Cucumber, Onion and Cayenne Salad – Use Greek Yogurt For A Healthier Version

Cucumber, Onion and Cayenne Salad – the perfect side dish for your summer get-together

As the picnics, parties, and family get-togethers begin this summer, its always good to add a new recipe to the collection.  I don’t know about you, but it seems like each year, I either bring or get asked to bring the same recipe over and over.  I am sure I could make my pasta salad recipe in my sleep, but sometimes its nice to have something different.  This cucumber, onion and cayenne recipe is great for putting together quickly – literally taking just 5 minutes to prepare the night before, and it’s ready to go the next day.

My Dad and I have been making this recipe for years.  I actually call him every spring just to make sure that I have the ingredients ‘just right’.  I even called him this week – not for tradition’s sake, but because I honestly need the reminder for the exact amount required for each ingredient, since I am more of a ‘throw it together’ and ‘see how it tastes’ type of cook.   Dad doesn’t know it , but I replace the mayonnaise for greek yogurt to make it a little healthier.   And yes, he still loves it!!!

Cucumber, Onion and Cayenne Salad

Adding greek yogurt to the cream mixture makes this dish a little healthier.

INGREDIENTS: 

1 LARGE cucumber

1 LARGE sweet onion

1/4 cup red wine vinegar

1 single serving container of greek yogurt (original recipe calls for 1/4 cup of mayonnaise)

8 oz sour cream

1/4-1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper powder

Slice cucumber and onions into bite size pieces.

INSTRUCTIONS: 

1. Peel and slice your cucumber – I usually cut the cucumber lengthwise and end up with ‘half-moon’ slices for easy eating.

2. Slice onion into slivers

3. In a small bowl, combine vinegar, yogurt, sour cream and cayenne pepper.

4. Pour over cucumber and onion mixture.

After slicing cucumbers and onions, mix the cream mixture in and refrigerate over night for the best flavor.

5. Refrigerate for a few hours for the flavors to meld  (I prefer to make it the night before when time allows)

***If you taste test this recipes right after you make it and you think you need to add more cayenne pepper — be aware!!! The cayenne pepper will get stronger as the flavors blend.   There have been many times that I have added extra – only to find out the next day that only a brave few could tolerate the heat.

Enjoy!

Mary and Jim

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