Cucumber salad with garlic

Cucumber Salad with Garlic - a simple yet flavorful recipe

When thinking of a fresh and refreshing salad, cucumber salad with garlic is undoubtedly an excellent choice. This recipe surprises with its simplicity, as well as the combination of flavors that gives it a unique taste. Originating from various culinary traditions, cucumber salad with garlic has become a beloved dish worldwide, making it a perfect accompaniment to meat dishes and a delicious appetizer.

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Total time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients
- 6 garlic cloves
- 1 large cucumber
- 50 ml extra virgin olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- 30 ml water
- 1 teaspoon dried mint (optional)
- Yogurt or sour cream (optional, for a creamy texture)

Necessary utensils
- A medium bowl
- A cutting board
- A sharp knife
- A fork or a hand mixer for emulsifying

Step by step for a perfect salad

Step 1: Preparing the garlic
Start by crushing the garlic cloves. Use a garlic press, but if you don't have one, you can place them in a bowl and crush them with the bottom of a glass or the flat side of a knife. Add salt over the garlic and continue to crush until you get a smooth paste. The salt helps release the flavors from the garlic, so don’t skip this step.

Step 2: Creating the emulsion
Add the olive oil over the garlic paste. Using a fork or a hand mixer, mix vigorously until the mixture becomes creamy, similar to mayonnaise. This step is essential, as emulsifying will give the salad a fine texture and enhance the flavors.

Step 3: Adding the water
Once the oil and garlic are well combined, gradually add the water. Don’t add too much water, just enough to achieve a slightly thick consistency, but not liquid. Mix again to integrate the water into the emulsion.

Step 4: Preparing the cucumber
Peel the cucumber and slice it thinly. You can opt for round slices or cut it lengthwise, depending on your preference. A useful trick is to use a grater with large holes to get cucumber sticks, which will add an interesting texture to the salad.

Step 5: Combining the ingredients
In a large bowl, add the cucumber slices and pour the garlic emulsion over them. Gently mix with a spatula to evenly coat the cucumbers with the garlic sauce. If desired, you can add the dried mint now for an extra touch of freshness.

Step 6: Serving
Cucumber salad with garlic is delicious right away, but I recommend letting it sit in the fridge for 15-30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve the salad as an appetizer or as a side dish alongside grilled meat dishes. It’s an excellent choice for summer meals!

Serving suggestions
To add a special touch, you can serve cucumber salad with garlic alongside warm pita or Greek yogurt, which perfectly complements the fresh taste of the cucumbers.

Possible variations
If you want to experiment, you can add halved cherry tomatoes or Kalamata olives for a Mediterranean flavor. Instead of mint, you can use fresh basil or chopped parsley for a different aroma.

Nutritional information
This salad is not only delicious but also healthy. Cucumbers are hydrating and low in calories, with about 16 calories per 100 grams. Garlic is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Extra virgin olive oil brings healthy fats that are beneficial for the heart.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
While garlic powder can be used, the taste will be different. Fresh garlic has a more intense and complex flavor.

2. Is cucumber salad with garlic suitable for vegans?
Yes, this salad is completely vegan as long as you don’t add yogurt or sour cream.

3. How can I store the salad?
It is recommended to consume the salad on the same day, but you can keep it in the fridge in an airtight container for 1-2 days.

Conclusion
Cucumber salad with garlic is a quick and simple recipe, ideal for warm days or to add a touch of freshness to your meals. With a little effort and a few basic ingredients, you can create a dish that will surely impress. Experiment with the ingredients and find the perfect combination for your taste. Enjoy!