There’s nothing quite as refreshing and vibrant as a crisp cucumber salad, and the Sumac Cucumbers Recipe brings a beautiful burst of tangy, lemony brightness combined with the warm, citrusy notes of sumac. This dish is a fantastic way to elevate a simple cucumber into something truly special, effortlessly brightening any meal with its colorful appeal and lively flavors. Whether you’re looking for a light side or a quick salad with Middle Eastern flair, this recipe is an absolute must-try and perfect for any season.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward yet thoughtfully chosen to highlight the refreshing crunch of cucumbers and the unique tartness of sumac. Each item plays a vital role, from the silky olive oil to the zesty lemon juice, making the dressing both light and full of flavor.
- Cucumbers (3 large, thinly sliced): The cool, crisp base of the salad that provides texture and freshness.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Adds a smooth richness and helps marry the flavors together.
- Ground sumac (1 1/2 teaspoons): This tangy, lemony powder brings a unique Middle Eastern twist to the dish.
- Fresh lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Enhances brightness and sharpens the overall taste.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances flavors and brings out the natural sweetness of the cucumbers.
- Black pepper (1/8 teaspoon): Adds a subtle gentle heat that complements the zest.
- Chopped fresh parsley (1 tablespoon, optional): Offers a pop of green color and fresh herbal notes.
How to Make Sumac Cucumbers Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cucumbers
Begin by washing and thinly slicing the cucumbers. Thin slices allow the flavors to meld beautifully and give the salad a delicate texture that’s easy to enjoy.
Step 2: Dress the Cucumbers
Place the cucumber slices in a medium bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and fresh lemon juice, ensuring each slice gets a bit of that zesty coating. The lemon juice serves as a brightening agent, balancing the cucumber’s coolness perfectly.
Step 3: Add the Sumac and Seasonings
Sprinkle the ground sumac evenly over the cucumbers, then add salt and black pepper. Toss everything gently to ensure the cucumbers are well coated and the sumac’s tangy flavor is evenly distributed throughout the salad.
Step 4: Chill and Garnish
Allow the salad to chill in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes before serving—this really helps the flavors to develop and marry nicely. Just before serving, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for a final flourish of freshness and a splash of color.
How to Serve Sumac Cucumbers Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of fresh parsley is a classic choice, but feel free to experiment with fresh mint leaves for a cool, aromatic twist, or a handful of toasted pine nuts for some crunch. These garnishes not only add texture but enhance the dish visually, making it an inviting addition to any table.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with grilled meats like chicken or lamb and is exceptional alongside shawarma or falafel. Its refreshing qualities help balance the richer, heartier flavors of Middle Eastern main courses, making it a versatile companion.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve Sumac Cucumbers Recipe in small, individual bowls for a pretty appetizer or layer it atop flatbread and dollop with yogurt for a casual snack. Another fun idea is to toss it into a pita pocket along with grilled vegetables or protein for a crunchy, tangy contrast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh and flavorful for up to 2 days. The cucumbers may release some water over time, so give it a gentle toss before serving to redistribute the dressing.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for this salad, as cucumbers have high water content and will become mushy once thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for a short period.
Reheating
This is a cold salad, so no reheating is necessary or suited. Simply enjoy it chilled straight from the fridge for maximum crispness and flavor.
FAQs
What is sumac exactly?
Sumac is a deep red, tangy spice made from ground berries of the sumac plant, commonly used in Middle Eastern cuisine to add a lemony, slightly tart flavor that brightens dishes beautifully.
Can I use regular vinegar instead of lemon juice?
While lemon juice provides a fresh brightness unmatched by vinegar, you can substitute with a mild vinegar such as apple cider or white wine vinegar if needed, but expect a slightly different flavor profile.
Is this salad vegan-friendly?
Absolutely! The Sumac Cucumbers Recipe is entirely plant-based, making it a perfect, refreshing vegan side dish.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Thinly sliced red onions, bell peppers, or even cherry tomatoes can complement the cucumbers nicely, adding more color and variety to the salad.
How spicy is this salad?
This salad is very mild; the sumac adds tanginess rather than heat. If you want a bit of spice, adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes is an easy way to give it some kick.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something that effortlessly combines simplicity and bold flavor, you really should try the Sumac Cucumbers Recipe. It’s easy to make, stunning to serve, and capable of transforming everyday cucumbers into a star side dish. Trust me, once you taste this bright, tangy salad, it just might become your new favorite go-to for adding a Middle Eastern-inspired sparkle to your meals!
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Sumac Cucumbers Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Sumac Cucumbers is a refreshing Middle Eastern side dish featuring thinly sliced cucumbers tossed in olive oil, lemon juice, and tangy ground sumac. This easy no-cook salad is lightly seasoned and perfect for pairing with grilled meats or Mediterranean dishes, offering a bright and zesty flavor with a touch of fresh parsley.
Ingredients
Cucumbers and Salad Base
- 3 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground sumac
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Garnish (optional)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Prepare Cucumbers: Thinly slice three large cucumbers and place them in a medium-sized mixing bowl to serve as the base of your salad.
- Add Dressing Ingredients: Drizzle the cucumbers evenly with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice to give the salad a light and tangy flavor.
- Season the Salad: Sprinkle 1 1/2 teaspoons of ground sumac, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper over the cucumbers. Toss gently to ensure all slices are evenly coated with the seasoning.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the mixture and adjust salt or lemon juice if desired to suit your palate.
- Chill: Refrigerate the salad for 10 minutes to let the flavors meld and the cucumbers chill for a refreshing experience.
- Garnish and Serve: Before serving, garnish with 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley if desired for added color and freshness.
Notes
- For an extra flavor boost, add thinly sliced red onion or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.
- This salad pairs exceptionally well with grilled meats, shawarma, or any Mediterranean dishes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
