Ivory Coast Cucumber and Zucchini Delight
This refreshing Cucumber and Zucchini Salad is a beloved dish from the Ivory Coast, celebrated for its vibrant flavors and beautiful presentation. Using unpeeled cucumbers and zucchinis, this salad is artfully arranged with layers of thinly sliced vegetables that are scored for an attractive texture. Sweet onions add a mild crunch and flavor that complements the fresh produce. Tossed in a sweet and tangy dressing made from vinegar, sugar, and a hint of spice, it's a perfect side for any meal or a light lunch on its own. Enjoy the burst of flavors and colors that bring a touch of West African cuisine to your table!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cucumbers
2 (Thinly sliced, scored)
Zucchini
2 (Thinly sliced, scored)
Sweet Onion
1 small (Thinly sliced (optional))
Vinegar
1/3 cup (Dressing component)
Sugar
1/4 cup (Dissolved in hot water for dressing)
Salt
1/2 tablespoon (Dressing component)
Coarse Black Pepper
1 teaspoon (Freshly cracked, dressing component)
Red Pepper Flakes
1 pinch (Dressing component)
Instructions
1
Begin by thinly slicing the cucumbers and zucchinis. Use a fork to score the surfaces of the slices without peeling them, creating an appealing texture.
2
If using, thinly slice the sweet onion.
3
In a large serving dish, arrange the cucumber and zucchini slices in alternating layers, sprinkling the onion slices in between the layers for added flavor and texture.
4
In a separate bowl, dissolve the sugar in 1/2 cup of hot water, then mix in the vinegar, salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine.
5
Add a few ice cubes to the dressing to chill it.
6
Before drizzling the dressing over the layered vegetables, make sure to drain any excess water released from the cucumbers.
7
Pour the dressing over the arranged salad, ensuring all layers are coated.
8
Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour, allowing the flavors to meld and the vegetables to marinate.
9
Serve chilled, garnished with additional red pepper flakes if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ivory Coast Cucumber and Zucchini Delight?
It is a refreshing and vibrant salad from the Ivory Coast featuring thinly sliced, marinated vegetables in a sweet and tangy dressing.
What are the main vegetables used in this recipe?
The primary vegetables used are unpeeled cucumbers, zucchini, and an optional small sweet onion.
Should I peel the cucumbers and zucchini?
No, the recipe suggests using unpeeled vegetables to maintain their vibrant color and nutritional value.
How do I create the textured look on the vegetable slices?
Use a fork to score the surfaces of the unpeeled cucumber and zucchini slices before or after slicing for an attractive texture.
Is the sweet onion required?
The sweet onion is optional, but it adds a mild crunch and a layer of flavor that complements the fresh produce.
What ingredients are in the dressing?
The dressing consists of vinegar, sugar dissolved in hot water, salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
Why do I need hot water for the dressing?
Hot water is used to easily dissolve the 1/4 cup of sugar before mixing in the other cold ingredients.
Why are ice cubes added to the dressing?
Ice cubes are added to the warm sugar-water mixture to chill the dressing quickly before it is poured over the vegetables.
Do I need to drain the cucumbers before adding the dressing?
Yes, you should drain any excess water released from the sliced cucumbers to prevent the dressing from becoming too diluted.
How should the salad be layered?
Arrange the cucumber and zucchini slices in alternating layers in a large dish, sprinkling onion slices between them.
How long does the salad need to marinate?
The salad should be covered and refrigerated for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and the vegetables to marinate properly.
Is this Ivory Coast Cucumber and Zucchini Delight spicy?
It has a mild hint of spice from the red pepper flakes and freshly cracked black pepper, which can be adjusted to taste.
Is this recipe vegan?
Yes, this recipe is vegan as it contains only vegetables, vinegar, sugar, and spices.
Is this a healthy side dish?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy, vegetable-forward dish that is low in fat and features fresh produce.
How is the salad served?
It is served chilled, often garnished with additional red pepper flakes for presentation.
Can I use regular black pepper?
The recipe specifically calls for freshly cracked coarse black pepper for the best flavor and texture.
How many cucumbers and zucchinis do I need?
The recipe requires 2 cucumbers and 2 zucchinis.
What type of vinegar should I use?
While any clear vinegar works, a standard white or apple cider vinegar is typically used for this style of marinated salad.
Can I eat this immediately?
While you can, it is highly recommended to wait at least an hour to let the marinating process enhance the flavors.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, all the listed ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
What can I serve this with?
It makes a perfect side for grilled meats, rice dishes, or as a light, stand-alone lunch.
Can I use a mandoline to slice the vegetables?
Yes, a mandoline is excellent for achieving the thin, uniform slices needed for this salad.
What is the flavor profile of the salad?
It is refreshing, sweet, and tangy with a light spicy kick and a fresh vegetable crunch.
How much salt is in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1/2 tablespoon of salt in the dressing.
How much sugar is used?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of sugar, dissolved in hot water.
Does this salad contain oil?
No, this is a vinegar-based marinated salad and does not contain any added oils.
What size of onion should I use?
A small sweet onion is ideal for this recipe.
Can I store leftovers?
Yes, the salad can be stored in the refrigerator, and the vegetables will continue to marinate over time.
Is this a traditional West African dish?
Yes, it is a beloved dish from the Ivory Coast, representing West African flavors.
What if I don't have red pepper flakes?
You can omit them for a milder salad or substitute with a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper.