I wanted a really refreshing salad to go with Alex’s lasagna. I had seen this salad over at Poor Girl Eats Well and was instantly hooked. There is something about cucumbers in the summer that instantly perks any dish up. And I love using peaches in savory presentations. Speaking of the peaches, Alex actually was responsible for all of the peach chopping; she used those wonderful Curious Chef Nylon Knives.
So speaking of Alex growing up… I met the mom of one of Alex’s classmates from last year, a little boy. She told me he had the biggest crush on Alex last year! What!?!? My baby!?!? I was certain that Alex was oblivious, but I asked her if she and the little boy ever played at recess much. She said no, not really. After some time had passed (I was not going to tell her he had a crush on her!) I asked her if kids in her class this year or last ever talk about having crushes on each other. Her reaction was so priceless I wish I could have been videoing it. Her nose scrunched up in horror and her voice rose the way it does when she is appalled or outraged, and she said “No!! That is GROSS!!!!!”
Hooray!!
I then squeezed her senseless, laughing, in a big hug, which she definitely had no idea why she was receiving and insisted I was squishing her to death. She can grow up and cook us lasagna and chop peaches for salads, but I am in no way ready for her to grow up and have crushes on boys.
Adapted from Poor Girl Eats Well
- 3 medium cucumbers, peeled if the skin is thick and sliced into rounds
- 4 medium peaches, cut into chunks (ours were small so I used more)
- 1 small red onion, very thinly sliced
- 2 T extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 c cider vinegar
- 1 T water
- 1 T agave syrup, or to taste
- 1 T finely chopped sweet basil
- 1 T finely chopped fresh mint
- Pinch of salt
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Place the onion slices in a bowl with cold water to calm the onion fumes down. Set aside for 10 minutes while you prep the other veggies.
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Whisk together the water, oil, vinegar, agave and salt. Add the chopped herbs and whisk. Taste for more agave, salt or even vinegar.
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Place the cucumbers and peaches together in a large bowl. Drain the onion slices and add them. Then toss everything with the dressing.
Ooh – I love peaches in dishes like this. Looks wonderful, and nice chopping, Alex! (side note: commentluv still isn’t working her for me, btw)
So frustrating! Based on the messages I tend to get am wondering how strong your internet is? Mine can be kind of wonky (hello living in the boonies) and sometimes I think that could also be the problem.
Our internet is pretty strong here, so I’m not sure that’s it. I’ll bug Dino about it sometime – he’s just been swamped lately so I didn’t want to bug him about it quite yet haha.
That salad looks great. I don’t have agave — any suggestions perhaps for a sub?
And, looking forward to soaking the onions and seeing how that helps to make them a bit less strong.
I like onions but sometimes too strong (for cutting and eating, ha). Today I was cutting some onions (Vidalias), and wearing those goofy onion goggles and my eyes were still burning. I need a sous chef.
Thanks for posting.
I used goggles too lol. And generally am not a fan of raw onions. Repeated soakings can help if you are really sensitive, and maybe even adding some vinegar to the soaking water, which I have yet to try.
As for a sub, you could use simple syrup, straight sugar or golden syrup. You could also use honey or maple syrup, although both of those will change the flavor profile slightly.
She is really turning into a little chef! I definitely could use this to pair with some of the heavier pasta dishes at our family functions.
Given Alex’s reaction…it’s probably better that the boy kept his feelings a secret. 😛
This salad looks fantastic! I love the combination of cukes and peaches, and it sounds like the perfect accompaniment to Alex’s salad – great job!!
Just waiting for the peaches to ripen…….. Thanks for the suggestions on the subs for the agave.
So great that your DD is getting into cooking and baking. Love seeing her excitement.
Salad looks great — did your kids eat it too/like it?
thanks
What a delicious looking salad! I have so many peaches at home that my friends picked up for me, they would be amazing in this salad so I am going to make this tomorrow.
Awesome–let me know how you like it!
Omg, this cucumber-peach salad is divine! I love the flavors you combined here. How cute that your Alex helped make this one. Good idea to start them young in the kitchen. It will pay off big in the end when they grow older. Thanks for the recipe, Laura. Don’t worry, no matter how old they are, they’ll always be your babies 🙂
This recipe is wonderful! So easy and tasty, it was a hit at dinner this evening. It was a nice addition to a lobster dinner. I cut the mint and basil from our garden and I had everything else in the cupboard for the dressing. Thank you!
Yay! Thanks for letting me know!
very impressive, Alex! this looks so fresh and tasty!