Saturday, July 03, 2021

Persian Cucumber Salad with Smoked Paprika Vinaigrette and Za'atar


© 2021 | http://angiesrecipes.blogspot.com




© 2021 | http://angiesrecipes.blogspot.com



© 2021 | http://angiesrecipes.blogspot.com


Take the humble cucumbers to new heights with this easy, refreshing salad tossed with smoked paprika vinaigrette and sprinkled with a homemade za'atar. Any cucumber will do in this salad, but I just love the mini thin-skinned Persian variety. It's perfect as a side for an outdoor grill.
Persian cucumbers are thin-skinned and only grow to be about five to six inches long and remain quite narrow. They are crispier and have a mild and sweet flavour. You can use other mini cucmbers too.
Za'atar is typically a combination of dried oregano, thyme, and/or marjoram with sumac and toasted sesame seeds. You can purchase this middle Eastern spice mix or easily make your own at home.

Salad & Smoked Paprika VinaigretteZa'atar Spice Blend
  • 120 ml Extra-virgin olive oil
  • 3 tbsp Sherry vinegar
  • 1 Shallot, minced
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 3/4 sp Smoked paprika
  • 1/4 tsp Salt
  • 1/4 tsp Freshly ground pepper
  • 750 g Persian cucumbers, quartered lengthwise
  • 1 tbsp Chopped fresh dill
  • Pink peppercorns, to garnish, optional
  • 1 tbsp Dried thyme
  • 1 tsp Dried oregano
  • 2 tbsp Sesame seeds, toasted
  • 1 tbsp Sumac
  • 1/2 tsp Salt
  1. Place olive oil, vinegar, shallot, Dijon, smoked paprika, salt and pepper in a blender or a jar with a tight-fitting lid. Blend or shake until well combined.
  2. To make a za'atar, just stir together all ingredients in a small bowl.
  3. Toss cucumbers in a large bowl with the dressing. Chill, tossing once, for 1-2 hours. Just before serving, add dill and toss to combine.
  4. Arrange them on a platter. Sprinkle some za'atar and pink peppercorns if using.

© 2021 | http://angiesrecipes.blogspot.com





© 2021 | http://angiesrecipes.blogspot.com


40 comments:

  1. Qué tentación!!
    Excelente y colorida presentación.
    No todas vuesteas recetas puedo seguir; no todos los ingredientes se pueden conseguir. Igualmente, se puede hacer algo semejante, sustituir o anular lo que no se encuentre en nuestro mercado.
    Un placer!
    Buen fin de semana!!

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  2. Nice crunchy delight. I want to try this.

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  3. Refreshing, aromatic and very light your cucumber salad, dressed with oriental flavors.
    Have a good day!

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  4. It does sound refreshing! I've never mixed smoked with vinegar, so that sounds unusual. Loving that little wooden handle spoon!

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  5. ...cucumbers aren't just for pickling.

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  6. This is intriguing, going to give this a go today it goes great with our corned beef sandwiches!

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  7. Looks lovely and would taste good.

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  8. I'm the only cucumber lover in the house so this salad would be ALL for me! Delicious, Angie.

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  9. This does sound fantastic Angie! Have a great weekend. :)

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  10. This recipe is an even better version of a refrigerator pickle. Definitely adding it to my rotation. Could I use fresh herbs to make the za'atar?

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  11. looks crunchy and delicious!

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  12. Such a refreshing, easy yet absolutely flavourful summer recipe! I am a huge fan of smoked paprika using it almost in every savoury dish, so this looks and sounds right up my alley!

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  13. I love cucumber salad, and cutting them lengthwise makes such a beautiful presentation, sounds yummy!

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  14. While I don't have the Persian variety of cucumbers, I have a regular one and I'm looking forward to preparing it using your recipe. Certainly not your usual cucumber salad.

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  15. That would be a big hit here, we love cucumbers!

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  16. I can’t wait to make this vinaigrette! I can see it on all kinds of different salads, including greens, beans, grains…. Thanks!

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  17. @New Classic r Yes, but I won't make a huge batch because it will go bad soon because of fresh herbs.

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  18. So, so nice -- wonderful flavor. Thanks!

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  19. Interesting that you made cucumber spears- I made a cucumber salad too this week and grated it with radish. Love all your seasonings too

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  20. Que ricos así los pepinos.
    El zaatar me encanta :-)))
    1 saludito

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  21. Sounds very tasty and looks delicious.

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  22. That looks very delicious 😊

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  23. Very new recipe! Looks very colorful and delicious.

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  24. Gracias por la receta nunca he comido el pepino de esa manera. Ya haré la receta te mando un beso

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  25. Bellissimo piatto estivo, fresco e colorato!

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  26. Cucumber salads are a must for me during the summer, so I can't wait to try yours, Angie!! It's so unique AND beautiful!!! I'm going to make this to eat while sitting outside next to the pool!

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  27. My taste, love zaatar :)

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  28. It looks so fresh!!.....a tempting cucumber salad....I love Persian food!!.... Abrazotes, Marcela

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  29. That does look very nice, I must remember to get some cucumbers this week :)

    All the best Jan

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  30. I know that cucumber is supposed to good for you, but it is probably my least favourite salad item and I usually only eat it sparingly. Your Persian cucumber sounds really different though, as does the Za'atar dressing. I think this would be a great flavour combination to make the humble cucumber a whole lot more interesting!! :)

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  31. I will use the recipe because I like such flavors

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  32. Davvero squisita questa insalata😜

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  33. I've never had a cucumber salad like this before, it looks amazing! Loving these kind of refreshing recipes at the moment, so I'm definitely trying this out. Thanks for the idea!

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  34. I love this salad, Angie. So nice to keep the cucumbers in long pieces, as it makes for such a pretty presentation. :-) ~Valentina

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  35. My cucumber plants have lots of babies growing on them right now and I can't wait to try this! So flavorful!

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  36. Wow, your use of spices make this salad pop, with colors and flavors.

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  37. We are eating A LOT of cucumbers right now. Thank for another creative recipe and tasty way to serve cucumbers. Love it.

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  38. What a creative and beautiful way to serve cucumber in a salad! I love how your salads always look so varied :)

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  39. Yes sometimes cucumbers are left extra, best to bring it high preps like this, looks crunchy with delicious seasonings.

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