Cucumber Sumac Recipe: A Refreshing Summer Salad

If you’re looking to add a refreshing twist to your summer meals, you’ve got to try a cucumber sumac salad. This dish combines crisp cucumbers with the tangy taste of sumac, creating a vibrant, mouth-watering salad. Sumac is a spice commonly used in Middle Eastern cuisine, known for its citrusy flavor that perfectly balances with the fresh cucumbers.

I love making this salad because it’s incredibly simple yet so flavorful. You only need a few ingredients: fresh cucumbers, olive oil, sumac, feta cheese and a bit of mint or parsley. The result is a light but satisfying dish that’s perfect for hot days or as a side to your favorite grilled meats.

Beyond its great taste, this cucumber sumac salad is also very healthy. Cucumbers are low in calories but high in vitamins and antioxidants, making this a guilt-free addition to your diet. Give it a try, and I promise it will become a staple in your summer recipe collection!

Why I Love This Salad

Cucumber sumac salad has a special place in my heart. The cucumbers bring a refreshing crunch that’s perfect for any meal. They’re light and juicy, making the salad feel incredibly fresh.

Sumac is another reason I adore this salad. This spice, often found in Middle Eastern cuisine, adds a unique tangy flavor and bright red color to the dish. The ground sumac gives just the right amount of acidity, enhancing the taste without overpowering it.

I also love how simple and quick it is to prepare. Just a few ingredients like cucumbers, sumac, olive oil, and some spices, and it’s done. Despite its simplicity, the flavors are rich and satisfying.

The salad is also versatile. I can enjoy it alone or as a side dish. It’s perfect for summer barbecues or weeknight dinners. Adding mint or feta cheese can also give it an extra twist and make it even more delightful.

Finally, this salad is healthy. Cucumbers are low in calories but high in water and essential nutrients. The olive oil brings a touch of healthy fat, while the sumac offers antioxidants.

This combination of taste, simplicity, and healthiness makes cucumber sumac salad one of my favorites.

Ingredients

For my cucumber sumac recipe, you’ll need a few simple ingredients. Each one brings a unique taste to the dish.

Cucumbers are the main ingredient. Their crisp texture adds a refreshing crunch to the salad. I usually prefer using English cucumbers, but any kind will work.

Sumac gives the salad a zesty kick. This spice has a tangy, lemony flavor that really brightens up the dish. I use about one tablespoon.

Olive Oil adds richness to the salad. A tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil is enough to tie everything together.

Lemon Juice is essential. The juice from one lemon adds a fresh and vibrant flavor. It also helps to enhance the sumac.

Red Onions bring a slight sharpness. I slice them thinly so they blend well with the cucumbers.

Mint Leaves add a burst of freshness. Chopped mint on top makes the salad feel even more refreshing.

Salt and Pepper are needed for seasoning. These simple spices help to balance all the flavors.

Feta Cheese (optional) can add a creamy, salty touch. A small amount can be sprinkled on top if you like.

Feel free to adjust the amounts to suit your taste. It’s a flexible, simple recipe that you can easily make your own!

Step by step instructions

Let’s make a delicious cucumber sumac salad together! These easy steps will help you create a refreshing and tangy dish.

Prep the cucumbers: Wash the cucumbers thoroughly under cold water. You can peel them if desired or leave the skin on for added texture. Slice the cucumbers thinly using a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer. Place the slices in a large mixing bowl.

Add Feta Cheese: Crumble the feta cheese over the dressed cucumbers in the bowl.

Season the salad: Drizzle the olive oil and lemon on the cucumbers and mix well. After mixing, sprinkle some ground sumac.

Sumac Cucumber Salad Variations

Sumac cucumber salad is a refreshing dish with diverse variations. From traditional Middle Eastern styles to more creative fusion approaches and different serving ideas, each version brings its own unique twist.

Traditional Middle Eastern Style

In the classic Middle Eastern style, sumac cucumber salad is simple and full of fresh flavors. I like to use a combination of cucumbers, red onions, and tomatoes, which are typical in Lebanese dishes like fattoush. A sprinkle of sumac gives it a tangy boost, while fresh mint leaves add an aromatic touch.

Tossing the ingredients with olive oil, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt ties everything together. This version is often enjoyed as a vegan side dish, perfect for summer meals and BBQs. Keeping it in the fridge for 30 minutes before serving enhances the flavors nicely.

Innovative Fusion Approaches

When I feel like experimenting, fusion approaches add a fun twist to the sumac cucumber salad. I often mix in ingredients like feta cheese for a Mediterranean vibe or avocado for a creamy texture. Adding fruits like pomegranate seeds or mango can introduce a sweet element that balances well with the tangy sumac.

Sometimes, I even swap in different herbs like cilantro or basil instead of mint, and drizzle with balsamic vinegar instead of lemon juice. These creative takes can transform the salad, making it a versatile dish that fits various taste preferences.

Serving Suggestions

Presentation matters, and serving this salad in a large, colorful serving bowl makes it a feast for the eyes. For special occasions, I like to add garnishes such as edible flowers or chopped nuts for extra crunch.

Pairing the sumac cucumber salad with grilled meats or falafel enhances the meal’s overall appeal. It’s also a great addition to a mezze platter, accompanied by hummus, olives, and flatbread. For a vegan option, I make sure all additional ingredients and side dishes are plant-based, ensuring it remains a delightful and inclusive part of the spread.