Anti-Inflammatory Asian Cucumber

STATS:

• Course: Salad, Side Dish
• Calories: 115 kcal
• Diet: Anti-Inflammatory
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cuisine: Asian
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Portion Size: 1 cup
• Cooking Mode: No-Cook
• Total Servings: 4
• Difficulty: Easy
• Total Time: 15 minutes

TOOLS:

• Bowls
• Knife
• Measuring spoons
• Cutting board
• Whisk

INGREDIENTS:

• 4 English cucumbers
• 2 tbsp. rice vinegar
• One tbsp. olive oil
• One tbsp. soy sauce
• 1 tbsp. lime juice
• 1 tsp. ginger
• ⅛ tsp. sea salt
• 1 garlic clove
• 1 tsp. sesame oil
• 1 tsp. honey
• ½ tsp. red pepper flakes
• 1 tbsp. sesame seeds
• 2 tbsp. cilantro
• 2 green onions
• ¼ tsp. black pepper

INGREDIENT NOTES AND THEIR SUBSTITUTIONS:

CUCUMBERS:

• Use English cucumbers since they will provide a fresh and crunchy texture. As another option, utilize Persian cucumbers.

RICE VINEGAR:

• Use rice vinegar to provide a light and tangy Asian-inspired flavor. As a further choice, you can use apple cider vinegar.

OLIVE OIL:

• Use olive oil to provide healthy fats and a Mediterranean-inspired touch. As a replacement, you may use avocado oil.

SOY SAUCE:

• To add a savory taste, utilize low-sodium soy sauce. As another option, use gluten-free tamari.

LIME JUICE:

• Use fresh lime juice to add brightness and acidity. Lemon juice could be utilized as a further choice.

GINGER:

• Use fresh ginger to provide a warm and aromatic flavor. Freshly grated ginger is preferred.

GARLIC:

• Use fresh garlic for a stronger and more flavorful taste. As another choice, use a small amount of garlic powder.

HONEY:

• Use honey to balance the tangy dressing with mild sweetness. We might utilize monk fruit sweetener as a different choice.

SESAME SEEDS:

• Use sesame seeds to add a delicious nutty crunch. As a further option, use chopped almonds or walnuts.

CILANTRO:

• Use cilantro to provide freshness and color. You can replace it with fresh parsley.

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. We slice the cucumbers and carefully put them in a dish.
2. Stir the black pepper, rice vinegar, red pepper flakes, olive oil, honey, soy sauce, sesame oil, lime juice, garlic, and ginger in a small dish.
3. Spread the prepared dressing on the cucumbers and carefully mix.
4. Include green onions, sesame seeds, and cilantro.
5. Carefully whisk all the elements till the cucumbers are uniformly coated.
6. Refrigerate the salad for about ten minutes.
7. Serve this cucumber salad refrigerated and fresh.

TIPS:

• We utilize firm and fresh cucumbers to get a perfect crunchy texture.
• Avoid including a lot of salt, as soy sauce already have sodium.
• You could toast the sesame seeds for an extra flavor.
• Utilize monk fruit sweetener as a different choice for honey for less carbs.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS:

PROTEIN DISHES:

• Grilled Lemon Chicken
• Baked Salmon
• Garlic Shrimp
• Grilled Tofu
• Sesame Chicken

SIDE DISHES:

• Cauliflower Rice
• Quinoa
• Lettuce Wraps
• Chickpea Patties
• Roasted Vegetables

STORAGE INFORMATION:

FRIDGE:

• Put the cucumber salad in a closed box and refrigerate it for nearly 1 to 2 days.

FREEZER:

• We do not suggest storing this salad, as the cucumbers will lose their crunchy texture and will be watery.

FAQs:

May we prepare this salad without gluten?

• Yes, you can use non-gluten tamari as an alternative to regular soy sauce.

Will we prepare this salad earlier?

• Yes, you can make the elements earlier and include the dressing shortly before eating for perfect crunch.

Could we include protein?

• Yes, you can use edamame, grilled  chicken, tofu, salmon, or shrimp to prepare it extra filling.

NUTRITIONAL FACTS:

Calories: 115 kcal

Sodium: 300 mg

Net Carbs: 7 g

Fiber: 2 g

Sugar: 5 g

Fats: 8 g

Proteins: 2 g

Total Carbs: 9 g