Cucumber Delights
A colorful, savory salad featuring tender marinated eggs, crisp cucumber slices, crunchy toasted pecans, and a vibrant beet vinaigrette, perfect for summer gatherings or light lunches.
Ingredients
- 1 (5 oz.) can white chicken, drained and flaked ⓘ
- 1 hard-cooked egg, chopped fine ⓘ
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise ⓘ
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/4 cup finely chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped toasted pecans ⓘ
- dash of salt ⓘ
- dash of white pepper ⓘ
- 5 dozen cucumber slices
- 5 dozen pecan halves, toasted ⓘ
- 1 can small whole beets or 1 pound canned or home-grown beets ⓘ
- 1 cup cider vinegar ⓘ
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 3/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/4 cup water ⓘ
Instructions
- Empty the beets and their liquid into a small saucepan; add vinegar, sugar, and salt.
- Heat just until the sugar dissolves; then cool to room temperature.
- Place the peeled hard-cooked eggs in a medium-sized bowl or a half-gallon preserving jar.
- Pour the beet mixture over the eggs and add enough water to cover them.
- Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days, stirring now and then or inverting the jar gently to evenly color and flavor the eggs.
- To serve, spoon beets, eggs, and some of the liquid into a serving bowl.
- Arrange cucumber slices on a serving platter, top with the marinated eggs and beets, and garnish with toasted pecan halves.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a tangy twist. If you prefer crunch, substitute walnuts for pecans. Ensure the beets are fully cooled before marinating to prevent overcooking the eggs. This recipe can also be adapted to include fresh herbs like dill or chives for an extra layer of taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve cucumber delights as a refreshing appetizer or side dish at summer gatherings. They pair beautifully with a light salad or can complement dishes like Sweet Pepper Chowder. Garnish with additional herbs or a drizzle of balsamic reduction for an elegant presentation. This dish is also great for potlucks or picnics.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cucumber delights in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The marinated eggs will continue to develop flavor, but the cucumber slices may become soggy. If you have leftover marinated eggs, they can be enjoyed on their own or added to salads for a flavorful addition.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cucumber Delights contains roughly 217 calories, with 2g protein, 13g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 562mg per serving (24% of the Daily Value).
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
How long can I marinate the eggs?
You can marinate the eggs for 2 to 3 days in the refrigerator. The longer they sit in the beet mixture, the more intense the flavor and color will be. Just remember to stir or invert the jar occasionally to ensure an even distribution of color.
Can I use fresh beets instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh beets! Simply boil or roast them until tender, then peel and chop before adding to the beet mixture. Fresh beets may take a bit more time to prepare, but they will add a great depth of flavor to your dish.
What if I don't have cider vinegar?
If you don't have cider vinegar, white wine vinegar or red wine vinegar can be good substitutes. Each type of vinegar will lend a slightly different flavor, but they will still work well in this recipe. Just ensure to adjust sugar and salt to taste, if needed.
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).