Beet and Cucumber Salad
Four people – not one, but four (!) – asked me this week for suggestions on what to do with their garden cucumbers. It’s an item that I would love to grow, but I don’t have enough space. They always get bumped for bell peppers. Anyway, this is a favorite salad of mine and a perfect use for those cucumbers. Although if you have an abundance of them, you might need to make it several times.
Now, for all you beet haters…before you grimace and say something aloud like “blech,” hear me out.
I, too, was once a beet hater. Actually, I think I just hated beets because they were never mentioned in a positive manner. I can’t even recall having tried one until years after college. And by then, I was so brainwashed into thinking beets were a death sentence, I wouldn’t even consider eating one…until one fine day at my girlfriend’s house.
She was having a party for, none other than me, and made this salad. Well, gosh darn heck, it looked so beautiful. And since the party was in my honor, I couldn’t very well disrespect my lovely hostess who had gone to so much trouble, right? I took a teensy-tiny bit on my plate, careful to keep it away from the other foods, so they wouldn’t be tainted.
While nobody was looking, I took a bite, fully prepared to spit it out.
But I didn’t spit it out. Instead, I went back for more. This salad is wonderful. Wonderful, I tell ya! And with the exception of Paul, everyone I have served it to has been pleasantly surprised, as well.
Try it. I dare you.
Print this recipe.
What you talking about? I love cucumbers.
I love beets and cucumbers. This looks delicious
Hubby HATES cucumber, let alone beets. But I love both and will make a smaller portion for myself.
Oh no, we are beet lovers and this is just perfect!!!!Thx for sharing!!
I had a traumatic experience with beets when I was younger that has caused me to avoid them for most of my adult life. But when I see them, I always think that they could be good. Perhaps I will give them a try someday…
Love beets. Love cucumber. Love a good mustard vinaigrette. Will definitely try this.
I actually like beets, but not cucumbers. I guess I’ll eat them (cucumbers) if they’re presented to me, but I don’t seek them out. Beets on the other hand are great. I hated veggies as a kid but would always eat beets. Weird, I know.
I also love this photo. Nice background!
Okay, I am one of your doubters. But I trust you, so I may give it a chance. Looking to get more veggies in my diet anyway.
I love beets, but I had to rediscover them as an adult too.
What a gorgeous presentation!
Don’t know if I like beets. Never had em. My friend Sarah (A Taste of Home Cooking, the girl that got me started blogging) raves about them and I am definitely curious. I just keep forgetting!
Cucumber (yummy)…Gorgonzola Cheese (very yummy)…Balsamic and Dijon Mustard (Yummy)… Beets (sptffft…not so much). You had me right up to the beets. Not a big fan of the red fleshy poison.
Got your back on this one Paul.
How about if I substitute tomatoes instead?
Ok, I have to say…I am NOT a beet lover. I have tried them every which way, even freshly roasted beets – blech.
BUT, BUT, BUT…this salad is SO yummy! I even ask Amy to make it when we visit!
Beautiful photo. Even if I weren’t a recently-converted beet lover, which I am, your styling would make me want to try this salad.
I am a big fan of cucumber and am (slowly) learning to appreciate (not quite loving them yet!) beets. This looks like a lovely salad and it looks so pretty on the plate!
A healthy and delicious salad! I still can’t find balsamic vinegar at my place. But the recipe is definitely a keeper for me. Tks for sharing!
Thanks for sharing. We’re sharing peanut butter ideas and Elvis stories at diningwithdebbie.blogspot.com. I hope you will come join us. Or, join us for Crock Pot Wednesdays. Mister Linky will be ready for that on Tuesday.
I am soo not a beets fan! But I dont mind a few here and there.. Looks like a real good summery salad.
Amy- I have an award for u on my blog. come and claim it. =)
I am growing both (golden and choggia) beets and cukes, because I love them both so much. I tend to use my cukes for sunomono – the fastest salad in the west. Err…east.
Thanks for the visit and niceness at my blog!
I think this salad is great!