Refreshing Cucumber Salad with Herb-Infused Balsamic Vinaigrette
This Refreshing Cucumber Salad with Herb-Infused Balsamic Vinaigrette is a delightful and light dish perfect for warm days. The crisp, cool texture of the English cucumber paired with a vibrant balsamic vinaigrette infused with the aromatic flavor of fresh rosemary makes it an ideal side dish for summer barbecues or as a refreshing starter for any meal. Enjoy it chilled for the best flavors and crispness, and feel free to add your favorite herbs or additional vegetables to customize it to your liking.
N/A
Servings
80
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Fresh Rosemary
1 tablespoon (finely chopped)
Balsamic Vinegar
1/4 cup (none)
Olive Oil
1/4 cup (none)
Dijon Mustard
1 tablespoon (none)
Freshly-Cracked Black Pepper
to taste (none)
English Cucumber
1 (washed and sliced thinly)
Instructions
1
In a small saucepan, combine the finely chopped rosemary, balsamic vinegar, and olive oil. Heat the mixture over very low heat for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify. Once heated, remove from heat and whisk in the Dijon mustard until well combined.
2
Rinse the English cucumber under cool water and slice it into very thin rounds using a sharp knife or mandoline for uniform thickness. This helps to enhance the texture and visual appeal of the salad.
3
Transfer the cucumber slices to a beautiful serving bowl. Drizzle the warm balsamic vinaigrette over the cucumbers and toss gently to ensure all the slices are evenly coated with the dressing.
4
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to develop and the salad to chill.
5
Before serving, give the salad a final toss. Optionally, garnish with additional fresh rosemary or cracked black pepper for an extra touch of flavor.
Nutrition Information
7.5g
Fat
1.5g
Carbs
0.25g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Refreshing Cucumber Salad with Herb-Infused Balsamic Vinaigrette?
It is a light and crisp side dish made with sliced English cucumbers and a warm balsamic dressing infused with fresh rosemary.
What type of cucumber is recommended for this recipe?
An English cucumber is recommended because of its thin skin and crisp texture.
How should I prepare the rosemary?
The fresh rosemary should be finely chopped before being added to the vinaigrette.
How do I infuse the vinaigrette with rosemary?
Combine rosemary, balsamic vinegar, and olive oil in a small saucepan and heat over very low heat for about 5 minutes.
What kind of vinegar is used in the dressing?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of balsamic vinegar.
What is the purpose of the Dijon mustard?
The Dijon mustard is whisked into the heated vinegar and oil mixture to help emulsify the dressing and add flavor.
Should the cucumbers be peeled?
The recipe suggests rinsing the English cucumber and slicing it with the skin on for better texture and visual appeal.
How thin should the cucumber slices be?
The cucumber should be sliced into very thin rounds, ideally using a mandoline for uniform thickness.
Is the dressing applied warm or cold?
The balsamic vinaigrette is drizzled over the cucumbers while it is still warm.
How long does the salad need to refrigerate?
The salad should be refrigerated for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to develop and the dish to chill.
Can I add extra garnish before serving?
Yes, you can garnish with additional fresh rosemary or cracked black pepper for extra flavor.
How many calories are in this salad?
This recipe contains approximately 80 calories per serving.
What is the fat content of this dish?
The salad contains approximately 7.5g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in this recipe?
There are 1.5g of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the protein content?
The recipe contains 0.25g of protein.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy recipe and a light vegetable side dish.
Is this salad suitable for summer barbecues?
Absolutely, its refreshing nature makes it a perfect side for summer events.
How many ingredients are required?
The recipe requires 6 main ingredients: rosemary, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, black pepper, and English cucumber.
Can I add other vegetables to this salad?
Yes, the recipe description encourages adding your favorite herbs or additional vegetables to customize it.
How do I ensure the cucumber slices are evenly coated?
You should toss the cucumber slices gently after drizzling the vinaigrette over them.
Does the recipe use fresh or dried rosemary?
The recipe specifies using 1 tablespoon of finely chopped fresh rosemary.
What type of oil is used?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of olive oil.
Is there any salt in the ingredients list?
No salt is listed, though freshly-cracked black pepper is used for seasoning.
Can I use a mandoline to slice the cucumbers?
Yes, using a mandoline is recommended for achieving uniform thickness.
What is the total preparation time suggested for chilling?
At least 30 minutes in the refrigerator is required.
Does the recipe contain any cholesterol?
The nutritional data indicates 0mg of cholesterol.
Is this recipe vegan?
Yes, based on the ingredients listed (vegetables, oil, vinegar, mustard), it is vegan-friendly.
What is the best way to serve this salad?
It is best served chilled after the flavors have had time to meld.
Can I use a regular cucumber instead of an English one?
While you can, English cucumbers are preferred for their fewer seeds and thinner skin.
What should I do before the final serving?
Give the salad a final toss and optionally garnish with rosemary or pepper.