With the summer heat we all look for ways to cool off and stay hydrated. Many people do not like plain water or are not in the habit of drinking it. Fortunately, many foods are high in water content, such as celery, tomatoes, and spinach. However, the vegetable with the highest water content is cucumber, which is about 96% water. Here is a recipe for cucumber salad in an easy and creamy dish, normal and vegan version.
The health benefits of cucumber
Besides aiding in hydration, cucumbers are rich in other health benefits. High in nutrients, including vitamin K, vitamin C, magnesium and potassium and rich in antioxidants, which fight free radicals that contribute to chronic diseases such as:
- Cancer.
- Heart disease.
- Lung disease.
- Autoimmune disease.
It helps weight loss, for two reasons:
- It is low in calories.
- It helps in the correct hydration that benefits our metabolism.
- Hydration, as mentioned, helps the body to function optimally and reduces stress on the cardiovascular system and the central nervous system.
- Its antioxidant capacity can help prevent diabetes-related complications due to oxidative stress.
- Supports digestive health.
Best of all, cucumbers are tasty and versatile. They can be cut into green salads, served with hummus, infused in water for a refreshing touch, or pickled at home. Today’s recipe makes this nutritious food the center of attention it deserves.
Cucumber and sour cream salad
This recipe is a perfect summer dish, whether it’s enjoyed on a picnic, barbecue, pot, or even indoors during a sun shower, but it’s perfect for any occasion and weather you feel like trying it. It is intended to please foodies who have yet to discover the deliciousness of this vegetable.
For alternative options, including vegan and “healthier” variations, see the notes below.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup sour cream.
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar.
- ½ tablespoon of honey.
- Pepper to taste.
- 4 medium-sized cucumbers, peeled if desired and thinly sliced.
- 1 small sweet onion, thinly sliced and separated into rings.
Addresses:
- In a large bowl, whisk together sour cream, apple cider vinegar, honey, and pepper until well blended.
- Add the cucumbers and onions, and mix to coat with the sour cream dressing.
- Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 4 hours.
- Served with a slotted spoon for easy serving.
Grass version
If you prefer a more herbal flavor, add the dill to the recipe.
Simply mix ¼ cup of freshly cut dill into the sour cream sauce, add the cucumbers and onion rings, and continue the recipe as directed.
Cucumber salad vegan version
For a vegan version of this dish, here are some options to substitute for dairy sour cream.
- Make your own homemade vegan sour cream:
- Simply soak 1 ½ cups of cashews overnight in ¾ cups of water.
- The next morning, drain the water and mix the cashews with 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar, and ½ teaspoon of sea salt.
- Use this sour cream in this recipe as directed, or in other recipes if desired.
- For those who can’t wait for the cashews to soak overnight, a quicker option is coconut milk.
- Take a cold can of full fat coconut milk and scoop the cream off the top.
- Mix 1 cup of coconut cream with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and a pinch of salt.
- Use the coconut “sour cream” as directed in the recipe.
- For those with a limited cooking time, you can use a vegan sour cream purchased from your local grocery store or health food store.
Instead of honey, you can also use 1 tablespoon of coconut sugar.
Lower carbohydrate and higher protein option
For a lower calorie version of this recipe, swap sour cream for Greek yogurt, which is higher in protein and typically lower in fat and calories. Greek yogurts are available unsweetened with a range of milk fat percentages, usually 0 to 5%, but can also go up (tip: the higher the percentage, the tastier).
If you prefer a zero calorie substitute, use an all-natural, sugar-free sweetener.
Note: diet-friendly versions of foods may not always be the right choice depending on the person and their goals. Each person’s body is different in how it responds to certain foods, and each calorie is different, depending on its source.
So choose the version of cucumber salad with sour cream that best suits your tastes and needs of your body. Either way, it’s likely a delicious and satisfying way to beat the heat this summer.