Basque-style Marinated Cucumber Salad

Ingredients

In the original Romanian dish, Salată de castraveți, the cucumbers are typically marinated in a mixture of vinegar, water, salt, and sugar. However, in this Basque adaptation, we use a combination of vinegar, olive oil, garlic, and herbs to infuse the cucumbers with a tangy and herbaceous flavor that is characteristic of Basque cuisine. This adaptation adds a unique twist to the traditional Romanian dish, creating a refreshing and vibrant salad that is perfect for Basque-inspired meals. We alse have the original recipe for Salată de castraveți, so you can check it out.

• 4 medium cucumbers, thinly sliced 4 medium cucumbers, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup (60ml) white wine vinegar 1/4 cup (60ml) white wine vinegar
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) extra virgin olive oil 2 tablespoons (30ml) extra virgin olive oil
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 70 kcal / 293 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 5g, 0.7g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 6g, 2g
• Protein: 1g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 0.1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large bowl, combine the white wine vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and thyme leaves. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
2. 2.
   Add the thinly sliced cucumbers to the bowl and toss gently to coat them evenly with the marinade.
3. 3.
   Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
4. 4.
   Before serving, give the salad a gentle toss to redistribute the marinade. Adjust the seasoning if needed.
5. 5.
   Serve the Basque-style Marinated Cucumber Salad chilled as a refreshing side dish.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Cucumbers — Choose firm and fresh cucumbers for the best texture. If the cucumbers have large seeds, you can remove them before slicing to avoid any bitterness.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade.
• You can customize the herbs in the marinade based on your preference. Basil or mint can be great additions for a different flavor profile.
• If you prefer a sweeter taste, you can add a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup to the marinade.

Serving advice

Serve the Basque-style Marinated Cucumber Salad chilled as a refreshing side dish alongside grilled fish or meat. It also pairs well with crusty bread and a glass of chilled white wine.

Presentation advice

Arrange the thinly sliced cucumbers in a circular pattern on a serving platter. Drizzle some of the marinade over the top and garnish with a sprig of fresh parsley or thyme. This will create an appealing visual presentation that showcases the vibrant green color of the salad.