Zesty Cucumber Salad 

This vibrant and refreshing Zesty Cucumber Salad is a delightful blend of crisp cucumbers, tangy pickles, and crunchy vegetables, all tossed in a flavorful homemade dressing. It's a perfect side dish for summer gatherings, barbecues, or as a light accompaniment to any meal. The use of pickle brine in the dressing adds a unique twist that enhances the overall taste.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Salad:

• 24 oz bread and butter pickle chips (preferably Mt. Olive brand, with juice)

• 16 oz mini cucumbers, sliced into rings

• 16 oz mini bell peppers, thinly sliced into rings

• 2 pints cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1 bunch green onions, thinly sliced

• 1 handful fresh dill (or 1 tablespoon dried dill) for garnish

For the Dressing:

• 4 cloves garlic, crushed

• 1 ⅓ cups pickle juice (from the jar of pickles)

• 1 tablespoon garlic powder

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

• ¼ teaspoon granulated sugar

• ⅓ cup sunflower oil

• 2½ teaspoons garlic salt

• ½ tablespoon onion flakes

Directions

1. Prepare the Pickles: Strain the pickle juice from the pickle chips and set it aside. Remove any coarse mustard seeds from the pickles and arrange them in a large salad bowl.

2. Add Vegetables: To the bowl, add the sliced mini cucumbers, mini bell peppers, halved cherry tomatoes, and sliced green onions.

3. Make the Dressing: In a separate bowl or large measuring cup, whisk together the crushed garlic, pickle juice, garlic powder, black pepper, sugar, sunflower oil, garlic salt, and onion flakes until well combined.

4. Combine Salad and Dressing: Pour the dressing over the prepared vegetables and toss gently to combine, ensuring all ingredients are evenly coated.

5. Garnish and Serve: Garnish the salad with fresh dill. Serve immediately, or refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 94 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 9 g

• Protein: 2 g

• Fat: 7 g

• Saturated Fat: 1 g

• Polyunsaturated Fat: 1 g

• Monounsaturated Fat: 5 g

• Sodium: 954 mg

• Potassium: 388 mg

• Fiber: 2 g

• Sugar: 5 g

• Vitamin A: 1720 IU

• Vitamin C: 70 mg

• Calcium: 52 mg

• Iron: 1 mg