Crisp Lettuce and Cucumber Salad
No-Cook Lettuce and Cucumber Salad
Here’s a simple and refreshing lettuce and cucumber salad, perfect for a light meal or side dish. This no-cook recipe is incredibly easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or when you want something quick and healthy. The crisp texture of the fresh vegetables combined with a tangy and sweet dressing is sure to awaken your appetite. Enjoy this delightful salad, especially on breezy days like today!
Main Ingredients- 1 bunch lettuce
- 1 cucumber
- 1/4 onion
- 1/4 red bell pepper
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Wash the lettuce thoroughly under running water and gently pat it dry. Tear the lettuce into bite-sized pieces by hand.
Step 2
Thinly slice the cucumber. Slicing it thinly will help it absorb the dressing better and maintain a crisp texture.
Step 3
Sprinkle the thinly sliced cucumber with 1/2 tsp of salt and let it sit for 10 minutes. This process draws out excess water, ensuring the cucumber stays crisp and doesn’t become soggy.
Step 4
Thinly slice the onion into strips. If you have green onions, chop them. If you don’t have carrots, thinly slicing a red bell pepper will add a lovely color contrast.
Step 5
After 10 minutes, gently squeeze the excess water from the salted cucumber with your hands. You’ll be surprised how much water is released! This step is crucial for a crisp salad.
Step 6
In a large bowl, combine the squeezed cucumber, sliced onion, and bell pepper. Add all the seasoning ingredients: sugar, soy sauce, gochugaru, plum extract, vinegar, minced garlic, and perilla oil. Mix gently to coat all the vegetables evenly.
Step 7
Finally, add the torn lettuce and chopped green onions. Toss gently to coat the lettuce with the dressing, being careful not to overmix, which could make the lettuce mushy.
Step 8
Transfer the salad to a serving dish and sprinkle with 1 tsp of sesame seeds. Your refreshing lettuce and cucumber salad is ready to enjoy! Its crispness and balanced sweet and tangy flavor are sure to be a hit.
