Cheap Eats: Cucumber Tomato Salad with lime dressing

Cucumber Tomato Salad with Lime Dressing

I designed this salad to take advantage of the late summer crop of cucumbers and tomatoes.  It is very reminiscent of my grandmother's marinated cucumber salad that she taught me to make when I was 10 years old.  But, I wanted to add an unexpected splash of flavor.  So, my 14 year old sous chef and I got out ingredients and created a lip-smacking lime dressing!   

Video!

Before you read the recipe instructions, head over to YouTube where we posted a video with step-by-step instructions for the salad.  My 14 year old sous chef and I create the salad for you!  I also answer a reader question on how to find produce at the lowest prices to freeze for winter consumption.  

Here's the link:  https://youtu.be/hOgX7qBNm54  Let me know what you think!  Still photos of the salad-making process are below.  There is even a link for a downloadable PDF.  

 We begin by creating the salad base.  

It is just four basic ingredients:  cucumbers, tomatoes, onion, and garlic.  That's it!  Green pepper is optional.  Some in my family are not fans.  So, I serve it on the side and let those who love it, add it at the table.  I, however, happen to be one of those who loves green or red peppers.  If you add red peppers, it's a nice splash of color in the salad, too. 

Dressing ingredients

The dressing contains lime juice, vinegar, water, real maple syrup, onion powder, and garlic powder. Using the zest of 1 of the limes is optional and I would suggest buying organic limes if you plan to use the zest. 

 Cucumber Tomato Salad with Lime Dressing

Salad:

 

3 medium cucumbers

3 medium tomatoes

1/2 large white onion - diced 

2 cloves garlic

Peel and dice cucumbers.  Dice tomatoes.  Smash garlic and mince.  Add all ingredients to an attractive serving bowl. 

Dressing: 

 

3 limes

2 Tbsp rice vinegar

2 - 3 Tbsp water

1/2 tsp. onion powder

1/4 tsp. garlic powder

2 Tbsp real maple syrup (may substitute 3 Tbsp cane sugar)

 zest of 1 lime - optional

If you plan to add the lime zest to this recipe, then zest one lime before cutting it in half to juice it.  Set aside the zest.  Juice all three limes.  Pour juice into a glass measuring cup.  Add 2 Tbsp of white wine vinegar.  Add enough water so that the liquids reach the 1/2 cup mark on the measuring cup.  This will probably be  2 - 3 Tbsp. It will depend on how large and how juicy the limes were.  The whole idea is to reduce the acidity of the lime juice and vinegar.  Add the onion and garlic powders.  Finally, add the maple syrup and whisk until well blended.  Taste to see if you need to adjust for more water or more syrup. 

Pour over vegetables and stir everything together with a large spoon.  Refrigerate for at least an hour to allow the flavors to blend.  

Here's a link to a downloadable PDF of the recipe.  Enjoy!

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Do all to the glory of God, 

Hope