Vibrant Paprika Cucumber Diet Salad for a Fresh Start
Paprika and Cucumber Salad Recipe: A Deliciously Light and Healthy Diet Meal
This vibrant Paprika and Cucumber Diet Salad is not only visually appealing with its colorful ingredients but also incredibly crisp and refreshing. It’s a perfect choice for a healthy diet meal, offering a guilt-free way to satisfy your hunger. The combination of fresh vegetables, crunchy nuts, and a tangy-sweet balsamic dressing makes it a delightful appetizer or a light main course. Easy to prepare with simple ingredients, this recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to eat healthy without compromising on taste!
Main Ingredients
- 1 Cucumber
- 1 Onion (small)
- 1 Yellow Bell Pepper
- 1 Red Bell Pepper
- 2 Korean Green Chilies (adjust to spice preference)
- 3 Hard-boiled Eggs
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Begin by preparing all the vegetables and hard-boiled eggs for the salad. You’ll need 1 cucumber, 1 small onion, 1 yellow bell pepper, 1 red bell pepper, 2 Korean green chilies (you can adjust the amount based on how spicy you like it), and 3 hard-boiled eggs. Having the eggs pre-boiled will save you time.
Step 2
Wash the cucumber thoroughly. Using a vegetable peeler, carefully peel off only the bumpy ridges, leaving some green skin for color. Trim off both ends, then slice the cucumber into 0.5cm thick rounds. Cut these rounds into quarters to create bite-sized pieces.
Step 3
Peel the small onion and chop it into chunky pieces. Avoid slicing it too thinly, as this can make it mushy; slightly thicker pieces will maintain a pleasant crunch.
Step 4
Place the prepared cucumber and onion in a bowl. Add 1 tablespoon of coarse salt and toss well to coat. Let it sit for 10 minutes to salt. This step draws out excess moisture, making the vegetables crisper and reducing any potential bitterness.
Step 5
Wash the yellow and red bell peppers under running water. Remove the stems and seeds, then chop them into bite-sized, square pieces. The sweetness and crunch of the bell peppers will greatly enhance the salad’s flavor profile.
Step 6
Finely chop the Korean green chilies. If you enjoy a spicier kick, feel free to add more chilies or leave some of the seeds in. If you prefer less heat, you can omit them or substitute with milder peppers like green bell peppers.
Step 7
Peel the hard-boiled eggs and chop them into coarse pieces. Avoid chopping them too finely; slightly larger chunks will provide a more satisfying texture to the salad.
Step 8
While the cucumber and onion are salting, gently shake the bowl or stir the contents occasionally. This ensures even salting and helps draw out moisture effectively.
Step 9
After 10 minutes of salting, rinse the cucumber and onion thoroughly under cold running water to remove all the salt. Drain them well in a colander.
Step 10
To ensure maximum water removal, place the colander-drained cucumber and onion into a salad spinner and spin. Removing as much excess water as possible is key to preventing a watery salad and maintaining its crispness.
Step 11
Combine all the prepared ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Add the well-drained cucumber and onion, chopped bell peppers and chilies, and the chopped hard-boiled eggs. Gently toss everything together to mix. Be careful not to overmix, as this can crush the vegetables.
Step 12
Portion the salad into individual serving bowls as needed. If you’re not serving the entire salad at once, it’s best to add the dressing just before serving to keep the vegetables crisp.
Step 13
Now, let’s prepare the delicious dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together 5 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 4 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar, 1 tablespoon of plum extract, and 1 tablespoon of honey. This creates a well-balanced sweet and tangy flavor. Drizzle this dressing evenly over the salad.
Step 14
Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of chopped almonds over the salad for a nutty crunch. You can substitute with chopped walnuts or other nuts if you prefer.
Step 15
For an extra touch of flavor and visual appeal, drizzle with balsamic glaze if desired. The glaze adds a touch of sweetness and a beautiful sheen to the salad.
Step 16
Your fresh and healthy Paprika Cucumber Diet Salad is ready! Enjoy your delicious meal!
