Description
Sumac Cucumbers is a refreshing Middle Eastern-inspired salad featuring thinly sliced Persian cucumbers tossed with zesty lemon juice, fragrant parsley, and tangy ground sumac. This no-cook, easy-to-prepare dish is perfect as a light side or a vibrant accompaniment to grilled meats and other Mediterranean flavors.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 5-6 Persian cucumbers, thinly sliced into rounds
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 1 cup parsley leaves, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon ground sumac
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Add the sliced cucumbers, lemon juice, chopped parsley, kosher salt, and olive oil into a large serving bowl.
- Massage the Salad: Using clean hands, gently massage and toss the ingredients together for 2-3 minutes to evenly distribute flavors and soften the cucumbers slightly.
- Season with Sumac: Taste the salad and sprinkle the ground sumac over the mixture according to your preference, then toss again.
- Marinate: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and set aside at room temperature for 30 minutes. This resting period allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Serve: After marinating, give the salad a final gentle toss and serve chilled or at room temperature as a bright and tangy side dish.
Notes
- Use Persian cucumbers for their thin skin and fewer seeds, which make the salad less watery and more tender.
- If you can’t find ground sumac, try substituting with a small amount of lemon zest plus a pinch of salt, though the flavor won’t be quite the same.
- This salad is best served fresh but can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
- Adjust the amount of sumac to your liking; it adds a lovely citrusy tartness that defines the dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
