Cucumber Summer Salad

We just brought this light side dish to a dinner party over the weekend and enjoyed how easy it was to prepare. We think it tastes best after sitting in the refrigerator for at least an hour! 

Ingredients:

• 2 cucumbers, thinly sliced

• 1 red onion, thinly sliced (if using a larger store-bought onion, only use ½ of it)

• ½ cup feta cheese

• ¼ cup white wine vinegar

• 1 tablespoon honey

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill (optional) 

• Freshly ground black pepper and salt, to taste

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, toss the cucumber, onion, vinegar, honey, and salt. Chill for 20 minutes.

2. Transfer to your serving bowl, leaving excess water behind.

3. Sprinkle with feta cheese, pepper, and dill (optional).

Yields about 4 servings (as a side dish)

Cucumber Basil Mocktail (or Cocktail)

Here’s a super refreshing beverage that brings together two summer favorites: cucumber and basil. Enjoy it with or without alcohol – both are thirst-quenching and delicious. 

Ingredients:

• 1 cucumber, thinly sliced (¼ - ½ inch)

• 12-15 fresh basil leaves

• 2 tbsp agave or simple syrup (to make simple syrup: mix equal parts sugar and water over low heat)

• 3 tbsp lime juice

• Seltzer water or club soda

• Gin (for cocktail version)

Instructions:

1. Place cocktail glasses (we simply use wide-mouth mason jars!) into the freezer ahead of time to chill. 

2. Slice cucumber, leaving a few to the side. Remove basil leaves from stems.

3. Place cucumber and basil into a cocktail shaker and gently muddle.

4. Add lime juice and agave/simple syrup into the cocktail shaker. Fill about ¾ of the way with ice cubes. Cover and shake vigorously for about 30 seconds.

5. Strain into chilled cocktail glasses. Top with seltzer/club soda (if adding gin for a cocktail version, leave room and add it now). Give a quick stir.

6. Garnish with a slice of cucumber and a basil leaf!

Yields about 2 servings

Tzatziki

Served either as a sauce (we prefer grilled chicken or salmon) or as a meze (dipped into with pita bread or sliced vegetables), tzatziki is a great way to use cucumbers. You can also enjoy it as a spread on a Mediterranean-inspired sandwich or turkey burger!

Ingredients:

• 1 cucumber (we don’t peel it, but you can if you don’t like skin)

• 2 cups plain Greek yogurt

• 1-2 garlic cloves, peeled and finely minced (can substitute for garlic scapes!)

• 1-2 tablespoons lemon juice

• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill

• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Grate (using large holes) or chop (into very small pieces) your cucumber

2. Over the sink, squeeze grated/chopped cucumber to get out as much water as possible

3. In a bowl, combine all of your ingredients: cucumber, yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, dill, salt, and pepper. Cover and chill in the fridge for at least 20 minutes

4. When ready to serve, give your ingredients a stir and add any additional salt, pepper, dill, or lemon juice you feel it needs

Yields about 2 cups