Cucumber Chard Salad Recipes

SWISS CHARD SALAD WITH LEMON, PARMESAN & BREAD CRUMBS

Steps:

• Wash and dry the chard and remove the stems from the leaves. (Save stems for another use.) Stack a few of the leaves on top of each other, roll them like a cigar and cut the cigar into thin (1/8-inch) ribbons. Repeat until all the leaves are shredded. Put the leaves into a large salad bowl.
• Warm ¼ cup olive oil in a small, heavy skillet over medium heat. Add the bread crumbs and cook, stirring frequently, until they are crisp and golden brown (about 5 minutes). Be careful not to burn them! Stir in the garlic, a pinch of salt and pepper flakes, and let them toast for another minute, then remove from the heat.
• Zest the lemon into the bowl of chard. Juice the lemon into a small mixing bowl. Add a few generous pinches of salt. Slowly whisk in ¼ cup of the olive oil.
• Add the Parmesan and about ⅔ of the lemon dressing to the bowl. Toss until nicely coated. Taste and add more dressing if you like. Toss in the toasted bread crumbs and serve immediately.

CUCUMBER CHARD SALAD

Steps:

• Add the balsamic vinegar, cucumber, and swiss chard stems to a pot or frying pan with lid. Cook, while stirring, until all the vegetables are coated with the balsamic vinegar and are heated through.
• Add the water and lemon juice, bring to a boil and simmer until the stems are halfway done.
• Add the swiss chard leaves.
• Add the salt and peper, to taste, and continue simmering until done.
• NOTE: If you need more or less time just turn the heat up or down. Simmer at a low heat to keep it warm until the rest of the meal is done if needed. Just make sure to keep stirring it and if needed add more liquid.

CHARRED-CUCUMBER-AND-RADISH SALAD WITH YOGURT

Steps:

• Preheat a charcoal grill, or prepare a fire in a fireplace or fire pit. When the flames subside and the coals or wood turn to red embers, place whole cucumbers and radishes directly on embers and cook, turning a few times, until blackened all over, 6 to 8 minutes. Remove; let cool completely, about 20 minutes.
• Stir together yogurt, oil, and 3/4 teaspoon salt. Dollop 1/4 cup yogurt mixture along one side of each plate. Spread into a half-moon with the back of a spoon; sprinkle with nigella seeds. Toss together watercress, nasturtium leaves, marigold leaves, and cucumber strips; divide evenly among plates, overlapping slightly with yogurt. Cut charred cucumbers on the bias into 1-inch pieces, and quarter radishes lengthwise; divide evenly among plates. Sprinkle with lemon zest; drizzle with juice and oil. Season with salt and garnish with flowers; serve.

CUCUMBER SALAD WITH SOY, GINGER AND GARLIC

Steps:

• Sprinkle the cucumbers with a generous amount of salt and let sit in a colander in the sink for 15 minutes. Rinse and dry on a kitchen towel. Transfer to a salad bowl.
• Whisk together the vinegar, soy sauce, sugar, garlic, ginger, cayenne, and pepper. Whisk in the sesame oil and the sunflower or grapeseed oil. Toss with the cucumbers, scallions, and cilantro. Chill until ready to serve.