Why you’ll love this za’atar cucumber salad
Cucumber salad is a go-to in our house, especially in the warmer weather months. It’s so simple to make and pairs well with some many cuisines. We love our sweet and spicy cucumber salad and our Mexican street corn salad with cucumber, but this variation is super simple and a little something different.
When we’re having something a little more exotic, I love adding za’atar seasoning to cucumbers for a little extra pop. The flavor pairs nicely with Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavors, so I often pair this specific salad with my Greek chicken meatballs or my sweet and spicy Moroccan shrimp. But, you could easily pair it with something basic like panko crusted chicken.
Ingredients & substitutions
- Cucumber – I like to use English cucumber for this recipe because I can leave the skin on and it looks so much prettier, but you can use any type of cucumber you have. Just make sure to remove the seeds to prevent the salad from getting too watery.
- Za’atar seasoning – This is a Middle-Eastern blend of spices that usually includes sesame, sumac, oregano and and thyme. The ingredients may vary, but overall the flavor is really balanced and complex.
- Sesame oil – This enhances the flavor of the sesame that’s already in the za’atar seasoning, so I highly recommend it, but you can skip it if you don’t have any.
Making changes to a recipe can result in recipe failure. Any substitutions listed below are simple changes that I believe will work in this recipe, but results are not guaranteed.
The following is a detailed overview of the recipe steps with added tips and tricks for recipe success. For a simplified and printable version, including ingredient amounts and more formal instructions, see the recipe card below.
How to make this za’atar cucumber salad
Start by slicing the cucumbers length-wise and remove the seeds. I like to use a melon baller to do this, and it creates nice circular pattern. Then, slice the cucumbers into 1/4-inch slices.
Place the cucumbers in a large mixing bowl and add the remaining salad ingredients. Stir to combine and adjust the seasoning with salt & pepper to taste.
That’s it! I told you this recipe was easy.
More side dish recipes: roasted golden beets / Thai noodle salad / wild rice pilaf / crispy potato wedges
Za’atar Cucumber Salad
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cucumbers, seeded and sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon za’atar seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt & pepper
Instructions
- Add salad ingredients to a large mixing bowl. Stir to combine.
- Adjust seasoning to taste with salt & pepper.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Like this? Leave a comment below!
