Summer Cucumber Salad

A summer favorite that can be made in under 30 minutes is a real winner when it comes to lunches, picnics and get togethers. Using all of these fresh, seasonal ingredients makes it a snap. They all grow really well in Oklahoma and can tolerate our intense heat during the summer when other plants are struggling to produce. Be creative with homemade vinaigrettes, using your favorite herbs and vinegars. I've included a simple one along with this recipe that I love.

I love the way our little emerald path looks in the summer when it's super green and freshly mowed. This leads to our garden, which makes the walk a little magical when you head out to pick a big bowl of goodies for lunch or dinner. 

I liked using these spicy cayenne peppers for the heat in my salad. You can use jalapeno or pequin peppers. If those are too spicy, crushed red pepper or dried cayenne are more mellow. We have fresh basil popping up all over the yard, even in the cracks in our patio!

Ripe cucumbers are great for lots of uses other than salads and dips. Great with yogurt on felafel and with avocado on sandwiches, they also make a refreshing addition to your cold ice water, infusing it with a green flavor that is unmistakable. You can also let some slices sit in room temperature water for a few hours and use it as a refreshing facial tonic, especially after sun exposure. Nature provides for us exactly what we need when we need it most.

Leafy green parsley is one of the most versatile herbs you can grow all season. Unlike cilantro which bolts quickly and turns to coriander, parsley lasts all summer long especially when clipped back every couple of weeks. It's good on just about everything! Try adding it to pesto, marinades and all of your dressings and sauces. A perfect garnish that should always be eaten!

These young leeks are a variety I've never grown before. They seem to be a cross between that and a flat leaf green onion. I chopped these up for my salad as well and it added just the right amount of mild onion flavor to a raw salad. It's a great substitution for sliced red onion if those are too strong for your liking. They have a mild garlicky flavor which was delicious!

INGREDIENTS
3 - 4 medium cucumbers, peeled and gently seeded
2 - 3 chopped tomatoes
thinly sliced red onion
minced green onion
minced cayenne, jalapeno or pequin peppers (optional)
chopped parsley and basil

HERBED DIJON VINAIGRETTE
1|2 cup sherry or champagne or red wine vinegar
1|4 cup good quality olive oil
1 tablespoon dijon mustard
1 teaspoon honey
1 clove minced garlic
freshly chopped parsley, thyme and basil
salt + pepper to taste

Toss all ingredients into a small jar and shake vigorously for about a minute until emulsified.
Gently mix everything together in a bowl. You'll want all of the ingredients to be combined but not lose their shape. Toss with your favorite vinaigrette and adjust the salt and pepper. Serve immediately or chill for up to two hours before serving. Delicious as a side dish with grilled chicken, salmon or shrimp.

ENJOY!