Level Up a Simple Dish with Our Spice Blends
A refreshing summer side—big on flavour, low on effort, and made with pantry staples.
Cucumbers are available all year, but summer is when they really shine—crisp, sweet, and extra refreshing. To celebrate their peak season, we’re sharing two takes on a simple cucumber side dish. Both are quick to prep, bursting with flavour, and brought to life by just a few key ingredients.
Each version comes together in minutes and showcases a different seasoning from our collection. Serve it alongside salmon, anything breaded, or on those nights when the main course already took all your energy.
Version 1: All Purpose Plus Cucumber Salad
Flavour profile: Bright, savoury, and lightly nutty with subtle Asian-inspired notes like sesame, Sichuan pepper and star anise.
Ingredients:
1 English cucumber (seedless), or about 6 Persian/mini cucumbers
4-5 radishes, thinly sliced
Salt, to taste
1½ tbsp rice vinegar (or vinegar of choice)
½ tbsp sesame oil
2 tspns All Purpose Plus seasoning, plus 1 tsp for finishing
½ small red onion, thinly sliced
2 tbsp chopped cilantro, plus extra for garnish
Version 2: Vegetable Broth Blend: Celery Bright Cucumber Salad
Flavour profile: Clean, vegetal, and unexpectedly refreshing. This version uses our Vegetable Broth Blend: Celery Bright for a greener, garden-fresh twist.
Ingredients
1 English cucumber (seedless), or about 6 Persian/mini cucumbers
4-5 radishes, thinly sliced
Salt, to taste
2 tbsp rice vinegar (or vinegar of choice)
2 tspns Vegetable Broth Blend: Celery Bright seasoning, plus 1 tsp for finishing
½ small red onion, thinly sliced
2 tbsp chopped celery leaves or parsley, plus extra for garnish
Instructions (for both versions)
1. Prep the Cucumbers
Peel the cucumber in alternating strips and trim the ends—this helps the slices absorb the dressing while keeping their shape. Thinly slice (with a knife or mandolin), then toss with ½ tsp salt. Let drain in a colander over a bowl for 15–30 minutes, stirring once or twice to draw out excess moisture.
2. Make the Dressing
In a bowl, whisk together the vinegar, oil (if using All Purpose Plus), and your seasoning of choice.
3. Tame the Onions
Rinse the sliced red onion under cold water. This softens their sharp bite while preserving crunch and offering a milder, more pleasant flavour.
4. Combine
Give the cucumbers a final toss to remove any remaining moisture. Add them to the bowl with the dressing. Mix in radishes, onions, and herbs (reserving a few leaves for garnish). Toss gently to coat. Taste and adjust the salt if needed.
5. Finish and Serve
Top with the remaining 1 tsp of seasoning for a final flavour boost (we call it the “bonus layer”). Garnish and enjoy! Enjoy!
The Spice Drawer Tip: How to Pick the Best Cucumbers
For crisp, flavourful cucumbers every time, here’s what to look for:
• Colour: Choose cucumbers that are uniformly deep green. Avoid yellow patches—these are signs of over-ripeness.
• Texture: Skip cucumbers that feel soft, wrinkled, or have sunken spots. These are past their prime and may taste sour or lack crunch. You want a texture that is smooth and firm.
Fresh, firm, and vibrant cucumbers make all the difference in a simple dishes like this one!
