Certainly! Let’s delve into the refreshing flavors of a classic Kansas Cucumber Salad. 🥒🥗 This recipe hails from the heartland, offering a delightful blend of creamy textures, tangy vinegar, and crisp cucumbers. Perfect for those seeking a low protein, low cholesterol option that’s ready in less than 4 hours, this salad is not only delicious but also incredibly simple to prepare, making it an ideal weeknight side dish for any gathering.
Kansas Cucumber Salad Recipe
🕒 Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
🕒 Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
🍽 Yield: 2 Quarts
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1 | Mayonnaise |
| 1/4 | Sugar |
| 4 | Vinegar |
| 1/2 | Dill weed |
| 1/2 | Salt |
| 4 | Cucumbers |
| 3 | Green onions |
Instructions:
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Prepare the Dressing:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sugar, vinegar, dill weed, and salt until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is smooth and creamy.
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Prep the Cucumbers:
- Peel the cucumbers for a sleek finish or leave the skin on for added texture and color. Slice them thinly, ensuring even cuts for a consistent crunch in every bite.
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Chop the Green Onions:
- Embrace the entire green onion, from bulb to stalk, for a full spectrum of flavors. Chop them finely, incorporating both the green tops and the white bases.
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Combine Ingredients:
- Add the sliced cucumbers and chopped green onions to the dressing in the bowl. Gently toss everything together, ensuring every cucumber slice is coated in the creamy dressing.
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Chill and Infuse:
- Cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap, then let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour. This time allows the flavors to meld together, infusing the cucumbers with the tangy sweetness of the dressing.
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Serve and Enjoy:
- When ready to serve, give the salad a final toss to redistribute the dressing. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh dill or a few extra green onion slices for an added pop of color and flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 654.3
- Total Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 30.6mg
- Sodium: 1432.9mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 76.6g
- Dietary Fiber: 3.6g
- Sugar: 43g
- Protein: 5.4g
Notes and Tips:
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Cucumber Selection: Opt for firm, fresh cucumbers with smooth, unwrinkled skins. English cucumbers work well in this recipe for their crisp texture and mild flavor.
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Make-Ahead: This salad tastes even better when made ahead of time, allowing the flavors to develop further. It can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours before serving.
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Customize the Sweetness: Adjust the amount of sugar according to your preference. If you prefer a tangier salad, reduce the sugar; for a sweeter option, increase it slightly.
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Additions and Variations: Get creative with your additions! Consider tossing in cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, or even a handful of crumbled feta cheese for extra flavor and texture.
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Serving Suggestions: Serve this Kansas Cucumber Salad alongside grilled meats, barbecue dishes, or as a refreshing side for picnics and potlucks. It’s a versatile dish that complements a wide range of main courses.
This Kansas Cucumber Salad is a celebration of simple ingredients coming together to create a symphony of flavors and textures. From the creamy dressing to the crisp cucumbers and zesty green onions, each bite is a refreshing delight that will have you coming back for more. So, whip up a batch, chill it to perfection, and savor the taste of the heartland in every mouthful. Enjoy! 🌿🥒
