Are you ready to transform your ordinary salad into a culinary masterpiece that will tantalize your taste buds and impress your dinner guests? This British-inspired Cucumber, Red Onion, and Watercress Salad is not just a side dish – it's a vibrant, refreshing experience that brings together the cool crunch of cucumber, the sharp bite of red onion, and the peppery freshness of watercress in one stunning creation. In just 15 minutes, you'll craft a salad so delicious and elegant, it'll make you feel like a gourmet chef right in your own kitchen!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: British
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 large cucumbers
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 bunch watercress
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Wash the cucumbers thoroughly under cold running water to remove any dirt or impurities. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel.
- Using a sharp knife, slice the cucumbers into thin rounds. If you prefer, you can also cut them into half-moons by slicing them lengthwise first and then cutting across.
- Next, take the red onion and peel off the outer skin. Slice the onion thinly, aiming for even slices to ensure a uniform texture in the salad.
- Rinse the watercress under cold water to remove any grit or dirt. Shake off the excess water and trim the thicker stems if necessary, leaving the tender leaves intact.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers, red onion, and watercress. Gently toss the ingredients together to mix them evenly without bruising the watercress.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and vinegar to create a simple dressing. You can use any type of vinegar you prefer, such as white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting according to your preference.
- Gently toss the salad again to ensure that the dressing evenly coats all the ingredients. Be careful not to over-mix, as you want to keep the watercress intact.
- Transfer the salad to a serving platter or individual bowls. Serve immediately for the freshest taste, or refrigerate for a short time if you prefer it chilled.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Ingredients: Select firm cucumbers with smooth, unblemished skin and crisp watercress with bright green leaves for the best flavor and texture.
- Slice Uniformly: Use a sharp knife or mandoline to create thin, even cucumber and onion slices, ensuring each bite is perfectly balanced.
- Chill Before Serving: For an extra refreshing experience, you can briefly chill the salad before serving, which enhances the crisp textures.
- Vinegar Variations: Experiment with different vinegars like white wine, apple cider, or even a light balsamic to customize the dressing's flavor profile.
- Quick Tip for Milder Onion: If you find raw red onion too strong, soak the sliced onions in cold water for 5-10 minutes before adding to the salad to reduce their sharpness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 40kcal
Carbohydrates: 4g
Protein: 1g
Fat: 3g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
