What’s your favorite summer dish? We all have something that keeps us going in hot summer days. For some of us, it’s just plain water. Others opt for fresh salads. Do you like cucumbers?

Cucumbers are 96% water, and we suggest that you try this incredibly delicious recipe.

But first, let’s go through the benefits provided by cucumbers:

-- Cucumbers are packed with vitamin K, C, magnesium, and potassium. Antioxidants in cucumbers prevent free radical damage and lower the risk of developing cancer, heart disease, lung disease and autoimmune disease.

-- You should eat cucumbers more often as they are low in calories and boost metabolism.

-- Proper hydration optimizes your body functions and reduces the strain on your blood vessels and nervous system.

-- Antioxidants prevent complications in diabetics.

-- Researchers have found that cucumbers enhance digestion.

Sour cream cucumber salad

This is probably the most nutritious summer dish. You can combine it with everything. Even the pickiest eater will love it. We have also included vegan and “healthier versions.

Sour Cream Cucumber Salad

Ingredients:

• ½ cup sour cream
• 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• ½ tbsp honey
• pepper to taste
• 4 medium-sized cucumbers, peeled and sliced
• 1 small sweet onion, sliced and separated into rings

Combine your sour cream, apple cider vinegar, honey and pepper in a big bowl. Add in your veggies, and toss. Let the salad “rest” in your fridge for 4 hours.

Herb version

If you like herbs, feel free to add dill to your salad. All you need is a quarter cup of fresh dill. Add it to the dressing.

Vegan recipe

If you are a vegan, substitute your sour cream with cashews.

Soak 1 ½ cup of cashews overnight. Next morning, blend your drained cashews with 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice, 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar and half a teaspoon of salt.

Coconut milk provides faster results. You need a chilled can of full-fat coconut milk. Skim the cream off the top, and blend a cup of coconut cream with a tablespoon of lemon juice and salt to taste.

Substitute your honey with a tablespoon of coconut sugar.

Low-carb and high-protein recipe

If you don’t like eating too many calories, substitute the sour cream with Greek yogurt. Use sugar-free sweeteners (erythritol and monk fruit).

Sources:
theheartysoul.com