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Cucumber and Bean Salad

Cucumber and Bean Salad

Cucumber and Bean Salad is one of those quintessential summer foods. It’s comforting, protein-rich, and easy to put together quickly with pantry ingredients.

This salad is dressed with a sweet and sour dressing made with fresh lime or lemon juice, oil, maple syrup or honey, and seasonings.

Beans and Cucumbers

Beans are a subgroup of vegetables, called legumes. Did you know that all beans are considered a legume, but not all legumes are considered beans?

Beans have unique nutritional benefits and are rich in fibre and protein and low in fat. Beans are similar to meat in nutrients, but with lower iron levels and no saturated fats. Great article about beans: “Why Beans Are Good for Your Health”.

Cucumbers are popular long green garden vegetables. Technically, they’re fruits from the same family as watermelons and pumpkins. A cucumber’s nutritional benefits are ideal for healthy eating, because they are low in calorie and contain many hydrating properties and valuable nutrients.

Cucumber and Bean Salad

How to make this Recipe:

  1. Whisk dressing

    In a small bowl, whisk all salad dressing ingredients until smooth.

  2. Combine

    In a large bowl, combine cucumber, beans, red onion, parsley, and green onion.

  3. Toss and enjoy

    Toss to combine, then pour in the salad dressing. Toss again until everything is lightly coated in dressing.

Common Questions

Can I make cucumber and bean salad ahead of time?

Yes! It actually tastes better after a few hours as the flavors meld together. Store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Can I add protein to this salad?

Yes! You can add grilled chicken, shrimp, feta cheese, or tofu for extra protein.

Can I make this salad spicy?

Absolutely! Add chopped jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce to give it some heat.

What’s the best way to serve cucumber and bean salad?

It can be served as a side dish, a light main course, or even as a filling for wraps and pita bread.

More Salad Recipes you will Enjoy!

If you try this recipe and like it, please leave your feedback in the comment section below, and don’t forget to rate it! Please also share it with your friends and family.

Finally, please FOLLOW “She Wants To Be Good” on FACEBOOK and INSTAGRAM for all of my latest blog posts and recipes.

Cucumber and Bean Salad

Easy and delicious classic Cucumber Bean Salad. It’s made with cucumber, beans, red onion, parsley, green onion, a few simple spices, and a delicious tangy dressing.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Course Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 1 English cucumber, unpeeled (sliced into quarters)
  • 1 15 ounce can black beans (no salt added, rinsed and drained)
  • 1 15 ounce can cannellini beans (no salt added, rinsed and drained)
  • ½ cup red onion (chopped)
  • cup green onion (thinly sliced)
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley (chopped)

Salad Dressing:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime or lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
  • teaspoon cayenne pepper (or to taste)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • In a small bowl, whisk all salad dressing ingredients until smooth.
  • In a large bowl, combine cucumber, beans, red onion, parsley, and green onion. Toss to combine, then pour in the salad dressing. Toss again until everything is lightly coated in dressing.
  • This salad keeps well, covered and refrigerated, for about 2 – 3 days.
Keyword bean salad, beans, cucumber bean salad, cucumber salad

Hi! I’m Irina. Here you’ll find healthy and healthy-ish recipes.

Zucchini Corn Fritters

Zucchini Corn Fritters

Zucchini Corn Fritters are crispy little cakes of corn and shredded zucchini. These fritters are the perfect excuse to use up the extra zucchini you have in your garden.

Squash, zucchini, and corn

Squash and zucchini are healthy vegetables that can be eaten raw or cooked. They are a good source of vitamins and minerals and provide many health benefits. Read more about health benefits of the zucchini: “Health Benefits of Zucchini

By the end of summer anyone with a garden has more zucchini than they know what to do with. This easy and delicious recipe is one of the best ways to use up extra zucchini.

Corn also offers several health benefits due to its nutrient composition. Read more about health benefits of the corn: “Health Benefits of Corn”.

Zucchini Corn Fritters

How to make this Recipe:

  1. Combine all ingredients

    Place zucchini in a bowl. Sprinkle grated zucchini with 1 teaspoon salt and let stand for about 10 minutes, then squeeze out as much liquid as you can. Discard drained liquid. Combine all ingredients (except oil) with remaining salt and stir until just combined.

  2. Heat olive oil and add scoops of the mixture

    In a large skillet, heat olive oil on medium-high heat. Once the oil starts to sizzle, add scoops of about 1/4 cup of the zucchini corn mixture. Once in the pan, flatten the dollops out slightly, pressing very gently.

  3. Cook

    Cook for 3-4 minutes until the first side has browned, then flip and cook on the other side until browned.

  4. Remove and enjoy

    Once browned, remove the fritters on a paper towel lined plate to drain oil before serving.

Zucchini Corn Fritters: Frequently Asked Questions

What dipping sauces go well with them?

Great dipping sauces include:
– Sour cream or Greek yogurt
– Garlic aioli
– Spicy sriracha mayo
– Sweet chili sauce

What can I serve with Zucchini Corn Fritters?

They pair well with:
– A fresh salad
– Grilled meats or fish
– Poached or fried eggs for breakfast
– Guacamole or hummus

How do I store and reheat fritters?

Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Use an oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes or a skillet to keep them crispy.

