Quick & Zesty Michael Symon Cucumber Salad Recipe

Michael Symon’s cucumber salad bursts with tangy Mediterranean flavors that dance across your palate.

Summer’s crisp vegetables transform into a vibrant culinary canvas with this simple preparation.

Creamy textures blend seamlessly with sharp, bright notes of vinegar and herbs.

Fresh ingredients create a light and refreshing experience that elevates any meal.

Cool cucumber slices intermingle with zesty seasonings for a delightful sensory journey.

The recipe showcases how minimal ingredients can produce maximum flavor and visual appeal.

Each forkful promises a satisfying combination of crunch and smoothness that awakens the taste buds: Get ready to savor every delicious bite!

Steps to a Refreshing Cucumber Salad

Step 1: Prepare The Onions

Slice the onion into thin, even pieces. Place a pot or skillet on medium heat and add of butter. Allow butter to melt completely.

Step 2: Sauté Onions

Gently sauté the onion slices, stirring occasionally. Cook for 3-4 minutes until onions become soft and translucent, avoiding browning.

Step 3: Add Peas

Introduce peas into the buttery pan and stir to coat. Pour in of vegetable or chicken stock, mixing well.

Step 4: Cook Peas

Cover the pot with a lid and reduce heat to low.

• Frozen peas: 2 minutes
• Fresh peas: 5-7 minutes

Ensure peas remain bright green and tender.

Step 5: Blend With Mint

Remove pot from heat. Add roughly chopped fresh mint leaves. Use an immersion blender or transfer to a standard blender. Blend until smooth and creamy.

Step 6: Season The Mixture

Add salt and pepper to taste. Typically, of each is sufficient.

Step 7: Serve And Enjoy

Serve warm or chill in refrigerator. Optional: Garnish with a dollop of creme fraiche in the center of the serving bowl for extra richness.

Pro Tips for Maximum Flavor

• Customize Creatively: Swap dill for fresh mint or basil to transform the flavor profile and surprise your taste buds.
• Balance Boldly: Mix vinegar types like apple cider and white wine to create a more complex, layered tanginess.
• Prep Perfectly: Use a mandoline slicer for paper-thin cucumber cuts that absorb dressing more effectively.
• Enhance Naturally: Sprinkle toasted sunflower or pumpkin seeds for unexpected crunch and nutty undertones.
• Serve Strategically: Let salad rest for 15 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and intensify.

Store It Right: Cucumber Salad

• Vacuum Seal Method: Protect cucumber salad's crisp texture by using a vacuum-sealed bag or container. Extract all air to prevent moisture buildup and maintain freshness for maximum flavor preservation.
• Mason Jar Technique: Layer cucumber salad in clean glass jars with tight-fitting lids. Separate dressing from vegetables to prevent soggy ingredients, keeping crunch intact and extending refrigerator life up to 48 hours.
• Portion Control Strategy: Divide salad into single-serving containers before storing. This approach prevents repeated exposure to air and potential contamination, ensuring each serving remains as delicious as the first.

Flavor Twists for a Classic Salad

• Herb-Infused Green Delight: Swap mint with fresh basil or dill for a different aromatic profile. Experiment with parsley or chives to create a unique herbal essence in the pea puree.
• Creamy Spice Blend: Add a small amount of grated horseradish or a pinch of cayenne pepper to give the pea puree a subtle kick. Incorporate a dollop of Greek yogurt instead of creme fraiche for extra tanginess.
• Roasted Vegetable Fusion: Grill or roast the onions before adding them to the recipe to develop a deeper, smoky flavor. Consider adding roasted garlic or caramelized shallots to enhance the overall complexity of the dish.
• Global Flavor Journey: Introduce international seasonings like smoked paprika from Spain, curry powder from India, or za'atar from the Middle East to transform the basic pea puree into a global culinary experience.

Refreshing Finish: Cucumber Salad Conclusion

Michael Symon’s Pea Salad emerges as culinary poetry, blending rustic simplicity with sophisticated flavors.

Green peas dance with delicate mint, creating an elegant symphony of taste and texture.

Kitchen maestros can elevate simple ingredients into remarkable experiences through careful technique.

