Healthy Eating - Cucumbers

As part of W-CAP's ongoing efforts to inspire and educate, we will be featuring a vegetable each month with ideas and recipes to go along with it. 

Cucumbers

WAYS TO USE CUCUMBER:

1.       Use instead of rice to accompany the main dish/meat.

2.       Slice and soak in salt water and chill for a few hours.

3.       Serve with pilikaki in soups are salads.

4.       Top sandwiches with cucumber.

5.       Top slices of cucumber with pilikaki or tuna.

DELICIOUS CUCUMBER COLESLAW

1 small head cabbage, green or red, finely sliced

2 med. cucumbers, thinly sliced

2 med. carrots, grated or chopped small

Mix all ingredients together, add Italian dressing or mayonnaise with a small amount of milk and salt and pepper to taste.

ADRIENNE’S CUCUMBER SALAD

Ingredients:

4 cucumbers, thinly sliced

1 small white onion, thinly sliced

1 cup white vinegar

1/2 cup water

3/4 cup white sugar

1 tablespoon dried dill, or to taste (optional)

Directions:

Toss together the cucumbers and onion in a large bowl. Combine the vinegar, water and sugar in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil, and pour over the cucumber and onions. Stir in dill, cover, and refrigerate until cold. This can also be eaten at room temperature, but be sure to allow the cucumbers to marinate for at least 1 hour.

Nutritional Information: Amount Per Serving Calories: 99 | Total Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 0mg

JAPANESE CUCUMBER SALAD—great for diabetes, weight loss and high in vitamins and minerals as well as low in fat so your entire family can enjoy!

Ingredients:

2 medium cucumbers

1/4 cup vinegar

1 teaspoon sugar

1/4 teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons sesame seeds, toasted (optional, see Tip)

Preparation:

Peel cucumbers to leave alternating green stripes. Slice the cucumbers in half lengthwise; scrape the seeds out with a spoon. Using a food processor or sharp knife, cut into very thin slices. Place in a double layer of paper towel and squeeze gently to remove any excess moisture.

Combine vinegar, sugar and salt in a medium bowl, stirring to dissolve. Add the cucumbers and sesame seeds; toss well to combine. Serve immediately.

Tip: To toast sesame seeds, heat a small dry skillet over low heat. Add sesame seeds and stir constantly until golden and fragrant, about 2 minutes. Transfer to a small bowl and let cool.