Fresh Sumac Cucumber Salad Recipe: A Zesty Summer Delight

Crisp summer days call for a refreshing sumac cucumber salad that bursts with vibrant Mediterranean flavors.

Cucumber slices dance with tangy sumac spice, creating a light and zesty companion to grilled meats.

Bright herbs and a zingy dressing bring unexpected depth to this simple side dish.

Salt and acid play together, highlighting the cucumber’s natural coolness.

Sumac’s lemony punch adds a surprising twist that will make you rethink ordinary salads.

Minimal ingredients combine for maximum impact, promising a dish that looks as stunning as it tastes.

You’ll want to serve this at every gathering, impressing everyone with its elegant simplicity.

Why Sumac Cucumber Salad: Refreshing & Zesty Recipe Pops With Flavor

• Boost Flavor Complexity: Sumac adds a tangy, lemony punch that transforms ordinary cucumbers into a zesty culinary experience, making this salad far from boring.
• Master Quick Preparation: Slice, chop, and mix ingredients in minutes, creating a stunning side dish that looks like you've spent hours in the kitchen without much effort.
• Healthy Nutrition Powerhouse: Packed with fresh herbs, crisp cucumbers, and light dressing, this salad delivers maximum nutrition with minimal calories, perfect for health-conscious food lovers.
• Versatile Serving Champion: Works brilliantly as a side for grilled meats, Mediterranean dishes, or standalone light lunch, adapting seamlessly to different meal styles and preferences.

What You’ll Use In Sumac Cucumber Salad: Refreshing & Zesty Recipe

• Cucumber: A crisp and cool base that provides a refreshing foundation for the salad.
• Parsley: A bright green herb that adds a fresh and clean flavor profile.
• Mint: An optional herb that brings a cool and aromatic touch to the salad.

• Olive Oil: A smooth and rich liquid that helps bind the ingredients and adds depth to the flavor.
• Lemon Juice: A tangy ingredient that provides a zesty and bright acidic note to the salad.
• Sumac: A vibrant red spice with a tart and lemony flavor that gives the salad its distinctive Middle Eastern character.
• Salt: A seasoning that enhances and balances the overall taste of the dish.

• Red Pepper Flakes: A spicy ingredient that adds a gentle heat and extra complexity to the salad for those who enjoy a kick of spiciness.

How To Build Sumac Cucumber Salad: Refreshing & Zesty Recipe

Step 1: Slice Fresh Cucumbers

Wash cucumbers thoroughly. Using a sharp knife, slice cucumbers into thin, delicate rounds. Choose a mandoline slicer for uniform, paper-thin slices if you want precision. Transfer sliced cucumbers to a spacious mixing bowl.

• Cucumber
• Sharp knife or mandoline slicer

Aim for translucent, almost see-through slices that will absorb dressing beautifully.

Step 2: Chop Vibrant Herbs

Rinse parsley and mint under cool water. Pat dry with paper towels. Using a sharp knife, finely chop herbs to release their aromatic oils. Sprinkle chopped herbs directly over cucumber slices.

• Fresh parsley
• Fresh mint
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife

Step 3: Whisk Zesty Dressing

In a separate small bowl, combine liquid ingredients. Whisk together with enthusiasm to create a harmonious blend.

• Olive oil
• Fresh lemon juice
• Sumac spice
• Kosher salt

Whisk until ingredients are fully incorporated and the dressing looks smooth and slightly emulsified.

Step 4: Dress and Toss Salad

Pour whisked dressing over cucumber and herb mixture. Use a gentle folding motion to coat every slice evenly. Ensure each cucumber piece gets a delightful coating of the sumac-infused dressing.

Step 5: Season and Enhance

• Red pepper flakes
• Additional sumac
• Extra salt
• Cracked black pepper

Step 6: Allow Flavors to Mingle

Let salad rest at room temperature for 10-15 minutes. This waiting period allows herbs and dressing to penetrate cucumber slices, creating a more complex flavor profile.

Step 7: Serve and Savor

Transfer salad to a serving dish. Garnish with extra herb sprigs if desired. Serve chilled or at room temperature as a refreshing side dish or light appetizer.

Tips That Help Sumac Cucumber Salad: Refreshing & Zesty Recipe Shine

• Slice Cucumbers Precisely: Use a sharp knife or mandoline for uniform, thin cucumber slices to ensure even dressing distribution and a professional look.
• Balance Herb Freshness: Choose crisp, vibrant parsley and mint leaves to enhance the salad's zesty flavor profile and maintain a bright, aromatic texture.
• Control Sumac Intensity: Start with a small amount of sumac and gradually add more to suit your taste preferences without overpowering other ingredients.
• Enhance Dressing Consistency: Whisk olive oil and lemon juice thoroughly to create a smooth, well-integrated dressing that coats cucumber slices evenly.
• Optimize Flavor Infusion: Allow salad to rest for 10-15 minutes before serving, enabling herbs and spices to meld and develop a more complex taste experience.

