in your pantry! In addition, the fresh dill is a bonus herb for summer that your tastebuds and body will thank you for.
I love incorporating cucumbers into my diet during the spring and summer because, in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), they really do have a cooling effect on the body’s overall energy. This cooling effect of summer foods helps to balance the external heat brought on by the summer months (something to remember when incorporating yin and yang cooking!). Not only that, but they help you stay hydrated and contain lots of beneficial vitamins and minerals. Learn all about the eastern and western nutrition for cucumbers below!
The onion in this recipe is also good for digestion, balances blood sugar and has antimicrobial properties to fight off any summer cold symptoms.
Here’s a bonus Queen of Quick Cooking summer recipe to try: a healthy smoothie with spinach, banana and chia seeds!
East Meets West Nutrition Benefits of Cucumbers
Chinese Nutrition
- Cooling thermal effect on the body
- Help eliminate too much heat in the body.
- Sweet flavor.
- Detox the body, which is great for taking care of your liver in the spring!
- Help relieve thirst and cure dehydration thanks to the high water content.
- Can benefit the skin and eyes – think cucumber eye masks!
Western Nutrition
- 1 medium cucumber contains about 45 calories, 11g carbohydrates, 2g protein, 2g fiber and 0g of fat.
- Low in calories but high in nutrients like vitamin C and vitamin K.
- Contains antioxidants.
- Act as an anti-inflammatory.
- Improve hydration and promotes urination.
- May help lower blood sugar.
Give this cucumber salad recipe a try and let me know what you think in the comments! You can check out more of my summer healing recipes here.
Queen of Quick – Cucumber Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 long English cucumbers
- 1 medium sweet onion
- ¼ cup white vinegar
- ½ cup water
- 1-2 tablespoon sugar or sweetener of choice
- 1/3 cup fresh dill chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Slice cucumber in half and then in slices
- Slice onion in thin strips
- Mix cucumber and onions in large bowl
- Season with salt and pepper
- Mix white wine vinegar, water and sugar in small bowl
- Taste and supplement water or sugar
- Pour over cucumbers and onions and stir well
- Sprinkle some fresh chopped dill and mix
Notes
Queen of QuickTMQueen of Quick CookingTM
Like this recipe? Check out this Israeli Salad from Zahav!
Sources:
Chinesenutrition.org, White Rabbit Institute, Healthline.com
