Tropical Cucumber and Tomato Salad with Zesty Asian Dressing
Experience the vibrant flavors of this Tropical Cucumber and Tomato Salad, perfectly embodying the essence of Vietnamese cuisine. Combining succulent sweet pineapple with the crispness of cucumbers and the juiciness of cherry tomatoes, this salad is both refreshing and satisfying. The addition of fiery serrano peppers adds just the right kick, while a zesty Asian dressing of lime juice, garlic, and a hint of fish sauce ties all the elements together beautifully. Perfect as a light side dish for grilled meats or as a standalone treat on a warm day, this colorful salad truly captures the taste of summer in every bite. Serve it alongside RiffRaff's Grilled Vietnamese Chicken for a deliciously balanced meal.
N/A
Servings
42
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Garlic clove
1 (minced)
Salt
1/4 teaspoon (for mashing with garlic)
Lime juice
2 tablespoons (freshly squeezed)
Sugar
1 tablespoon (granulated)
Vegetable oil
2 tablespoons (canola or other neutral oil)
Serrano pepper
1 (minced, including seeds (or use jalapeno))
Fish sauce
1/4-1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
Seedless cucumber
1/2 (halved lengthwise and sliced crosswise)
Fresh pineapple
1/2 (peeled, quartered lengthwise, cored, and sliced crosswise)
Fresh cilantro
1/2 cup (coarsely chopped)
Cherry tomatoes
2 cups (cut into quarters)
Instructions
1
Start by mincing the garlic clove. Then, using the side of a heavy knife, mash the minced garlic together with the salt to form a smooth paste.
2
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together fresh lime juice and sugar until the sugar has completely dissolved.
3
Slowly add the vegetable oil while continuously whisking to create an emulsion. Incorporate the garlic paste, minced serrano peppers, and fish sauce, adjusting the amount to your taste preference.
4
Add the halved and sliced cucumber, sliced pineapple, chopped cilantro, and quartered cherry tomatoes to the bowl.
5
Gently toss all the ingredients together until well combined. Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning with additional salt as needed.
6
Let the salad sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld, then serve chilled or at room temperature.
Nutrition Information
2.5g
Fat
5g
Carbs
0.8g
Protein
0.7g
Fiber
1.7g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is the Tropical Cucumber and Tomato Salad with Zesty Asian Dressing.
What cuisine does this salad represent?
This salad embodies the vibrant flavors of Vietnamese cuisine.
How many calories are in a serving of this salad?
There are 42 calories per serving.
What are the primary fruit and vegetable ingredients?
The salad features seedless cucumber, fresh pineapple, and cherry tomatoes.
Is this salad considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy recipe with low calories and fresh ingredients.
What type of cucumber is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for half of a seedless cucumber.
Can I substitute the serrano pepper for something else?
Yes, you can use a jalapeño pepper if you do not have a serrano pepper.
How should the garlic be prepared?
The garlic should be minced and then mashed with salt to form a smooth paste.
What type of oil is used in the zesty Asian dressing?
The recipe suggests using 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil, such as canola or another neutral oil.
What is a recommended side dish for this salad?
This salad pairs perfectly with RiffRaff's Grilled Vietnamese Chicken or other grilled meats.
How much sugar is included in the dressing?
The dressing uses 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar.
Does this salad provide any protein?
Yes, each serving contains 0.8g of protein.
How do I prepare the fresh pineapple?
The pineapple should be peeled, quartered lengthwise, cored, and then sliced crosswise.
How should the cherry tomatoes be cut?
The 2 cups of cherry tomatoes should be cut into quarters.
Why is the garlic mashed with salt?
Mashing the minced garlic with salt using the side of a heavy knife helps form a smooth paste for the dressing.
How much fish sauce should I add?
You should add between 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of fish sauce, adjusted to your taste.
Should I use fresh lime juice for the dressing?
Yes, the recipe specifies using 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lime juice.
How long should the salad sit before serving?
Allow the salad to sit for a few minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together.
What is the general flavor profile of this dish?
It is refreshing and satisfying, combining sweet pineapple with crisp cucumbers and fiery serrano peppers.
Is this a good recipe for summer?
Yes, it is described as capturing the taste of summer in every bite and is perfect for a warm day.
How many total ingredients are required?
There are 11 ingredients in total for this recipe.
What type of cilantro is used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of coarsely chopped fresh cilantro.
What is the total fat content per serving?
The total fat content is 2.5g.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 5g of carbohydrates per serving.
Does this salad contain fiber?
Yes, there is 0.7g of fiber per serving.
How do I emulsify the dressing?
Slowly add the vegetable oil to the lime juice and sugar mixture while continuously whisking.
How much salt is used for the garlic paste?
The recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of salt to mash with the garlic.
How can I adjust the spiciness of the salad?
You can adjust the amount of minced serrano peppers or choose to include or exclude the seeds.
What is the sugar content per serving?
There is 1.7g of sugar per serving.
At what temperature should the salad be served?
The salad can be served chilled or at room temperature.