Description
A refreshing and crisp cucumber and beetroot salad combining the crunch of fresh cucumber with the earthy sweetness of grated beetroot, dressed in a tangy and slightly sweet vinaigrette made with olive oil, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, and honey. Perfect as a light side dish or appetizer.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- 1 medium beetroot, peeled and grated
Dressing
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
Instructions
- Wash the cucumber: Start by washing the cucumber thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or debris.
- Peel the cucumber (optional): Peel the skin off the cucumber if preferred, or leave it on for added texture and color.
- Slice the cucumber: Slice the cucumber into thin, even rounds, aiming for about 1/8-inch thickness.
- Prepare the beetroot: Peel the skin off the beetroot carefully using a vegetable peeler to remove all the skin.
- Grate the beetroot: Grate the peeled beetroot using a box grater or food processor, collecting it into a bowl.
- Combine vegetables: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the sliced cucumber and grated beetroot evenly.
- Add olive oil: Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the vegetables.
- Add lemon juice: Squeeze 1 teaspoon of lemon juice into the bowl, being careful to catch seeds.
- Add salt: Sprinkle 1/2 teaspoon of salt evenly over the salad.
- Add black pepper: Sprinkle 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper and mix well.
- Add parsley: Finely chop 1 tablespoon of fresh parsley and add to the bowl.
- Add apple cider vinegar: Pour 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar into the salad and stir gently.
- Add honey: Drizzle 1 tablespoon of honey over the salad to add sweetness.
- Toss salad: Toss the salad gently using two spoons or your hands to coat all ingredients uniformly.
- Rest before serving: Let the salad sit for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together before serving.
Notes
- You can leave the cucumber skin on for extra texture or peel it if you prefer a milder taste.
- The salad is best served fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 1 day.
- Adjust the honey to your preferred level of sweetness or substitute with maple syrup for a vegan option.
- For more zing, add a pinch of chili flakes or cumin powder.
- This salad pairs well with grilled meats, fish, or as a light vegetarian side dish.
