Crazy Cool Cucumber Salad

As it gets cooler it seems that the last thing many of us want to have is a refreshing and chilled salad.  I completely understand this from living in the northern USA and England for such a long time.  Now that I am in Florida, it seems as if summer is one long season.

But, I have to say that this recipe (although a cold one) is one of the most refreshing things going.  Recently I was in the kitchen and was desperate for a good side dish that was refreshing.  The main meal was very heavy, so the last thing that I wanted to pair it with was a sinker of a side dish.

I took a look at what I had in the refrigerator and bam!  Here comes the cucumbers!

Let’s go shopping!

*Two large cucumbers

*2 Red or Yellow Sweet Peppers (medium to large)

*1/2 Large Sweet Vadalia Onion

*1/2-1 Cup Vinegar

*4-5 Teaspoons of Sweetener or Sugar (to your own taste)

*Fresh Ground Sea Salt and Black Pepper (to taste)

Ok, let’s start.

First cut the cucumbers width ways into thin discs (or throw into the slice function of a food processor…takes two seconds).  Then mince the onion and peppers (again, mince function of food processor takes two seconds).  Add all of this to a large bowl and mix in the vinegar, sweetener (or sugar if you prefer) and a bit of salt and pepper.  Taste and adjust to fit your own taste.  Personally I like it to be a bit on the sweet and sour side, so the above quantities achieve that beautifully.

Then cover the bowl with plastic wrap and pop into the refrigerator for at least two hours, stirring here and there.  When you are ready to serve, all of the vegetables will be completely marinated.  Use a slotted spoon to drain excess liquid off before serving.  I suggest pairing this side dish with a heavy main dish.  It is light and delightful and will not fill you up.  A word of warning though, add the vinegar slowly and continue tasting – it is hard to turn back after you put too much in!