Zesty Sweet & Spicy Cucumber Medley
Refresh your palate with this Zesty Sweet & Spicy Cucumber Medley, a delightful blend of crisp cucumbers and vibrant flavors. Perfect as a side dish or a light salad, this recipe marries the sweetness of sugar with the tanginess of vinegar and the kick of jalapeno, creating a harmonious taste experience. The addition of fresh cilantro offers an aromatic touch, making this salad ideal for summer barbecues or casual dinners. Serve chilled for a refreshing bite that captivates the senses!
6
Servings
33
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
cucumbers
4 large (seeded and diced, peel if desired)
onion
1/4 cup (chopped)
jalapeno pepper
1-2 teaspoons (minced)
white vinegar
1/2 cup (none)
cold water
1/4 cup (none)
sugar
1/4 cup (none)
salt
1/2-1 teaspoon (none)
pepper
1/2 teaspoon (none)
cumin
1/4 teaspoon (none)
cayenne pepper
1/8-1/4 teaspoon (optional)
fresh cilantro
3 tablespoons (minced)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced cucumbers, chopped onion, and minced jalapeno. Stir to mix evenly.
2
In a separate bowl, whisk together the white vinegar, cold water, sugar, salt, pepper, cumin, and cayenne pepper (if using) until the sugar dissolves completely.
3
Pour the dressing over the cucumber mixture and toss gently to ensure all the ingredients are well-coated.
4
Fold in the minced fresh cilantro for a burst of freshness.
5
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 3 hours to let the flavors meld together.
6
Serve chilled as a refreshing salad or side dish. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
0.17g
Fat
8.33g
Carbs
0.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Zesty Sweet & Spicy Cucumber Medley?
It is a refreshing side dish or light salad made with crisp cucumbers, onions, and a tangy, spicy dressing.
What are the primary ingredients for this salad?
The main ingredients include cucumbers, onion, jalapeno, white vinegar, sugar, and fresh cilantro.
Is this cucumber medley recipe vegan?
Yes, this recipe is vegan as it contains no animal products.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 33 calories.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
How long should the salad be refrigerated before serving?
It should be refrigerated for at least 3 hours to allow the flavors to meld together.
Do I need to peel the cucumbers?
Peeling is optional; you can peel them if desired or leave the skin on for extra texture.
Is the Zesty Sweet & Spicy Cucumber Medley very spicy?
It has a mild to moderate kick from the jalapeno and optional cayenne pepper, but you can adjust these to your preference.
What type of vinegar is used in the dressing?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of white vinegar.
Can I substitute the white sugar?
Yes, you could potentially use a different sweetener, though it may slightly alter the flavor profile.
How should the cucumbers be prepared?
Cucumbers should be seeded and diced into small pieces.
What spices are used in the dressing?
The dressing includes salt, pepper, cumin, and an optional pinch of cayenne pepper.
Is there any fat in this dish?
The salad is very low in fat, containing only 0.17g per serving.
What is the carbohydrate count for this recipe?
There are 8.33g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein does this salad provide?
Each serving provides about 0.5g of protein.
Can I use dried cilantro instead of fresh?
Fresh cilantro is recommended for the best flavor and aromatic touch, but dried can be used in a pinch.
How much jalapeno should I use?
The recipe suggests 1 to 2 teaspoons of minced jalapeno.
What is the best occasion to serve this dish?
It is ideal for summer barbecues, casual dinners, or as a refreshing palate cleanser.
Does this recipe require any cooking?
No, this is a no-cook recipe that simply requires mixing and chilling.
What should I do with the cucumber seeds?
The recipe recommends seeding the cucumbers before dicing to prevent the salad from becoming too watery.
How much water is added to the dressing?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of cold water to dilute the vinegar.
Can I add other vegetables to this medley?
While the recipe focuses on cucumbers and onions, you could easily add bell peppers or tomatoes.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all the listed ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
How much cilantro is needed?
You will need 3 tablespoons of minced fresh cilantro.
What is the purpose of adding cumin?
Cumin adds a subtle earthy warmth that complements the sweet and spicy flavors.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, it is best made at least 3 hours in advance and can be kept in the fridge.
How do I ensure the sugar dissolves?
Whisk the vinegar, water, sugar, and spices together in a separate bowl until the sugar is completely dissolved before adding to the vegetables.
What category does this recipe fall into?
This recipe is categorized as a Vegetable dish.
Is this a healthy recipe option?
Yes, it is a healthy, low-calorie, and low-fat salad choice.
How should I serve the medley?
Serve it chilled in a bowl as a side dish or a light appetizer.