When the summer sun is blazing and the heat is relentless, there's nothing more satisfying than a cool and hydrating meal to refresh your body and soul. Cucum, with their high water content and crisp texture, are the perfect ingredient to create a light and revitalizing dish that will help you beat the hottest of days. In this recipe, we explore a chilled cucumber noodle salad that combines fresh ingredients and zesty flavors to deliver a deliciously comforting dinner experience.
Ingredients:
- 2 medium English cucumbers
- 8 oz of rice noodles (or noodle of your choice)
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
- 1/4 cup roasted peanuts, crushed (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon honey (or agave nectar for vegan option)
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Cucumber Noodles:
- Using a spiralizer or vegetable peeler, create cucumber noodles by spiralizing or thinly slicing the cucumbers lengthwise. Place the cucumber noodles in a colander, sprinkle with salt, and let them sit for 10-15 minutes to release excess water. Rinse the cucumber noodles under cold water and pat dry with a paper towel.
- Cook the Rice Noodles:
- Cook the rice noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
- Prepare the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, grated ginger, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes to create a tangy and flavorful dressing. Adjust the seasoning to taste.
- Assemble the Salad:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cucumber noodles, cooked rice noodles, sliced red bell pepper, shredded carrots, chopped cilantro, and mint. Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
- Chill and Garnish:
- Cover the salad bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill. Before serving, sprinkle crushed peanuts and sesame seeds over the salad for added texture and nuttiness.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Divide the chilled cucumber noodle salad into individual bowls or plates. Garnish with additional fresh herbs, peanuts, and a wedge of lime. Serve the refreshing salad as a light and satisfying dinner option to beat the hottest days with cool cucumber comfort.
Conclusion:
With its crisp and hydrating qualities, cucumber shines as the star ingredient in this chilled noodle salad recipe, offering a refreshing and invigorating meal to combat the sizzling heat of summer. Packed with vibrant vegetables, zesty herbs, and a tangy dressing, this cucumber comfort dish is a delightful blend of flavors and textures that will cool you down and revitalize your taste buds on even the hottest of days. Whether enjoyed as a light dinner option or a refreshing side dish, this chilled cucumber noodle salad is sure to become a favorite go-to recipe for beating the summer heat and indulging in cool culinary comfort.
Attribution Statement:
This article is a modified version of content originally posted on POSTARTICA.