Authentic Caribbean Cucumber Salad
Try this delicious Caribbean cucumber salad. This non-creamy cucumber salad is the perfect side dish for hot summer days.
If you’re looking for a refreshing salad recipe, then look no further than this authentic Caribbean cucumber salad. This recipe is a favorite, vetted by Caribbean tastebuds and contains just a few choice ingredients.
About this Caribbean Cucumber Salad
Eating cucumber salad takes me back to enjoying life in the Caribbean. My family made cucumber salad often.
Many times, it was enjoyed as a side dish to go along things like souse and saltfish. I preferred saltfish over souse, but all the same cucumber salad makes all the difference in everything from breakfast to dinner. After some saltfish and cucumber salad, you may even want to chase everything down with some Caribbean ginger beer.
The best part is that you can make this Caribbean cucumber salad recipe using simple honest ingredients.
Of course, as a holistic expert and wellness author, you better believe that this refreshing cucumber salad is naturally packed with vitamins and nutrition.
This is a great summer salad and a perfect way to use up garden cucumbers.
What Makes Caribbean Caribbean Salad Different
Many regions of the world have their own version of cucumber salad. Herbs, dressings and texture is what makes each recipe unique.
For example tzatziki, a Greek cucumber salad, is recognized by it’s creamy yogurt dressing and herbs like dill or mint. On the other hand, fattoush is a Lebanese salad that contains bell peppers, tomatoes, pita, fresh herbs and a lemony garlic dressing.
Caribbean cucumber salad is a non-creamy salad (containing no yogurt or sour cream), topped with a light acidic dressing that pairs well with just about any dish.
A Little More About Cucumbers
Did you know the cucumbers are actually fruits and not vegetables? This long slender fruit is quite hydrating, low in calories and high in key nutrients like magnesium, vitamin c, manganese and vitamin k. This is one of the reasons that cucumbers make great additions to fresh juices, beauty regimens and even “spa water” that you can make at home.
Tools
sharp chef’s knife, mandoline or KitchenAid with spiralizer attachment
Ingredients
(See full recipe in recipe card below)
- fresh cucumbers
- garlic
- fresh lime juice
- olive oil
- red onions
- scotch bonnet pepper or other hot pepper (optional) – It’s a personal preference, but you can add a little scotch bonnet pepper for some heat.
To Peel, Or Not to Peel, But Please No Apeel
Whether you want to peel or not peel the cucumbers in this recipe is totally up to you. But, definitely use organic cucumbers.
I keep some skins on for extra nutrition and a beautiful presentation. Opting to run a fork along the sides for a unique design and appealing texture. If you have a KitchenAid, you can use the spiralizer attachment to make beautiful cucumber curls.
But, whether you choose to peel your cucumbers or not, avoid Apeel coating on all your fruits and vegetables.
Apeel is food technology applied to some fruits and vegetables, generally recognized as safe (GRAS), but it has not been evaluated for safety in any long term human studies.
Tips and Tricks
- For this healthy cucumber recipe, it’s important to start with very thinly sliced cucumbers. Use a good knife or use a mandoline to get the slices just right. If you want to get fancy, a KitchenAid with a spiralizer attachment.
- For best results, let the salad sit in the refrigerator for 1-2 days for best flavor. But, if you’re short on time, 1-2 hours will do.
- Start with organic cucumbers for best nutrition and results.
- Feel free to add a little scotch bonnet pepper or hot pepper for a spicy kick.
Caribbean Cucumber Salad
Ingredients
- 2 cucumbers (thinly sliced)
- 1 lime (small lime, juice only)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (extra virgin)
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1 garlic (minced)
- 1 scallion (chopped)
- 1/4 cup red onion (thinly sliced)
- 1/8 tsp black pepper (freshly ground)
- 1/4 tsp scotch bonnet pepper (optional)
Instructions
- In a medium sized bowl add cucumbers, lime juice, and olive oil.2 cucumbers, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 lime
- Mix well to coat the cucumbers.
- Next add salt, garlic, scallions, red onion, garlic, and black pepper.1/2 tsp kosher salt, 1 scallion, 1/4 cup red onion, 1/8 tsp black pepper
- Stir gently and let sit in the refrigerator for at least an hour (for best flavor).
- The longer it sits the better it tastes so if you can let it sit overnight in the fridge, that's even better.
- Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Other Caribbean Recipes
Caribbean Style Sweet Potato Stuffing with Raisins
Delicious Salads
Fresh Spring Greens and Avocado Salad
