Zippy Michael Symon Cucumber Salad Recipe: Fresh & Tangy Joy!

Mediterranean cucumber salad by michael symon delivers a symphony of zesty, refreshing flavors that instantly awaken your senses.

Crisp vegetables mingle with vibrant seasonings, creating a culinary masterpiece on your plate.

The recipe transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary dish that dances with tangy undertones.

Cool cucumber slices blend perfectly with sharp herb notes, promising a delightful textural experience.

Every forkful promises a burst of summer’s finest freshness and brightness.

The harmonious combination of ingredients guarantees a light, invigorating side that complements any main course.

Check out this Mediterranean-inspired sensation and let your taste buds celebrate pure, uncomplicated deliciousness!

Serving Michael Symon’s Cucumber Salad Ideas

• Garnish with Herbs: Sprinkle fresh mint leaves or chives on top for a burst of color and extra flavor.
• Pair with Protein: Serve alongside grilled chicken, roasted salmon, or seared scallops for a complete meal.
• Create a Creamy Soup: Add a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk to transform the dish into a luxurious, velvety soup.
• Crostini Topping: Spread the pea mixture on toasted baguette slices for an elegant appetizer or light lunch option.

Meal Prep & Storage for Symon’s Salad

• Preserve Freshness: Store leftover pea mint soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to maintain optimal flavor and texture.
• Freeze with Care: Pour soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving slight space at the top for expansion. Frozen soup remains delicious for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat Gently: Warm soup slowly over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Add a splash of stock if the consistency becomes too thick during reheating.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare soup in advance and portion into individual containers for quick lunches or easy weeknight dinners. The mint adds a refreshing twist that keeps the dish exciting throughout the week.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Calories: 120 kcal

Servings: 4

Ingredients for Michael Symon’s Cucumber Salad

• Onion: Select firm, glossy onions without soft spots or sprouting for the best flavor and texture.
• Butter: Choose high-quality unsalted butter for a rich, smooth base that enhances the overall dish.

• Peas, Fresh or Frozen: Pick bright green, plump peas that look vibrant and show no signs of discoloration or freezer burn.
• Mint Leaves: Opt for fresh, aromatic mint with deep green color and no wilting edges for maximum flavor.

• Salt, Pepper: Use freshly ground black pepper and sea salt for a more robust and dynamic taste profile.
• Creme Fraiche: Select a smooth, creamy creme fraiche that adds a luxurious touch without overpowering the delicate pea flavor.
• Vegetable or Chicken Stock: Pick a high-quality, low-sodium stock that complements the natural sweetness of the peas.

Utensils for Michael Symon’s Cucumber Salad

• Cutting Board: Large, sturdy surface for slicing onions safely.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp blade for precise, thin onion slices.
• Pot or Skillet: Medium-sized cooking vessel with even heat distribution.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for stirring onions and peas gently.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately portion butter, salt, and pepper.
• Measuring Cup: Ensures correct stock quantity.
• Immersion Blender or Standard Blender: Transforms peas into smooth, creamy texture.
• Lid: Covers pot during pea cooking, trapping steam and heat.
• Serving Bowls: Attractive dishes for presenting the finished pea mint soup.

How to Make Michael Symon’s Cucumber Salad

• Prep Aromatic Base

Slice onions into delicate, uniform pieces. Warm a skillet over medium heat and melt butter until it shimmers.

• Transform Vegetables

Gently swirl onion slices in melted butter, coaxing them to soften without browning. Introduce vibrant peas, stirring to embrace them in buttery goodness. Pour stock to create a luxurious cooking environment.

• Create Silky Texture

Cover and simmer on low heat, allowing peas to dance and tender up. For frozen peas, this takes mere moments; fresh ones need slightly longer. The key is maintaining their brilliant emerald color.

• Elevate With Herbs

Pluck fresh mint leaves and scatter them into the mixture. Blend thoroughly using an immersion blender or transfer to a standard blender. Whirl until the texture becomes velvety and smooth.

• Final Flourish

Season with salt and pepper, tasting and adjusting to your palate. For an indulgent touch, crown the dish with a graceful dollop of creme fraiche. Serve piping hot or refreshingly chilled, transforming a simple side into a culinary experience.

Tips to Perfect Symon’s Cucumber Salad

Transform this simple recipe into a culinary adventure with these expert tips and delicious variations!

Experiment with different fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or dill to create unique flavor profiles that complement the sweet peas.

Add crispy bacon bits, toasted pine nuts, or crumbled feta cheese on top for an exciting crunch that elevates the smooth puree.

Replace vegetable stock with coconut milk for a creamier, slightly sweet twist that adds depth and richness to the dish.

Stir in cooked shredded chicken or crumbled goat cheese to turn this side dish into a complete and satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights.

Crisp Michael Symon Cucumber Salad Recipe

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4.8 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Michael Symon’s cucumber salad delivers a crisp, tangy Mediterranean-style side dish perfect for summer gatherings. Fresh cucumbers mingle with herbs and vinegar, creating a refreshing companion to grilled meats and fish you’ll want to make again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 tbsps (45 ml) chopped fresh dill
• ½ cup (120 ml) sour cream
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) white wine vinegar
• 1 English cucumber, sliced into 1/8-inch-thick rounds
• ½ medium red onion, thinly sliced
• Kosher salt to taste
• Freshly ground pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Uniformly dice onions for consistent texture and even cooking.
2. Butter Base: Melt butter in a pot over medium heat, creating a golden, aromatic foundation.
3. Onion Sauté: Gently cook onions until translucent and softened, avoiding browning, approximately 3-4 minutes.
4. Pea Integration: Fold peas into the buttery onion mixture, ensuring complete coating with the flavorful base.
5. Liquid Enhancement: Stream in vegetable or chicken stock, stirring to distribute liquid evenly throughout the ingredients.
6. Simmering Stage: Reduce heat and cover, allowing frozen peas to simmer for 2 minutes or fresh peas for 5-7 minutes, preserving their vibrant emerald color and tender consistency.
7. Herbal Infusion: Remove from heat and fold in roughly chopped fresh mint leaves, introducing a bright, aromatic dimension.
8. Texture Refinement: Utilize an immersion blender or standard blender to transform the mixture into a silky, smooth puree.
9. Seasoning Finale: Delicately season with salt and pepper, adjusting incrementally to harmonize with personal taste preferences.
10. Serving Presentation: Offer immediately while warm or chilled, garnishing with a delicate crème fraîche swirl for enhanced richness and visual elegance.

Notes

• Slice Uniformly: Cut cucumbers and onions into consistent, thin slices to ensure even seasoning and texture throughout the salad.
• Drain Excess Moisture: After slicing cucumbers, let them sit with salt for 10 minutes to release water, preventing a watery, diluted dressing.
• Balance Acid and Sweetness: Adjust vinegar and sugar ratio to create a perfectly balanced dressing that complements the crisp cucumber’s natural flavor.
• Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate the salad for 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and enhance the overall taste profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 120
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 400mg
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 20mg