If you’re looking for a super easy, refreshing, and healthy salad, then this Viral Cucumber Salad in a Jar is for you! The best part? It’s an awesome way to eat an entire cucumber in one sitting so simple, and SO good! The idea is to slice a large English cucumber very thin, toss it with some yummy toppings, and shake it all up in a jar. It’s the perfect meal prep option because you can make it ahead and have it ready to grab and go. Plus, it’s packed with protein from the Greek yogurt and smoked salmon, making it both tasty and filling. I tried it, and now I’m craving it again! Let’s dive into how you can make it too.
Method
Prepare the Ingredients
To begin, you’ll want to slice your English cucumber as thinly as possible using a mandolin slicer. This is important because thin slices allow the cucumber to absorb all the delicious dressing, making each bite flavorful. If you don’t have a mandolin slicer, you can carefully use a knife, but be sure to slice the cucumber as thinly as you can. After slicing the cucumber, move on to the red onion. Slice the onion thinly as well, so it doesn’t overpower the other flavors but still gives the salad that zesty kick. Next, take your smoked salmon and chop it into small pieces. The smoked salmon adds a savory, protein-packed component to the salad, making it more filling.
Assemble the Salad in the Jar
Now that your ingredients are prepped, it’s time to layer everything into your large jar. Start by adding the thin cucumber slices into the jar. Follow this with the sliced red onion and chopped smoked salmon. The layering doesn’t have to be perfect, but you’ll want to pack everything in tightly enough that the ingredients mix well when you shake the jar. However, don’t pack it too tightly, or it will be hard to shake the salad and coat everything in the dressing.
Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the toasted sesame oil, Greek yogurt, rice vinegar, and Everything But the Bagel seasoning. The sesame oil gives the dressing a rich, nutty flavor, while the Greek yogurt adds creaminess. If the yogurt is a bit thick, add 2-3 tablespoons of water to loosen it up to your desired consistency. Whisk everything together until the dressing is smooth and well combined. Once it’s ready, pour the dressing into the jar over the cucumber, onion, and smoked salmon. The dressing will begin to coat everything nicely.
Shake and Enjoy
Now for the fun part! Close the jar tightly with the lid and shake it well to make sure all the ingredients are coated in the dressing. The more you shake, the more the flavors will meld together, creating a delicious combination of tastes. After shaking, let the salad sit for a couple of minutes. This allows the dressing to soak into the cucumbers and other ingredients, making the salad even more flavorful. Now, your salad is ready to enjoy! The best part is that the salad gets better the longer it sits, as the flavors continue to develop.
Necessary Tools
- Mandolin slicer (for the thin cucumber slices)
- Large jar (for shaking up the salad)
- Knife (for slicing the onion and chopping the smoked salmon)
- Measuring spoons
- Spoon (for mixing the dressing)
Viral Cucumber Salad in a Jar
Cuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy2
servings10
minutes10
minutesIngredients
1 large English cucumber, sliced very thin
1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
1/2 cup smoked salmon, chopped finely
2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (add 2-3 tablespoons water if your yogurt is thick)
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 tablespoon Everything But the Bagel seasoning
Directions
- Prepare the Ingredients
Start by slicing the cucumber very thin using a mandolin slicer this helps to get the perfect, even slices that soak up all the dressing. If you don’t have a mandolin slicer, you can just use a knife, but be careful to slice it as thin as possible! Next, slice the red onion thinly and chop the smoked salmon into small pieces. - Assemble the Salad in the Jar
Take a large jar and add the cucumber slices, sliced onion, and smoked salmon into it. You want to pack everything tightly but not too tightly that it can’t shake well later. - Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, mix together the toasted sesame oil, Greek yogurt, rice vinegar, and Everything But the Bagel seasoning. If the yogurt is too thick, add a little water to thin it out to your liking. Once everything is mixed, pour the dressing into the jar with the veggies and salmon. - Shake and Enjoy
Close the jar tightly, and shake it well so that everything is coated in the creamy dressing. Let it sit for a couple of minutes to allow the flavors to mix, and then your salad is ready to enjoy! It’s so simple, and the best part is that the more it sits, the better it tastes as the veggies soak up all the dressing!
Notes
- When using the mandolin slicer, be careful! It’s super sharp, so always use the safety guard or slice slowly to avoid any accidents.
- Make sure the cucumber slices are very thin so they can absorb the dressing properly.
- If you like your salad a little less salty, you can reduce the amount of Everything But the Bagel seasoning to your taste.
- Since this salad gets better as it sits, it’s perfect for meal prep, but make sure to store it in a sealed jar to keep it fresh for up to 3 days.
Serving Suggestions
- Eat on its own: This salad is perfect as a light lunch or snack.
- Serve as a side: It makes a great side dish to any meal, especially grilled chicken or fish.
- Pair with crackers: For a little extra crunch, serve with your favorite crackers on the side.
- Add a protein: Want it to be even more filling? Add some grilled chicken, tofu, or shrimp for an extra protein boost.
Fun Fact
Did you know that cucumbers are made up of about 95% water? This makes them incredibly hydrating and refreshing perfect for a hot day or after a workout. Not only are they low in calories, but cucumbers are also packed with antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties. So, not only does this salad taste amazing, but it’s also great for your skin and overall health!
Conclusion
This Viral Cucumber Salad in a Jar is the perfect quick meal or snack, and it’s so easy to make! With smoked salmon, Greek yogurt, and a touch of Everything But the Bagel seasoning, this salad is bursting with flavor and protein. It’s light, refreshing, and super satisfying, making it an awesome addition to your meal prep routine or a simple, healthy snack. Give it a try, and let me know how you like it!
