Refreshing Cucumber Salad with Cranberries & Pecans

Crisp, refreshing, and oh-so-vibrant, Cucumber Salad with Cranberries and Pecans is a dish that dances on your taste buds like it’s auditioning for a Broadway show! Imagine sinking your teeth into succulent cucumber slices, each bite bursting with juicy goodness while the sweet-tart cranberries add a pop of color and flavor. California roll cucumber salad Let’s not forget the crunchy pecans, which bring a delightful nuttiness that rounds out this salad as if it were receiving its final applause.

This salad doesn’t just bring the flavor; it brings back memories of summer picnics and family barbecues. I can still hear my grandmother’s laughter as she tossed the ingredients together, her secret ingredient being a sprinkle of love. Mexican street corn pasta salad Perfect for sunny days or when you need a quick, light side dish for dinner, this recipe will elevate any meal. Trust me; your taste buds are about to embark on an exhilarating adventure!

One time at our family reunion, I made this salad, and my cousin practically inhaled it! He claimed it was “the best thing ever” before asking for seconds—who could resist?

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Fresh Cucumbers: Choose firm cucumbers for crunch; Persian or English varieties work best for salads.
• Dried Cranberries: Sweetened cranberries add bursts of flavor; unsweetened can be used if preferred.
• Pecans: Toasted pecans enhance the nutty flavor; chop them roughly for added texture.
• Red Onion: Thinly sliced red onion adds zesty flavor; soak in cold water to reduce sharpness if desired.
• Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for richness; it balances beautifully with the other ingredients.
• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens the salad; it’s like sunshine in every bite!
• Salt and Pepper: Basic seasonings to enhance all flavors; adjust according to taste preferences.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Prepare Your Ingredients: Begin by washing your cucumbers thoroughly under cool water. Slice them thinly using a sharp knife or mandoline for uniformity.

Toss in the Crunchy Goodness: In a large bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers with dried cranberries and chopped pecans. The colors should pop vibrantly against each other!

Add Flavorful Accents: Toss in thinly sliced red onion for zesty punch and stir gently until everything is well combined.

Create the Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together olive oil and freshly squeezed lemon juice until emulsified. This dressing brings everything together!

Season to Perfection: Drizzle the dressing over the salad mix and sprinkle salt and pepper to taste. Toss gently again to ensure even coverage.

Chill Before Serving: Let your salad sit in the fridge for at least 20 minutes before serving so those flavors can mingle beautifully!

Enjoy your delightful Cucumber Salad with Cranberries and Pecans—it’s crunchy, sweet, tangy perfection waiting to brighten up your table! cucumber tomato salad.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by slicing the cucumbers thinly for a delightful crunch. Mix in cranberries and pecans, then drizzle with dressing. Toss gently but thoroughly to combine all flavors beautifully.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out pecans for walnuts or add feta cheese for extra creaminess. You can also experiment with different dressings, like a zesty lemon vinaigrette, to suit your taste. lemon honey orzo with feta.

Storing & Reheating

Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Avoid reheating; enjoy it cold for the best flavor and texture.

Creating this salad reminded me of summer picnics where laughter mingled with the scent of fresh ingredients, bringing everyone together around one delicious bowl. For more inspiration, check out this Delicious Garlic Butter Green Beans recipe.

FAQ

Can I use other nuts in this cucumber salad with cranberries and pecans?

For more inspiration, check out this Delightful Strawberry Spinach Salad recipe.

Absolutely! Almonds or pistachios can add unique flavors and textures.

How long does this salad stay fresh?

This cucumber salad remains fresh for up to three days if stored properly.

What dressing pairs well with this salad?

A light vinaigrette or yogurt dressing complements the ingredients perfectly.

Print

Cucumber Salad with Cranberries and Pecans

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• Author: Ava Mack
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Crisp, refreshing, and bursting with flavor, this Cucumber Salad with Cranberries and Pecans is the perfect side dish for any occasion. Juicy cucumber slices harmonize beautifully with sweet-tart cranberries and crunchy pecans, creating a vibrant medley that will brighten any meal. Ideal for summer picnics or as a light lunch, this salad is not just about taste—it’s about bringing people together around a table filled with delightful flavors.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups fresh cucumbers, thinly sliced
• 1 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
• 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Wash cucumbers under cool water and slice them thinly.
2. In a large bowl, combine sliced cucumbers, dried cranberries, and chopped pecans.
3. Add thinly sliced red onion and toss gently.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together olive oil and lemon juice until emulsified.
5. Drizzle the dressing over the salad mix; sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Toss gently again to ensure even coverage.
7. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes before serving.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: No Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 15g
• Sodium: 50mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: - For added creaminess, consider mixing in feta cheese or substituting pecans with walnuts. - Experiment with different dressings like a citrus vinaigrette for unique flavor profiles.