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 Vinaigrette | Za'atar Spice Blend |
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- 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.
- To make a za'atar, just stir together all ingredients in a small bowl.
- 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.
- Arrange them on a platter. Sprinkle some za'atar and pink peppercorns if using.
40 comments:
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!!
Nice crunchy delight. I want to try this.
Refreshing, aromatic and very light your cucumber salad, dressed with oriental flavors.
Have a good day!
It does sound refreshing! I've never mixed smoked with vinegar, so that sounds unusual. Loving that little wooden handle spoon!
...cucumbers aren't just for pickling.
This is intriguing, going to give this a go today it goes great with our corned beef sandwiches!
Looks lovely and would taste good.
I'm the only cucumber lover in the house so this salad would be ALL for me! Delicious, Angie.
This does sound fantastic Angie! Have a great weekend. :)
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?
looks crunchy and delicious!
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!
I love cucumber salad, and cutting them lengthwise makes such a beautiful presentation, sounds yummy!
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.
That would be a big hit here, we love cucumbers!
I can’t wait to make this vinaigrette! I can see it on all kinds of different salads, including greens, beans, grains…. Thanks!
@New Classic r Yes, but I won't make a huge batch because it will go bad soon because of fresh herbs.
So, so nice -- wonderful flavor. Thanks!
Interesting that you made cucumber spears- I made a cucumber salad too this week and grated it with radish. Love all your seasonings too
Que ricos así los pepinos.
El zaatar me encanta :-)))
1 saludito
Sounds very tasty and looks delicious.
That looks very delicious 😊
Very new recipe! Looks very colorful and delicious.
Gracias por la receta nunca he comido el pepino de esa manera. Ya haré la receta te mando un beso
Super yummy!
Bellissimo piatto estivo, fresco e colorato!
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!
My taste, love zaatar :)
It looks so fresh!!.....a tempting cucumber salad....I love Persian food!!.... Abrazotes, Marcela
That does look very nice, I must remember to get some cucumbers this week :)
All the best Jan
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!! :)
I will use the recipe because I like such flavors
Davvero squisita questa insalata😜
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!
I love this salad, Angie. So nice to keep the cucumbers in long pieces, as it makes for such a pretty presentation. :-) ~Valentina
My cucumber plants have lots of babies growing on them right now and I can't wait to try this! So flavorful!
Wow, your use of spices make this salad pop, with colors and flavors.
We are eating A LOT of cucumbers right now. Thank for another creative recipe and tasty way to serve cucumbers. Love it.
What a creative and beautiful way to serve cucumber in a salad! I love how your salads always look so varied :)
Yes sometimes cucumbers are left extra, best to bring it high preps like this, looks crunchy with delicious seasonings.
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