Mediterranean-inspired techniques transform humble vegetables into memorable dishes.

Global palates will appreciate this recipe’s nuanced balance between fresh herbs and creamy undertones.

Passionate cooks: savor each spoonful, share this delightful creation across social networks, comment with your inspired variations, and spread culinary joy through connection.

Why This Cucumber Salad Is a Winner

• Speedy Kitchen Magic: This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a delightful dish in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy home cooks who want delicious results without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Texture Triumph: The combination of smooth blended peas with optional creme fraiche swirl creates a luxurious, creamy texture that dances between velvety and fresh, offering a sophisticated eating experience.
• Versatile Flavor Powerhouse: Packed with bright mint and perfectly cooked peas, this recipe delivers a vibrant, herbaceous profile that can be enjoyed warm or chilled, making it adaptable for different seasons and meal types.

Michael Symon’s Crisp Salad Ingredients

• Onion: A foundational aromatic vegetable that provides a soft, sweet base for the dish and adds depth of flavor.
• Peas: The star ingredient, bringing vibrant green color and sweet, fresh taste to the recipe, available in both frozen and fresh varieties.
• Mint: A fresh herb that adds a bright, cooling note and enhances the overall flavor profile of the pea mixture.
• Butter: A rich, creamy fat that helps sauté the onions and adds a smooth, luxurious texture to the dish.
• Stock: A liquid that provides additional flavor and helps cook the peas, creating a more complex taste base.
• Salt: An essential seasoning that enhances and balances the natural flavors of the ingredients.
• Pepper: A simple spice that adds a mild heat and rounds out the overall taste of the dish.
• Creme Fraiche: A smooth, tangy dairy product that can be swirled on top to add richness and a creamy finish to the pea mixture.

Michael Symon Cucumber Salad Recipe

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4.7 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Zesty cucumber salad from Michael Symon brings Mediterranean flavors to your table with crisp ingredients and tangy dressing. Fresh herbs and quick preparation make this refreshing side dish perfect for summer gatherings you’ll want to serve again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 English cucumber, sliced into 1/8-inch-thick rounds
• ½ medium red onion, thinly sliced

Dairy and Dressing Ingredients:

• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
• 3 tablespoons chopped fresh dill

Seasoning:

• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground pepper

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Instructions

1. Dice the onion into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking and consistent texture.
2. Melt butter in a pot or skillet over medium heat, creating a golden, aromatic base for the peas.
3. Sauté the chopped onions until they become translucent and softened, approximately 3-4 minutes, without allowing them to brown.
4. Introduce the peas into the buttery onion mixture, gently stirring to coat each pea with the flavorful base.
5. Pour in the vegetable or chicken stock, stirring to combine and distribute the liquid evenly throughout the ingredients.
6. Reduce the heat and cover the pot, allowing frozen peas to simmer for 2 minutes or fresh peas for 5-7 minutes, maintaining their vibrant emerald color and tender texture.
7. Remove the pot from the heat and incorporate roughly chopped fresh mint leaves, infusing the soup with a bright, herbaceous note.
8. Using an immersion blender or standard blender, puree the mixture until achieving a silky, smooth consistency.
9. Season with salt and pepper, starting with a minimal amount (approximately 1/8 teaspoon of each) and adjusting to personal taste preferences.
10. Serve immediately while warm, or refrigerate to enjoy as a chilled soup, garnishing with a delicate swirl of crème fraîche for added richness and visual appeal.

Notes

• Avoid over-mixing to prevent bruising delicate cucumber slices, maintaining their crisp texture.
• Opt for fresh, locally sourced cucumbers when possible for maximum flavor and crunch.
• Rinse herbs thoroughly to remove any dirt or residue before chopping.
• Use a sharp knife to create clean, precise cuts that enhance the salad’s visual appeal.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 24 hours, though best enjoyed immediately.
• Consider serving as a side dish or light lunch to showcase the salad’s fresh ingredients.
• Pat ingredients dry with paper towels to prevent excess moisture from diluting the dressing.
• Select ripe, firm cucumbers with vibrant green skin for the best taste and texture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 90
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg