🥒 Cucumber Salad with Carrot, Tomato, and Egg
Ingredients:
- 3 small cucumbers
- 1 small carrot
- 1 tomato
- 1/4 small red onion
- 1 tablespoon vinegar (apple cider or white)
- 4 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 hard-boiled eggs
📖 Instructions:
- Prepare the Veggies:
Wash the cucumbers and tomato thoroughly. Peel the carrot and cucumbers if desired. Thinly slice the cucumbers and onion. Grate or finely julienne the carrot. Dice the tomato. - Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the vinegar, mayonnaise, and honey until smooth and creamy. - Mix the Salad:
In a large mixing bowl, add the sliced cucumbers, grated carrot, diced tomato, and onion. Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss gently to coat. - Add the Eggs:
Peel and chop the hard-boiled eggs into bite-sized pieces. Gently fold them into the salad. - Chill and Serve:
Refrigerate the salad for about 15–30 minutes to let the flavors meld. Serve chilled, optionally garnished with a little extra cracked black pepper or fresh herbs like parsley.
📝 Notes:
- Vinegar Choice: Apple cider vinegar gives a slightly fruity tang, but regular white vinegar works just as well.
- Cucumber Tip: If your cucumbers are very seedy, you can scoop out the seeds for a crunchier texture.
- Mayonnaise Sub: You can use Greek yogurt for a lighter, healthier version.
🔥 Tips for Best Results:
- Cut Evenly: Thin, even slices make the salad look prettier and feel lighter.
- Fresh is Best: Use crisp, fresh cucumbers and carrots for the best crunch.
- Balance Flavors: Taste your dressing before adding — you can tweak by adding a pinch of salt, a splash more vinegar, or extra honey if needed.
- Don’t Overmix: Fold in the eggs gently to avoid them breaking down too much.
🍽️ Servings:
- Serves 3 to 4 people as a side dish.
🔢 Nutritional Info (Per Serving, approx):
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Protein: 7g
- Fat: 17g
- Carbs: 11g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 220 mg
(Note: Based on standard mayonnaise; lighter mayo versions will reduce fat and calorie content.)
🌟 Benefits:
- Hydration: Cucumbers are over 95% water, helping to keep you hydrated.
- Rich in Antioxidants: Tomatoes, carrots, and onions are full of vitamins like C and A.
- Healthy Fats and Protein: Thanks to eggs and mayonnaise.
- Good for Digestion: Raw veggies and vinegar can aid digestion naturally.
❓ Q&A:
Q: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare it a few hours in advance, but for the best texture, mix in the dressing no more than 1–2 hours before serving.
Q: What can I use instead of mayonnaise?
A: Greek yogurt, sour cream, or a light vinaigrette can be great alternatives.
Q: Can I add more veggies?
A: Absolutely! Bell peppers, radishes, or celery would be great additions for extra crunch.
Q: How long does it last in the fridge?
A: It stays fresh for up to 2 days, though it’s best eaten the same day for optimal crunch.
Would you also like a quick meal idea using this cucumber salad (like a healthy lunch plate)? 🥗✨
Let me know!