Family Fun: Get the Veg into the Kids with Cucumber Salad

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Posted by : Sue Riedl, Thu, Dec 13 2012

My mom used to make this simple cucumber salad all the time when I was growing up. It’s nothing complex but we used to have fun deciding how we wanted the cucumber cut — grated, cubed or sliced.

Cucumber_Salad

Recipe: Cucumber Salad
Serves 4

Ingredients
1 English cucumber
2 teaspoons white wine vinegar
1/4 teaspoon salt
½ heaped teaspoon sugar
fresh ground pepper
3 tablespoons grape seed (or vegetable oil)

Cucumber_Salad_Fun

The highlight was sticking the long strips of cucumber peel to our foreheads (they will stick!). They’re cold right out of the fridge and I carry on the tradition and chase around Felix with them — to his chagrin.

This simple salad is fast to make, crunchy and very refreshing. It even makes a nice side for spicy foods.

Cucumber_Salad_English

I always buy English cucumbers since they have less seeds. I use one cucumber to make a small side salad for four people.

Cucumber_Salad_Grated

Peel the cucumber and grate on the large holes. Of course, you can also cube or slice it.

Cucumber_Salad_Liquid

If you choose to grate the cucumber, I recommend squeezing out excess liquid. I just do it with my hand (usually over the sink) and then put the cucumber into a small bowl.

Cucumber_Salad_Vinaigrette

In another small bowl (or, I use a clean baby food jar: close the lid and shake) combine 2 teaspoons white wine vinegar, 1/4 teaspoon salt, ½ heaped teaspoon sugar and a grind fresh pepper. Add 3 tablespoons grape seed oil (or any neutral-tasting oil). Whisk until combined and pour over cucumber. Toss together. Taste, adjust seasoning and voilà: Salad!

For a creamy taste, add a teaspoon of mayonnaise to the dressing before whisking. (Now you have 2 options for salad in minutes!)

Cucumber_Salad_Mayo

Recipe: Cucumber Salad
Serves 4

Ingredients
1 English cucumber
2 teaspoons white wine vinegar
1/4 teaspoon salt
½ heaped teaspoon sugar
fresh ground pepper
3 tablespoons grape seed (or vegetable oil)

Instructions

Peel and grate the cucumber. Squeeze out any excess juice, drain and put the cucumber in a small bowl. Set aside.
In another small bowl combine the vinegar, salt, sugar and some fresh ground pepper. Add the grape seed oil and whisk until combined.
Pour the dressing over the cucumber, mix, taste to adjust your seasonings and serve.

Sue_Riedl Sue Riedl is a Toronto-based food writer with a passion for cheese who writes a column called The Spread for The Globe and Mail. She loves to push stinky cheese on her 4-year-old.