Herby Cucumber Salad

June 26, 2012

Good News! It’s summer!

Bad news. It’s freaking steaming over here. Record temperatures and the whole state of Colorado seems to be on fire. It’s tragic, and my heart goes out to the many people who have lost their homes and the firefighters working day and night to try to get the conflagration under control. So far, they’re losing. It’s been windy as heck and then, if we do manage to get a few showers of rain, lightning accompanies it. Double damn.

Good news–we are, as of now, not in danger. But it’s hard to feel good about that when you turn on the television or read something on the Internet about the destruction that’s going on in this beautiful state of ours. Our beautiful Flagstaff mountain in Boulder is burning as I write this, and I can see the smoke from my house. There’s also speculation that some of the fires have been set on purpose, and that just makes me sick inside. What kind of rotten idiot does something like that?

Good news–Mama is on a break from chemo and her energy is better. That means more Sunday lunches. Sunday lunches are such a blessing, and I’m trying to cram as many nutrients as I can into Mama. She’s probably thoroughly sick of me, but what can I say? When it comes to obnoxious, I have no limit.

I’ll read something health-related and then immediately call her to nag her about it, telling her she needs to go buy some item now. One day, it’ll be coconut water. Then watermelon, or berries. Then avocados. Mangoes. You get the picture.

I saw the recipe for this salad and thought it would be just the thing for a steamy afternoon lunch; plus, it’s chock-full of good stuff. You know, antioxidants and all that shit.

I  tinkered with the original recipe, because I didn’t have enough cucumbers in my refrigerator (the original recipe called for 5 1/2 cups). So instead of just a cucumber/red onion salad, I tossed in whatever doo-dads I had on hand, and it worked just fine.

Mama and the adults scarfed this one down, lickety-split.  If you add rotisserie chicken or some other cooked protein to this, you have a full meal, which is what I did with the leftovers. When it’s too hot for man or dogs outside, why should my butt be parked over the stove?

Readers, I hope you are enjoying your summer and staying cool.  This is the time of crazy-busy for most of you, but just know that I’m thinking of y’all and wishing you well.

Viva Summer! And Bless those firefighters.

Herby Cucumber Salad

serves 6

adapted from totally bastardized from Cooking Light Magazine

1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt

2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill

1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

2 tablespoons fresh squeezed lemon juice

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

1 1/2 teaspoons chopped fresh mint

2 teaspoons Dijon mustard

1/4 teaspoon sugar

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 garlic clove

3 1/2 cups thinly sliced cucumber (preferably hothouse or English, about 2 large)*

1/3 cup thinly sliced red onion

1 cup sugar snap peas, sliced on the bias

2 ears fresh sweet corn, shucked and cut off the cob

Combine all ingredients except cucumber, snap peas, corn and onion in a food processor or blender and process until well combined. Toss dressing mixture with cucumber and onion in a large bowl.

Serve immediately, because as the salad sits, the water from the cucumbers will dilute the dressing.

*If you want to  make this ahead and serve it a few hours later, you can. All you need to do is put the sliced cucumber in a colander. sprinkle liberally with salt, toss, and place the colander over a bowl for about 30 minutes. The excess water will drain out. Push down on the cucumbers with a spoon to get all excess water out, then rinse and pat dry. Proceed with recipe.

{ 45 comments… read them below or add one }

Lyndsey@TheTinySkillet June 26, 2012 at 4:17 pm

Sometimes you just have to make it your own! Nice way to adapt to what you have and what you like!

I sure wish I could send some of our rain your way…it sure has kept us cooler. We are just in the 80s. My niece had to evacuate her house in Colorado Springs. My prayers are with all who are struggling with fires, heat and high water!

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TKW June 27, 2012 at 7:34 am

Tinne,

I’ll be thinking of your niece. It’s really flaming up there.

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Erica@PLRH June 26, 2012 at 4:20 pm

Oh yum. I’m gonna try that one… and quick.

