Quick Summer Cucumber Salad
What to do with an abundance of cucumbers? Besides pickling them for the winter, one of my favorite ways to enjoy cucumbers is in light, refreshing salads. They're the perfect pairing for a protein, or with mushrooms and rice for a quick summer meal. This is my number one go-to during farming season when I need a fresh vegetable snack that comes together in minutes.
Quick Summer Cucumber Salad
Ingredients:
2 cucumbers
1 lemon
1 spoonful aioli
Fresh thyme, to taste
Salt
Directions:
Toast the rice in a dry pan over medium heat until golden brown (about 10 minutes). Let cool, then grind using a spice grinder, mortar and pestle, or even a coffee grinder. Set aside.
Cook the ground pork in a pan over medium heat until fully cooked (4–5 minutes).
Add the fish sauce, the juice of 1 lime, shallot, scallions, cilantro, and chili. Cook for 1–2 more minutes.
Turn off the heat and let the pork mixture cool for 5–10 minutes.
Just before serving, fold in the mint, basil, and the toasted ground rice. Serve with large lettuce leaves and lime wedges. You can also add greens like cabbage and cucumber slices for more wrapping options.