A Refreshing Symphony: Fresh Mint and Cucumber Salad with Tahini Vinaigrette

The mere mention of a chilled cucumber salad can transport me back to countless sun-drenched afternoons. I recall one particular summer, visiting a friend’s family in a small village outside of Beirut. The air was thick with the scent of jasmine, and the hospitality was as warm as the midday sun. For one of their leisurely lunches, served outdoors under a sprawling fig tree, a simple yet utterly captivating salad graced the table. It was this very dish – cool, crisp cucumber, brightened by fresh mint, all enrobed in a wonderfully creamy, nutty tahini dressing. It was an awakening for my palate, a testament to how a few humble ingredients, treated with care, can create something truly magical. This salad is more than just a side dish; it’s a palate cleanser, a refreshing counterpoint to richer flavors, and a testament to the elegance of simplicity.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Servings: 2
• Yield: Approximately 3 cups
• Dietary Type: Vegan, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

Tahini Vinaigrette

• 2 tablespoons tahini
• 3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil (or grapeseed oil)
• 1/4 cup lemon juice, freshly squeezed
• 2 teaspoons shallots, minced (or red onion or the white part of a scallion)
• 1 small garlic clove, minced
• 2 tablespoons light agave nectar (or honey, if not strictly vegan)
• 3/4 cup plain soy yogurt (or regular yogurt, if not dairy-free)
• 1/4 cup white wine vinegar
• 1 pinch ground cayenne pepper
• Sea salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, optional

Salad

• 1 large English cucumber, peeled and thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon fresh mint, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, minced

Equipment Needed

• Blender (for the vinaigrette)
• Small bowl (for assembling the salad)
• Whisk (optional, if not using a blender for vinaigrette)
• Measuring cups and spoons

Instructions

Creating this delightful salad is a straightforward process, designed to let the fresh ingredients shine. The key lies in the vibrant tahini vinaigrette, which brings everything together with its creamy texture and bright flavor.

To Make the Vinaigrette:

1. In the carafe of a blender, combine the tahini, extra virgin olive oil (or grapeseed oil), lemon juice, minced shallots, minced garlic clove, light agave nectar (or honey), plain soy yogurt (or regular yogurt), white wine vinegar, and 1/4 cup of water.
2. Blend all the ingredients until the mixture is perfectly smooth. If the dressing is too thick for your liking and you desire a more pourable consistency, add more water, a tablespoon at a time, and blend again until the desired pourability is achieved.
3. Once smooth, add the pinch of ground cayenne pepper.
4. Season the vinaigrette generously with sea salt to taste. If you prefer a touch of spice, you can also add freshly ground black pepper at this stage. Blend briefly to incorporate the seasonings.

To Make the Salad:

1. Prepare the English cucumber by peeling it thoroughly. Then, thinly slice the cucumber.
2. Place the sliced cucumber into a small bowl.
3. Pour enough of the prepared tahini vinaigrette over the cucumber slices to coat them generously. You may not need all of the dressing, depending on your preference for the amount of dressing on your salad.
4. Sprinkle the minced fresh mint and minced fresh parsley over the dressed cucumber.
5. Gently toss all the ingredients together to combine them thoroughly.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy this wonderfully refreshing salad.

Expert Tips & Tricks

The beauty of this salad lies in its simplicity, but a few pointers can elevate it even further. For instance, the quality of your tahini can significantly impact the final flavor. Opt for a good quality, creamy tahini that has been well-stirred before measuring. If you don’t have a blender, you can meticulously whisk all the vinaigrette ingredients together in a bowl, starting with the tahini and gradually incorporating the liquids and aromatics. Be patient and whisk vigorously to achieve a smooth emulsion. When it comes to the cucumber, using an English cucumber is ideal due to its thin skin and fewer seeds, which means less prep work and a more uniform texture. If you only have regular cucumbers, ensure you peel them well and, if they have large seeds, you might consider scooping them out with a spoon before slicing. For a vibrant presentation, consider reserving a few small mint leaves for a garnish.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This fresh mint and cucumber salad is best served immediately to enjoy its crisp texture. It makes a perfect accompaniment to grilled meats, fish, or as a refreshing addition to a mezze platter. For an impromptu light lunch, it stands beautifully on its own. If you happen to have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The cucumber will soften slightly over time, but the flavors will meld beautifully. It’s generally not recommended to freeze this salad, as the texture of the cucumber would be compromised upon thawing.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	838.5 kcal	–
Calories from Fat	795 kcal	–
Total Fat	88.4 g	136%
Saturated Fat	12.3 g	61%
Cholesterol	0 mg	0%
Sodium	18.6 mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate	13.5 g	4%
Dietary Fiber	2.6 g	10%
Sugars	3.3 g	13%
Protein	4.1 g	8%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredient choices and brands used.

Variations & Substitutions

While this recipe is a triumph in its classic form, it’s also wonderfully adaptable. If you’re not a fan of shallots, finely minced red onion or the white part of a scallion can be used as a substitute, offering a slightly different but still delicious aromatic base. For those who prefer a less potent garlic flavor, you can reduce the amount of garlic clove or even skip it entirely if desired. The choice of oil is yours; while extra virgin olive oil provides a rich, fruity note, a neutral grapeseed oil offers a lighter profile that allows the tahini and lemon to stand out more prominently. If you’re looking to add a bit more texture or substance, consider adding thinly sliced radishes for a peppery crunch, or some toasted sesame seeds for an extra nutty element. A sprinkle of sumac can also add a delightful tang and a pop of color.

FAQs

Q: Can I make the tahini vinaigrette ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! The vinaigrette can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You may need to whisk or blend it again before serving if it separates.

Q: What is the best way to peel an English cucumber?
A: You can use a vegetable peeler to remove the skin. For a decorative touch, you can leave some strips of the peel on for a striped effect.

Q: Can I use a different type of yogurt in the vinaigrette?
A: Yes, you can use other plain, unsweetened yogurts such as coconut yogurt or almond yogurt for a vegan option, or regular dairy yogurt if dairy is not an issue. Ensure it’s plain and unsweetened to avoid altering the flavor profile.

Q: How do I prevent the salad from becoming watery?
A: While this salad is meant to be dressed, if you are concerned about excess moisture, you can lightly salt the cucumber slices and let them sit in a colander for about 15-20 minutes to draw out some of their liquid before proceeding with the recipe. Pat them dry with a paper towel before dressing.

Q: Is this salad suitable for a picnic or potluck?
A: Yes, it travels well if kept chilled. It’s best to dress the salad just before serving to maintain the best texture, but you can transport the dressing separately and toss everything together at your destination.

Final Thoughts

This Fresh Mint and Cucumber Salad with Tahini Vinaigrette is a testament to the power of simple, fresh ingredients harmonizing beautifully. It’s a dish that speaks of sunshine, good company, and the joy of uncomplicated, flavorful food. I encourage you to bring this vibrant creation to your table, whether it’s for a light lunch, a refreshing side, or as part of a larger spread. Let its clean flavors cleanse your palate and awaken your senses. Don’t hesitate to experiment with the variations, but always remember the core elegance of this delightful salad. I’d love to hear about your experiences with this dish, so please share your thoughts and any creative twists you discover!