I’m so glad Mama is doing well and you’re safe from the fires. I’d be happy to send TS Debby your way. Very happy.

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TKW June 27, 2012 at 7:35 am

Erica,

Maybe a leeetle bit of TS Debby would be welcome…

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suzicate June 26, 2012 at 6:16 pm

Glad your mom is feeling better and that you all are safe.
Salad sounds wonderful!

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Contemporary Troubadour June 26, 2012 at 7:23 pm

Yay for a break from chemo! This salad looks like the perfect light summer all-in-one meal. We don’t have air conditioning here, so when the temps soar, I am all about not turning on cooking appliances. I’ll file this one away for the next heat wave.

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TKW June 27, 2012 at 7:36 am

CT,

I owe it all to my carcinoma doll :) She’s on 3 month hiatus and then they re-evaluate.

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Contemporary Troubadour June 27, 2012 at 10:26 am

Make that doll earn her stuffing! ;) Glad Mama gets a hiatus — and how fortunate that it’s summer, when the tastiest stuff at the farmer’s market is available for a replenished appetite. Lots of health benefits, as I’m sure you know …

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Katybeth June 26, 2012 at 10:02 pm

Sending love and prayers to Colorado. It looks just awful. Glad you are safe and sound but I think disasters that strike close to home unhinge everyone. . .
Glad your mom has a break from chemo. Hope you are including a little junk in her diet…everyone needs a little junk food. Really. EVERYONE.
The salad looks awesome. Cucumbers are one of my favorite veggies. Not really-who has cucumbers as a favorite veggie… but I like them a lot.

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TKW June 27, 2012 at 5:07 am

Katybeth,

Cucumbers are one of my favorites, too. Miss D. also agrees!

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Faemom June 26, 2012 at 11:54 pm

I’ve got to try this. I love cucumbers and sugar snap peas. And I tend to try to cram more vegetables and fruits in my mother’s diet because she apparently hates vegetables and amazingly when I was dragging the kids over to their house nearly every night and insisting on three vegetables or fruits a meal my mom became regular. Imagine that.

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TKW June 27, 2012 at 7:38 am

Fae,

I sure wish Miss M. would agree to fruits and veg. Her strictly “white food” diet leaves her rather…plugged. It’s a pain!

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ck June 27, 2012 at 3:07 am

I’m so glad that you’re safe, TKW. These fires are devastating.

That salad, though? That salad looks amazing. Especially the way you sliced up the veggies. Mine NEVER look like that.

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TKW June 27, 2012 at 5:08 am

ck,

Well, come over (after we’re not on fire) and I’ll make it for you. :)

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idiosyncratic eye June 27, 2012 at 3:50 am

Glad your mama is feeling better and I hope things stay safe for you in your corner of the State, firestarters are complete berks. This salad looks like it would be good tossed through with tagliatelle or pappardelle, maybe a little more dressing? :)

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TKW June 27, 2012 at 5:09 am

idiosyncratic,

Pasta always improves things. :)

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idiosyncratic eye June 28, 2012 at 4:05 am

True! ;)

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Liz June 27, 2012 at 5:17 am

So glad to hear about your mom.

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Tinne from Tantrums and Tomatoes June 27, 2012 at 5:38 am

Both my kids adore cucumber. This will please them greatly!
Glad to hear mama is in the mend.

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Arnebya June 27, 2012 at 7:13 am

So glad your mama is feeling well, eating well (and I’m sure she’s already used to your level of nag). This salad looks very refreshing and since we don’t have a/c (well, not central, at least; we’ve got a few window units that we don’t use) it’d help keep my ass from stove parkage.

I’ve never understood pyromania. In the land of things that make no sense whatthehellever, that’s at the top of the list.

