Refreshing Cucumber Salad with Cranberries & Pecans

Cucumber Salad with Cranberries and Pecans is like a summer party on your plate, bursting with vibrant colors and flavors that make your taste buds dance. Imagine crisp cucumbers mingling with tart cranberries and crunchy pecans, all tossed together in a light, zesty dressing that sings of sunshine and good times. Mango Salsa for a twist It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel as if you’ve just bitten into a refreshing burst of summer, even in the middle of winter.

Every time I whip up this salad, I’m transported back to family picnics where laughter filled the air, and Grandma’s secret recipe was the star of the show. There’s something so comforting about sharing food with loved ones, especially when it’s as delightful as this Cucumber Salad with Cranberries and Pecans. Whether you’re serving it at a backyard barbecue or enjoying it as a light lunch, this dish promises to bring joy and satisfaction to any occasion. For more inspiration, check out this Flavorful Huevos Rancheros recipe.

Ingredients for Cucumber Salad with Cranberries and Pecans

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Cucumbers: Use fresh, firm cucumbers for that satisfying crunch; English cucumbers work great due to their thin skin.
• Dried Cranberries: Choose plump cranberries for sweetness; they provide a lovely contrast to the cucumbers.
• Pecans: Toasted pecans add a rich flavor and crunch; feel free to substitute walnuts if you prefer.
• Red Onion: Finely diced red onion adds a punchy flavor; soak them in water briefly if you want to soften their bite.

For the Dressing:

• Olive Oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil enhances the overall taste of the salad.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: This tangy vinegar brightens up the salad while balancing the sweetness of the cranberries.
• Honey: Just a drizzle brings out the natural sweetness; adjust according to your taste preferences.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning; use freshly cracked black pepper for added flavor depth.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Cucumber Salad with Cranberries and Pecans

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by washing your cucumbers thoroughly. Thinly slice them into rounds or half-moons—whatever tickles your fancy! Next, finely chop your red onion.

Step 2: Mix the Salad

In a large bowl, combine sliced cucumbers, dried cranberries, chopped pecans, and diced red onion. Toss them together gently so everything is well-distributed.

Step 3: Whisk Up the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until it’s smooth and combined.

Step 4: Dress Your Salad

Pour the dressing over your cucumber mixture. Use tongs or a spatula to toss everything together until all components are evenly coated.

Step 5: Chill Before Serving

Cover your salad and let it chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This allows all those wonderful flavors to meld together beautifully.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer your salad to a serving platter or individual bowls. Garnish with extra pecans on top if you’re feeling fancy. Enjoy this refreshing dish that’s sure to impress!

This Cucumber Salad with Cranberries and Pecans isn’t just food; it’s an experience filled with freshness and delightful crunchiness perfect for putting smiles on faces during any gathering!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by washing and slicing your cucumbers. While you prepare the dressing, let them drain to remove excess moisture. Mix the cranberries and pecans in a bowl before combining everything with the dressing for even distribution of flavors.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out the cranberries for raisins or chopped apples for a different flavor profile. You can also experiment with nuts; walnuts or almonds work beautifully too. For an extra kick, add some crumbled feta cheese!

Storing & Reheating

Store your cucumber salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you plan on making it ahead of time, keep the dressing separate until ready to serve to maintain freshness.

Sometimes, I whip this cucumber salad up when friends come over, and it’s always a hit! One guest declared it “the best summer dish ever,” which made my day and gave me serious kitchen cred!

FAQs:

What are the main ingredients in Cucumber Salad with Cranberries and Pecans?

The main ingredients for Cucumber Salad with Cranberries and Pecans include fresh cucumbers, dried cranberries, and pecans. You will also need red onion, fresh herbs like parsley or mint, and a dressing made from olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper. These components combine to create a refreshing salad that offers a delightful crunch and a balance of tartness from the cranberries and richness from the pecans.

How can I make Cucumber Salad with Cranberries and Pecans healthier?

To make Cucumber Salad with Cranberries and Pecans healthier, consider using less sugar in your dressing or substituting with honey or maple syrup. You can also increase the amount of fresh herbs to boost flavor without adding calories. Sesame Chicken Salad variation If you want more protein, add grilled chicken or chickpeas to the salad. Adjusting these elements keeps it nutritious while maintaining flavor.

Can I prepare Cucumber Salad with Cranberries and Pecans ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare Cucumber Salad with Cranberries and Pecans ahead of time. However, for the best texture, it is advisable to dress the salad just before serving. This helps prevent the cucumbers from becoming soggy. If you want to prep ahead, chop the cucumbers, onions, and herbs in advance but keep them separate from the dressing until you’re ready to enjoy your salad.

What dishes pair well with Cucumber Salad with Cranberries and Pecans?

Cucumber Salad with Cranberries and Pecans pairs well with grilled meats like chicken or fish. It also complements sandwiches or wraps beautifully. For a vegetarian option, serve it alongside quinoa or rice bowls. Hawaiian Macaroni Salad option The refreshing flavors enhance hearty dishes while providing a crisp contrast that balances richer meals.

Conclusion for Cucumber Salad with Cranberries and Pecans:

In summary, Cucumber Salad with Cranberries and Pecans is a versatile dish that combines health benefits with delicious flavors. The fresh cucumbers provide hydration while cranberries add a sweet-tart taste. The pecans contribute healthy fats for added nutrition. Whether served as a side dish or part of a light meal, this salad is easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion! Enjoy its refreshing taste year-round! For more inspiration, check out this Irresistible Healthy Oat Crepes recipe.

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Cucumber Salad with Cranberries and Pecans

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• Author: Hannah
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6

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Description

Cucumber Salad with Cranberries and Pecans is a refreshing and colorful dish perfect for any occasion. This vibrant salad combines the crispness of fresh cucumbers with sweet-tart cranberries and crunchy pecans, all tossed in a light dressing that brightens every bite. Ideal for summer picnics or as a light side dish year-round, this salad is not only easy to prepare but also delightful to share with friends and family.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups diced cucumbers (about 2 medium cucumbers)
• 1 cup dried cranberries
• ½ cup pecans, chopped (toasted if desired)
• ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp honey
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Wash and slice cucumbers into rounds or half-moons. Finely chop the red onion.
2. In a large bowl, combine cucumbers, cranberries, pecans, and red onion.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth.
4. Pour the dressing over the cucumber mixture and toss gently until well coated.
5. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to enhance flavors.
6. Serve in a platter or individual bowls, garnished with extra pecans if desired.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 15g
• Sodium: 45mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 27g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: Soak red onions in cold water for 10 minutes before adding them to the salad for a milder flavor. Substitute cranberries with raisins or chopped apples for variety. To increase protein content, consider adding grilled chicken or chickpeas.