Tasty Twists For Sumac Cucumber Salad: Refreshing & Zesty Recipe

• Mediterranean Greek Style: Replace sumac with dried oregano and add crumbled feta cheese for a Greek-inspired version that brings tangy Mediterranean flavors.
• Vegan Protein Boost: Incorporate diced tofu or chickpeas to increase protein content, making the salad more substantial and nutritionally balanced.
• Spicy Persian Remix: Add minced garlic, ground cumin, and a sprinkle of Aleppo pepper for a bolder, spicier Middle Eastern-inspired cucumber salad with extra depth.
• Low-Carb Keto Option: Use spiralized cucumber instead of sliced, and increase healthy fats by adding sliced almonds and extra olive oil to align with ketogenic dietary requirements.

What Pairs Best With Sumac Cucumber Salad: Refreshing & Zesty Recipe

• Pair with Grilled Proteins: Complement the zesty cucumber salad with succulent grilled chicken, lamb, or fish to balance the bright, tangy flavors and create a complete Mediterranean-inspired meal.
• Matching Wine Selection: Choose a crisp, light white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that echoes the salad's refreshing qualities and cuts through its herbal notes.
• Mediterranean Bread Companions: Serve alongside warm pita bread, lavash, or focaccia to soak up the delicious dressing and provide a hearty texture contrast to the cool, crunchy cucumbers.
• Enhance with Creamy Yogurt Dip: Add a side of Greek yogurt mixed with garlic and herbs to create a cooling counterpoint to the sumac's zesty punch and provide a rich, smooth element to the dish.

How To Store Sumac Cucumber Salad: Refreshing & Zesty Recipe Right

• Store leftovers in a sealed glass or plastic container for up to 2 days. Keep in the coldest part of your refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent wilting.
• Before storing, drain any extra liquid to prevent soggy cucumbers. Use a slotted spoon when transferring salad to prevent wateriness.
• When ready to eat, give the salad a quick stir to redistribute the dressing. Serve directly from the refrigerator for the best crisp texture.
• Do not freeze this salad, as cucumbers will become mushy and lose their delightful crunch. Fresh is always best with this type of cucumber dish.

FAQs For Sumac Cucumber Salad: Refreshing & Zesty Recipe

• What is sumac and why is it used in this salad?

Sumac is a tangy, lemony spice from Middle Eastern cuisine. It adds a bright, zesty flavor to the cucumber salad, enhancing the overall taste with its unique citrusy notes.

• Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this salad a few hours in advance. The flavors actually improve as they sit, making it a great make-ahead dish for gatherings or meal prep.

• Is this salad healthy?

Absolutely! Cucumbers are low in calories and high in water content, while herbs like parsley and mint provide additional nutrients. The olive oil and lemon dressing offers heart-healthy benefits.

Sumac Cucumber Salad Recipe

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• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sumac cucumber salad brings Mediterranean zest to your table with crisp cucumbers and tangy spice. Cool herbal notes and bright lemon create a refreshing side dish that elevates simple ingredients into an irresistible Mediterranean experience.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Vegetables:

• 2 large cucumbers

Herbs:

• 1/4 cup parsley
• 2 tablespoons mint

Dressing Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon sumac
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt to taste
• Red pepper flakes

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Instructions

1. Prepare the base by thinly slicing cucumbers into delicate rounds, ensuring uniform thickness for consistent texture and visual appeal.
2. Finely chop fresh parsley and mint leaves, releasing their aromatic oils and enhancing the salad’s vibrant flavor profile.
3. Create a zesty dressing by whisking together extra virgin olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, ground sumac, and a pinch of sea salt until the mixture emulsifies smoothly.
4. Gently fold the herb-infused dressing into the cucumber slices, ensuring each piece is elegantly coated and the flavors are distributed evenly.
5. Allow the salad to marinate for 10-15 minutes at room temperature, enabling the cucumbers to absorb the tangy sumac and citrus notes.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning, adding additional salt, sumac, or red pepper flakes to personalize the salad’s flavor intensity.
7. Serve chilled or at ambient temperature as a refreshing accompaniment to grilled meats, Mediterranean dishes, or as a standalone light appetizer.

Notes

• Swap cucumbers with zucchini or radishes for a different texture and flavor profile when traditional cucumbers aren’t available.
• Reduce sodium by using low-salt alternatives or omitting added salt entirely for health-conscious diners.
• Add protein by incorporating crumbled feta cheese or diced grilled chicken to transform this side dish into a light main course.
• Balance sumac’s tangy flavor by adjusting lemon juice quantity based on personal taste preferences and desired acidity level.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 60
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 200mg
• Fat: 5g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 7g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 0mg