Cucumber And Noodle Salad
A refreshing cucumber and noodle salad with crunchy vegetables, creamy mayonnaise, and tangy vinegar, perfect for light lunches, picnics, or summer gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the noodles as directed on the box and drain.
- Slice and peel the cucumbers thinly.
- Chop the red onion, green pepper, and tomato.
- In a large bowl, combine the vinegar and mayonnaise.
- Add the sliced cucumbers, chopped onion, green pepper, and tomato to the bowl.
- Mix well to coat the vegetables with the dressing.
- Add the cooked noodles to the mixture and stir to combine.
- Refrigerate until chilled and ready to serve.
- Before serving, add the Parmesan cheese and mix well.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using a flavored vinegar such as apple cider or balsamic. If you're looking for a lighter alternative, Greek yogurt can replace mayonnaise for a creamy dressing. You can also incorporate additional vegetables like bell peppers or carrots to enhance the salad's crunch. Choose fresh, ripe tomatoes for the best taste and consider slicing cucumbers the day before to save time.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this refreshing salad as a light lunch or a side dish at barbecues and picnics. It pairs beautifully with Potatoes Au Gratin(Very Delicious And So Easy To Prepare) for a well-rounded meal. Garnish with fresh herbs like basil or parsley for an extra pop of color and flavor. This dish is also great on its own as a vegetarian option.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will meld together, making it even tastier the next day. If the noodles absorb too much dressing, add a splash of vinegar or a dollop of mayonnaise to refresh the salad before serving. Avoid freezing, as the texture may suffer.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cucumber And Noodle Salad contains roughly 269 calories, with 6g protein, 31g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (91% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare this salad in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the salad a few hours ahead of time. Just keep it refrigerated until you're ready to serve. If making a day in advance, consider adding the Parmesan cheese just before serving to maintain its texture.
What type of noodles work best for this dish?
Colored corkscrew noodles add a fun twist and visual appeal, but you can substitute with any short pasta like rotini or farfalle. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta can also be used for a healthier option.
Can I add protein to this salad?
Absolutely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas would boost the protein content and make the salad more filling. Just be sure to adjust the dressing quantities to accommodate the added ingredients.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).