Meet the diet-worthy, healthy CUCUMBER!

By: Reach Up writer

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Cucumbers are found in cultures all over the world, and they’re oh-so good for you!

Here are two great recipes using cucumbers to try this summer. Experiment with the variations too! Cukes are inexpensive and healthy too!

 

Sour Cream Cucumber Salad

3 medium cucumbers, peeled & thinly sliced
1/2 teaspoon (tsp) salt
1/2 cup green onions finely chopped
1 tablespoon (Tbsp) white vinegar
Dash white pepper (regular pepper is fine)
1/4 cup of light sour cream

Directions:

Sprinkle the cucumbers with salt and let stand for 15 minutes. Drain liquid. Add onions, vinegar, and pepper. Just before serving, stir in sour cream.

Variation: Don’t use sour cream; replace white vinegar with red wine vinegar.

 

Cucumbers come to the aid of puffy eyes or sunburned skin

  • Slice cucumber and put on your eyes while you doze for a few minutes.
  • Apply cucumber juice to sunburned skin for soothing and healing.

 

 

Israeli Salad

You can travel to the land of Israel without leaving your home. Make this salad and serve it for breakfast. Yes, you read right. This salad is eaten at breakfast along with cheese, nuts, and crackers. So healthy! If you’re not feeling adventurous, then serve it at lunch or dinner.

3 medium cucumbers (English cucumbers are smaller) if using large cucumbers, only one is needed
2 large tomatoes

Dressing:

2 Tbsp olive oil
Lemon juice of at least one lemon
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:
1. Vegetables should be room temperature. Finely chop the cucumbers and tomatoes. Peeling the small cucumbers is optional. (Be sure to wash skin thoroughly if left unpeeled.)

2. Combine them in a large bowl, adding any optional ingredients below.

3. Right before serving, toss with olive oil, then add the lemon juice & spices.

Optional ingredients:

1 green or red pepper; Feta (goat) cheese crumbles; sesame seeds; 2 Tbsp of chopped cilantro, fresh mint, or parsley; 1/4 cup of carrot, peeled and finely sliced; or 1/4 cup of red onion

 

You can find this article and more in ReachUP Edition: Summer 2013

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