When the summer season blesses us with juicy plums and crisp cucumbers, it's the perfect opportunity to create a delightful and refreshing salad that captures the essence of the season. This Plum and Cucumber Salad combines the natural sweetness of ripe plums with the cool crunch of cucumbers, resulting in a perfect blend of flavors.
Ingredients
- 3 ripe plums, sliced into thin wedges
- 2 medium cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Method
- Begin by preparing the plums and cucumbers. Wash them thoroughly and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel. Slice the plums into thin wedges, discarding the pits, and place them in a large mixing bowl.
- Next, slice the cucumbers into thin rounds. Add the sliced cucumbers to the bowl with the plums.
- Thinly slice the red onion and add it to the bowl as well. Red onion adds a mild, tangy flavor that complements the sweetness of the plums.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper. This will be the dressing that ties the flavors together.
- Drizzle the dressing over the plum, cucumber, and onion mixture. Gently toss the ingredients to ensure even distribution of the dressing.
- Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the salad. Feta's creamy and slightly salty profile balances the fruitiness of the plums and the crispness of the cucumbers.
- Finally, add the chopped fresh mint and basil leaves. These aromatic herbs elevate the salad with their fragrant and vibrant notes.
- Give the salad one final gentle toss to combine all the ingredients and flavors. Taste and adjust the seasoning, if needed, with more salt, pepper, or a touch of honey.
- Let the salad sit for about 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and develop the perfect taste profile.
- Serve the Plum and Cucumber Salad in individual bowls or on a platter, garnished with a few extra mint and basil leaves for a pop of color.
The Plum and Cucumber Salad is a celebration of the finest summer produce. Its sweet and tangy flavors come together to create a light and invigorating dish that's perfect as a refreshing appetizer, a side salad for grilled mains, or even as a light lunch option on a warm day!