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Barbara June 27, 2012 at 8:24 am

Yes, I’m appalled at the fires….as someone said this morning, it looks like a war zone. Glad you’re not in danger and I’m praying for those who are….and those blessed firefighters.
Pleased your mom is feeling good. I loved lunches with my mom. Luckily, she lived one city south and we went out several times a week.
Great looking salad!

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Erica Burns June 27, 2012 at 11:12 am

I can’t wait to try this, ad I think my kids will eat it too! Thanks for the idea!

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The Curious Cat June 27, 2012 at 12:33 pm

Hey! How are you? Sounds delicious! Sorry to hear about all the fires…not good. What pre-cautions are they taking to prevent more? Also, good to hear your mother is doing well and you are feeding her up! Sorry I haven’t written for a while but I am always here! xxx

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Phoo-d June 27, 2012 at 3:16 pm

So glad that your mama is on a break and doing well! The salad looks fantastic. I’ve been thinking about you lots with the fires. Hope they stay far away from Chez T! It is hot as hell here too. My stove is on strike all week. Cold salads only!

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Jane June 27, 2012 at 6:27 pm

So glad you’re safe! And thanks for helping me with my bumper crop of cukes! Yum!

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pamela June 27, 2012 at 7:14 pm

Yum!! So glad you are OK out there with those awful fires. We had bad ones in southern california and sometimes it just looked like the end of the world out there with ash raining down from the sky. I hope it gets better and my heart goes out to the firefighters. And to your mama!! So glad she has a break. She is tough!!! xoxo

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TKW June 29, 2012 at 8:01 am

Pamela,

You’re right, she is tough. I don’t know how she does it.

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Kate June 27, 2012 at 10:07 pm

Yummy looking salad, but i’m stuck on this – Hope you’re still safe!

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Paula June 28, 2012 at 7:11 am

Me and cucumbers are like KW and homemade yogurt. :-)

Relieved to hear y’all are still doing OK.

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Tiffany June 28, 2012 at 9:46 am

Completely bastardized cracked me up. I’m glad you are safe…and I’m glad Mama is feeling better .

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Dawn June 28, 2012 at 3:50 pm

Glad your Mama is getting a break…and yes…bless those firefighters for sure. Looks like a great salad.

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Katrina Kenison June 28, 2012 at 4:20 pm

Making salads is my passion. I’m always on the hunt for something new — this one looks amazing. All my favorite stuff in there! Can’t wait to try. Thanks Kitch.

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Alexandra June 28, 2012 at 9:10 pm

The freshness of cuke salad and WHATTHE WHATTHE??

Is that Katrina Kenison up there??

Sheesh, woman. Whatcha doin’ slummin’ at my place???

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TKW June 29, 2012 at 8:02 am

Alexandra,

I’m not slummin’! Don’t forget, you get to hang with the cool kids at Aiming Low. Plus, you ROCK.

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Sherri June 29, 2012 at 5:49 am

OK – I’m late to this, but it is hot, hot, hot here in Pitt too, and… I have ALL these ingredients in my possession right now. Totally taking you up on the rotisserie chicken cucumber salad for dinner idea tonight…..

Glad to hear your mom is feeling better – and that you guys are safe from all the awful fires out there.

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pieridae June 30, 2012 at 11:03 am

Because of how I read this at first, it will forever be known in my house as Herby, the cucumber salad. It looks awesome – and your version looks much more interesting and appealing than the original. Blessings to you and your family as you get through this trying time.

R

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Maria July 1, 2012 at 9:10 am

SO HAPPY to hear about Mama’s hiatus…And YAY for that salad. The best part about people not liking veggies is that there are more for you!

XOXO

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Rudri Bhatt Patel @ Being Rudri July 2, 2012 at 3:05 pm

Glad to hear chemo is away and Sunday lunches are a ritual again.
Love the ingredients in this salad.
Hope you and yours continue to stay safe.

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TKW July 2, 2012 at 3:15 pm

Pieriade,

What a gorgeous name! Thank you for stopping by, and for reading.

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