15-Minute Marinated Cucumber Salad

If you’re looking for a fast, refreshing dish that’s as versatile as it is delicious, this Marinated Cucumber Salad is perfect. With just a handful of ingredients—including crisp cucumbers, tangy rice vinegar, red onions, and a touch of Dijon mustard—this salad comes together quickly and the onion marinates in just 15 minutes!

The result? A bright, zesty crunch that works as a cool side dish, a crunchy topping for sandwiches, or even a light topping for salads. Whether you're prepping a quick weeknight meal or looking for the perfect finishing touch to your favorite dishes, this easy cucumber salad delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Very tasty!! 

Quick & Refreshing: 15-Minute Marinated Cucumber Salad

Ingredients: 

• 4 tablespoons of rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon of dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons of water
• 1 individualized package of stevia (or any sweetener to taste)
• 1/2 cup of sliced red onions 
• 2 cups of thinly sliced cucumber (peeled if not organic)
• 1/2 cup of grated carrot
• 1 tablespoon of freshly chopped dill 

Directions: 

Whisk together the rice vinegar, dijon mustard, stevia, and salt and pepper to taste in a small bowl. Add the sliced onion to the marinade in another small bowl, and allow it to marinate for 15 minutes until the onion turn bright pinkish. 

While the onions are marinating, combine the sliced cucumber, grated carrot, and chopped dill in a medium sized bowl. 

After 15 minutes of marinating the onions, add the onions and the marinade to the cucumber mixture. Mix well and serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator covered. 

Don't feel like making cucumber salad. The marinade tastes great on any salad as a quick salad dressing.

Cucumbers. Are they good for you? Better than you might have thought. 

Cucumbers are an underrated powerhouse when it comes to nutrition and health benefits. 

1. Hydration Boost 💧

Cucumbers are about 96% water, making them an excellent way to stay hydrated, especially in hot weather. Proper hydration supports digestion, skin health, and overall bodily functions.

2. Supports Digestion 🌿

The fiber in cucumbers, especially in the skin, promotes healthy digestion and prevents constipation. They also contain pectin, a type of soluble fiber that helps keep your gut bacteria happy.

3. Helps with Weight Loss 🏃

Low in calories but high in water and fiber, cucumbers help you feel full without adding extra calories. You can snack on them guilt-free and use them for dips!

4. Good for Skin & Hair ✨

Cucumbers contain antioxidants such as vitamin C and beta-carotene, which help fight free radicals and promote youthful skin. Their high water content also keeps skin hydrated, reducing dryness and irritation.

5. Supports Heart Health ❤️

Cucumbers contain potassium, which may help regulate blood pressure, The antioxidants in cucumbers also fight inflammation and oxidative stress.

6. Helps Control Blood Sugar 🍽️

 Cucumbers have a low glycemic index and fiber content which does not raise blood sugar. 

7. Fights Inflammation & Detoxifies 🥒

Cucumbers have flavonoids and tannins, which help reduce inflammation in the body. Their high water content also aids in flushing out toxins.

8. Freshens Breath 😁

Did you know that placing a slice of cucumber on the roof of your mouth for 30 seconds can help kill odor-causing bacteria, giving you fresher breath naturally.

9. Strengthens Bones 🦴

Cucumbers contain vitamin K, which is essential for bone health and helps improve calcium absorption.

10. Versatile & Delicious 🍽️

Cucumbers can be eaten raw, added to salads, blended into smoothies, or even pickled. They’re refreshing, crunchy, and easy to incorporate into your diet!

Bottom Line:

Cucumbers are low in calories but high in nutrients, hydration, and health benefits. Cucumbers are readily available, easy to make, and tasty. Do you eat cucumbers often? Are you thinking of adding them to your diet?

All my recipes have always been gluten-free and vegetarian. since 2021 they are vegan, gluten-free and oil-free.

Disclaimer: I am not a medical doctor and not trying to treat or diagnose disease. Always consult your medical doctor if you need medical advice and before making any changes in your diet. 