Can I freeze fritters?

Yes! Place cooked fritters in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat in an oven or air fryer.

Zucchini Corn Fritters

More Side Recipes you will Enjoy!

If you try this recipe and like it, please leave your feedback in the comment section below, and don’t forget to rate it! Please also share it with your friends and family.

Finally, please FOLLOW “She Wants To Be Good” on FACEBOOK and INSTAGRAM for all of my latest blog posts and recipes.

Zucchini Corn Fritters

If you like your fritters crispy on the outside and moist on the inside, then you’re going to love these Zucchini Corn Fritters! Serve them as an appetizer or side dish.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 16 minutes
Total Time 31 minutes
Course Appetizer, Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 5

Ingredients
  

  • 1 ½ cups fresh corn (from about 2 ears of corn)
  • 2 medium zucchini (or one green zucchini and one yellow squash) (grated)
  • 2 eggs
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup cheddar cheese (shredded)
  • 1 jalapeno (seeded, diced)
  • 2 teaspoons salt (divided)
  • ¼ teaspoons black pepper
  • Olive oil to sauté

Instructions
 

  • Place zucchini in a bowl. Sprinkle grated zucchini with 1 teaspoon salt and let stand for about 10 minutes, then squeeze out as much liquid as you can. Discard drained liquid.
  • Combine all ingredients (except oil) with remaining salt and stir until just combined.
  • In a large skillet, heat olive oil on medium-high heat.
  • Once the oil starts to sizzle, add scoops of about 1/4 cup of the zucchini corn mixture. Once in the pan, flatten the dollops out slightly, pressing very gently.
  • Cook for 3-4 minutes until the first side has browned, then flip and cook on the other side until browned.
  • Once browned, remove the fritters on a paper towel lined plate to drain oil before serving.
Keyword corn, corn fritters, fritters, zucchini corn fritters, zucchini fritters

Hi! I’m Irina. Here you’ll find healthy and healthy-ish recipes.

Healthier Brownies

Healthier Brownies

These Healthier Brownies have the combination of chocolatey flavor, various textures, and the joy of indulgence. This recipe is relatively simple to make, requiring only a few basic ingredients and minimal preparation. They are rich and chocolatey, and they make the perfect healthy treat!

If you love brownies but wish they weren’t so bad for you? Why not make healthier chocolate brownies? Traditional brownies can be quite high in calories due to their high sugar and fat content. This recipe has a lower caloric density, allowing you to enjoy a treat without consuming excessive calories.

Sometimes, you just need some chocolate and there is nothing better than a nice chocolate brownie. This recipe makes just one 8×8-inch pan, but they are so good you may want more. If so, feel free to double the recipe and bake in a 9×13-inch pan.

Healthier Brownies

How to make this Recipe:

  1. Prepare baking dish

    Preheat the oven to 350˚F, and line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.

  2. Mix brownie batter

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, maple syrup, applesauce, egg, and vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, fully combine the whole wheat flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix to combine into a dark, smooth brownie batter. Finally, fold in the chocolate chips. Transfer the brownie batter to the lined baking dish and smooth it out evenly. Top with more chocolate chips.

  3. Bake and enjoy

    Bake for 30-35 minutes until the brownies are puffed up and fluffy. Remove, let cool for about 30 minutes, slice, and serve.

Healthier Brownies: Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between brownies and cake?

The primary difference is the texture. Brownies are denser, fudgier, and chewier compared to cake, which is lighter and fluffier. Brownies have a higher fat-to-flour ratio, resulting in a richer texture.

How do I cut brownies cleanly?

– Let them cool completely before cutting.
– Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean after each cut.
– Chilling brownies before cutting makes them firmer and neater.

What’s the best way to store brownies?

Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

Can I freeze brownies?

Yes! Allow them to cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. They last up to 3 months in the freezer. Thaw at room temperature or warm slightly before eating.

Healthier Brownies

More Dessert Recipes you will Enjoy!

If you try this recipe and like it, please leave your feedback in the comment section below, and don’t forget to rate it! Please also share it with your friends and family.

Finally, please FOLLOW “She Wants To Be Good” on FACEBOOK and INSTAGRAM for all of my latest blog posts and recipes.

Healthier Brownies

These Healthier Brownies are low fat, low sugar, and whole grain. They are rich, chocolatey, and make the perfect healthy treat! Treat you don’t have to feel guilty about.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 6

Ingredients
  

  • ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 3 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ cup applesauce (unsweetened)
  • 1 egg
  • cup whole wheat flour
  • ¼ cup cocoa powder (unsweetened)
  • ¼ teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon baking powder
  • teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup dark chocolate chips (plus more for topping)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 350˚F, and line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, maple syrup, applesauce, egg, and vanilla extract.
  • In a separate bowl, fully combine the whole wheat flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
  • Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix to combine into a dark, smooth brownie batter. Finally, fold in the chocolate chips.
  • Transfer the brownie batter to the lined baking dish and smooth it out evenly. Top with more chocolate chips.
  • Bake for 30-35 minutes until the brownies are puffed up and fluffy. Remove, let cool for about 30 minutes, slice, and serve.
Keyword brownies, chocolate, chocolate bites, healthier brownies

Hi! I’m Irina. Here you’ll find healthy and healthy-ish recipes.