As the picnics, parties, and family get-togethers begin this summer, its always good to add a new recipe to the collection.  I don’t know about you, but it seems like each year, I either bring or get asked to bring the same recipe over and over.  I am sure I could make my pasta salad recipe in my sleep, but sometimes its nice to have something different.  This cucumber, onion and cayenne recipe is great for putting together quickly – literally taking just 5 minutes to prepare the night before, and it’s ready to go the next day.

My Dad and I have been making this recipe for years.  I actually call him every spring just to make sure that I have the ingredients ‘just right’.  I even called him this week – not for tradition’s sake, but because I honestly need the reminder for the exact amount required for each ingredient, since I am more of a ‘throw it together’ and ‘see how it tastes’ type of cook.   Dad doesn’t know it , but I replace the mayonnaise for greek yogurt to make it a little healthier.   And yes, he still loves it!!!

Cucumber, Onion and Cayenne Salad

INGREDIENTS: 

1 LARGE cucumber

1 LARGE sweet onion

1/4 cup red wine vinegar

1 single serving container of greek yogurt (original recipe calls for 1/4 cup of mayonnaise)

8 oz sour cream

1/4-1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper powder

INSTRUCTIONS: 

1. Peel and slice your cucumber – I usually cut the cucumber lengthwise and end up with ‘half-moon’ slices for easy eating.

2. Slice onion into slivers

3. In a small bowl, combine vinegar, yogurt, sour cream and cayenne pepper.

4. Pour over cucumber and onion mixture.

5. Refrigerate for a few hours for the flavors to meld  (I prefer to make it the night before when time allows)

***If you taste test this recipes right after you make it and you think you need to add more cayenne pepper — be aware!!! The cayenne pepper will get stronger as the flavors blend.   There have been many times that I have added extra – only to find out the next day that only a brave few could tolerate the heat.

Enjoy!

Mary and Jim

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