Creamy Vegetable Kale Soup: Nourish and Rejuvenate

There’s nothing quite like a bowl of homemade soup to bring warmth and nourishment to your day, and this Creamy Vegetable Kale Soup is the perfect blend of hearty and healthy. Packed with creamy potatoes, sweet carrots, flavorful broth, and vibrant kale, this dish is both satisfying and nutrient-dense plant-based soup. 

Weight Watchers Friendly Sauces

I’ve found that having low-calorie, flavorful sauces, toppings, and dressings on hand is a game-changer for staying on track with my weight loss following Weight Watchers.  

Plain steamed veggies or a simple baked potato instantly become more exciting with the right homemade healthy low calorie dressing or topping which helps make eating simple foods feel less like a chore. 

 The other day, I went out to a Chinese restaurant and ordered plain steamed broccoli, steamed bok choy, and steamed tofu— without any of their  sauces- just plain - and boring. 

Instead, I brought a small individualized container of my homemade low calorie peanut sauce (made with PB2, a no-fat peanut butter powder), and dipped my vegetables in it. It made all the difference. It was delicious, satisfying, and totally kept me on weight loss plan! ( I did it partially because I am dieting and partially because of my celiac concerns).

Regardless, my low calorie homemade sauce upped the game for me to make it a tastier meal without the added calories. 

I also use this sauce with rice noodle vegetable wraps and it is delicious. 

This recipe makes a small amount. Multiply the PB2, Hoisin sauce, and tamari sauce times 3 to make more sauce (add a little more water as needed) I estimate- the recipe is 2 points on WW. 

Recipe for Low Calorie Peanut Sauce : 

2 tablespoons of gluten-free peanut butter powder (PB2)

1 tablespoon of gluten-free hoisin sauce

2 tablespoons water 

1 small individualized package of stevia (1/2 teaspoon) 

1 tablespoon of tamari sauce (or GF soy sauce)

Directions: 

Mix all of the ingredients together forming a pasty sauce. If too thick, add another tablespoon of water. Use on steamed vegetables.

Try some other sauces 

Spicy Orange Sauce  (link to the recipe)

Cilantro Lime Oil-Free Dressing (link to recipe)

Fresh and Flavorful: Carrot-Ginger Dressing For Cabbage Slaw

OMG!!I am beyond excited to share this incredibly tasty dressing that completely transformed my cabbage slaw! It’s bright, zesty, and packed with fresh flavors. I simply shredded red and white cabbage, tossed it with a luscious carrot-ginger dressing, and finished it off with a generous sprinkle of freshly chopped mint.

And let me tell you—it tastes heavenly.

I love salads, but sometimes the usual dressings get a little… well, boring. This one? Total game-changer. It’s vibrant, refreshing, and adds the perfect kick to wake up your taste buds.

Versatile & Delicious

This dressing isn't just for slaw! I can totally see it drizzled over steamed veggies, mixed into a fresh tossed salad, or even used in wraps. I was inspired by a similar flavor that I’ve had at Chinese restaurants on their salad and decided to make my own—and wow, it did not disappoint.

Plant-Based Eating . Is It For You?

Being vegan for me is more than just a way of eating—it’s a lifestyle rooted in awareness, health, and compassion. For me, it’s about making choices that nourish my body while also being thoughtful to the rest of the planet and all who live on it.  

That’s why I love sharing plant-based recipes, hoping to inspire others to explore healthier, more intentional ways of eating. But I often wonder—does this resonate with you? Have you ever tried one of my recipes or thought about including more plant-based foods into your diet, even if you’re not vegan?

IN MY KITCHEN - MARCH 2025

I'm in my Florida condo for the winter season. I cook about 4 nights a week, and we eat out about 3 nights a week. It seems to be the way everyone socializes (and puts on weight). Of course the weather is warm, so it makes it easy to be out and about and even walk to some of the restaurants.   

I'm joining Sherry and other bloggers for In My Kitchen monthly blog share hosted by Sherry's Pickings where any blogger can join in! 

This is what has been going on in my kitchen this past month.