Here’s a delicious and easy cucumber salsa recipe in which you can use all those healthy cucumbers and tomatoes you are growing in your backyard garden. Use with organic chips or cut-up organic veggies such as celery, carrots, etc. Great for a backyard get-together, office lunches, family reunions and summer picnics. Over the holiday season crisp cucumber salsa recipe will not only present beautifully, but will add a delicious and healthy food to your holiday table.
Cucumbers don’t solely hydrate, they provide added elements that your body needs to fortify and regenerate itself. In fact, researchers identified that cucumbers contain Rutin and ascorbic acid oxidase, which function as free radical scavengers, just one mechanistic property that helps to protect against skin damage.
RELATED: 22 Health Benefits of Cucumbers
Crisp Cucumber Salsa Recipe
Yield 2-1/2 cups
INGREDIENT LIST
2 cups finely chopped seeded peeled organic cucumber
1/2 cup finely chopped seeded organic tomato
1/4 cup chopped organic red onion
2 Tbsp minced fresh parsley
1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and chopped
4-1/2 tsp minced fresh cilantro
1 garlic clove, minced or pressed
1/4 c reduced-fat sour cream (can substitute Green Yogurt)
1-1/2 tsp lemon juice
1-1/2 tsp lime juice
1/4 tsp ground cumin
1/4 tsp seasoned Himalayan salt
Optional: Add a can of organic black beans (drained) and/or organic avocado.
DIRECTIONS
When available, use organic ingredients. Thoroughly wash all veggies. In a small bowl, combine the first seven ingredients. In another bowl, combine the sour cream, lemon juice, lime juice, cumin and seasoned salt. Pour over cucumber mixture and toss gently to coat. Serve immediately with veggies or organic chips.
1/4 cup of salsa equals 16 calories
CRISP CUCUMBER SALSA RECIPE HELPFUL TIPS
- Be sure to seed the cucumber. You may end up with watery salad, if you skip this tip.
- To make seeding easy, halve cucumbers lengthwise and use a spoon to scoop out the pulpy centers.
- Crisp Cucumber Salsa is an excellent topping for simple grilled salmon.
- Note: Wear disposable gloves when cutting hot peppers; the oils will burn skin. Avoid touching your face and eyes.
Originally published as Crisp Cucumber Salsa in Simple & Delicious June/July 2010, pg-52
Salsa Photo – Taste of Home
Benefit of Cucumbers – Heart Health
Several studies link eating cucumbers to reduced hypertension. Studies have linked cucumbers with lower blood pressure because they promote vasodiliation (widening of the blood vessels), according to Today’s Dietitian. A 2017 study published in Public Health of Indonesia found that older participants suffering from hypertension saw a significant decrease in blood pressure after drinking cucumber juice for 12 days. Also, a 2009 review in Indian Academy of Clinical Medicine suggests that hypertension sufferers should incorporate cucumbers into their diets because of the fruit’s low sodium content. The vitamin K in cucumbers is essential in the blood-clotting process, according to the Harvard School of Public Health.
RESOURCES & RESEARCH
Phytochemical and therapeutic potential of cucumber. Fitoterapia. 2013 Jan;84:227-36. doi: 10.1016/j.fitote.2012.10.003. Epub 2012 Oct 23.
Katiyar, S., Saify, K., Singh, S, and Rai, M. Botanical study of skin lightening agents. International Journal of Pharmacognosy. 2014; 1(4): 243-249.
Cucurbitacin: ancient compound shedding new light on cancer treatment. ScientificWorldJournal. 2010 Mar 5;10:413-8. doi: 10.1100/tsw.2010.44.
†Results may vary. Information and statements made are for education purposes and are not intended to replace the advice of your doctor. Oasis Advanced Wellness/OAWHealth does not dispense medical advice, prescribe, or diagnose illness. The views and nutritional advice expressed by Oasis Advanced Wellness/OAWHealth are not intended as a substitute for conventional medical service. If you have a severe medical condition or health concern, see your physician of choice.
Loretta Lanphier, NP
Loretta Lanphier is a Traditional Naturopathic Practitioner, Certified Clinical Nutritionist, Holistic Health Practitioner, and Certified Clinical Herbalist. She is the CEO and Founder of Oasis Advanced Wellness in The Woodlands, Texas.
With more than 25 years of experience in natural health and wellness, Loretta has devoted her career to studying and researching natural medicine, whole-body wellness, hormone wellness, healthy aging, clinical nutrition, weight management, herbal remedies, and non-toxic approaches to cancer support. She remains actively involved in researching and developing natural health protocols, educational resources, and products designed to support the body’s remarkable ability to heal and maintain optimal health.
A Stage 3 colon cancer survivor since 2001, Loretta brings a unique and deeply personal perspective to her work. Having experienced the healing journey from both sides, as a patient and a practitioner, she understands the importance of addressing the whole person and root causes rather than focusing solely on individual health concerns and symptoms. Her personal experience continues to inspire her passion for educating and empowering others to take an active role in their health and well-being.
My passion has always been helping others understand what it takes to keep the whole body healthy through natural, non-toxic approaches that support the body’s God-given ability to heal.
Loretta also serves as Chief Wellness Officer for Dr. Edward Group, DC, contributing to natural health education, wellness program development, and research.
Read Loretta’s personal cancer journey: Cancer: The Path to Healing. Loretta is a Contributor and Editor of the worldwide E-newsletter Advanced Health & Wellness.
