Cold Cucumber Sesame Citrus Noodles
Summer is in full swing, and what better way to beat the heat than with a refreshing and light cucumber noodle salad? Bursting with flavors, this dish is perfect for those lazy evenings when you want a meal that's both delicious and hassle-free. With crisp cucumber noodles, a zesty lemony kick, and a hint of savory sweetness, this recipe is a winner. Let's dive in and create this cool cucumber noodle salad that's bound to become a seasonal favorite!
With Summer still in full swing, this refreshing salad packs some important nutritional punches.
Cucumbers are known for their high water content, making them incredibly hydrating, especially during the hot summer months. They’re also a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin K, vitamin C, potassium, and magnesium.
Chicken (though optional in this recipe) adds a great source of protein to the dish and adds a satiating element. It also provides important vitamins and minerals, including B vitamins like niacin and vitamin B6, which play roles in metabolism and immune function.
Garlic is renowned for its potential health benefits, including immune system support, heart health, and its anti-inflammatory properties. It contains compounds like allicin that contribute to its medicinal properties.
Lemons are rich in vitamin C, an antioxidant that supports the immune system, aids in wound healing, and promotes healthy skin. Lemon zest contains essential oils that can add a burst of flavor and potential health benefits.
Tamari or soy sauce can provide a savory umami flavor to the dish. However, they are also sources of sodium, so moderation is key, especially for individuals watching their sodium intake.
Overall, the Cool Cucumber Noodle Salad offers a combination of hydrating and nutrient-rich ingredients. It provides vitamins, minerals, healthy fats, and protein, making it a refreshing and satisfying choice, especially during hot weather.
Here’s a rundown of the lovely vendors you can source from to create this recipe!
Bee2Bee provides beekeeping services and hyper local Houston honey. They sell batches of honey separated by the neighborhoods the hives are located in, as well as infusions, and beehive products.
Wood Duck is an 87-acre farm, located in Cleveland, Texas. They have a thriving CSA program and have been providing healthy produce to the community for years. Wood Duck is actually in the process of fighting a proposed landfill in San Jacinto County, visit this website to learn more about how you can help!
Plant it Forward works with independent, professional farmers with refugee backgrounds to grow and distribute fresh produce throughout the community. At our market locations, we work with farmer Materanya “Pierre” Ruchinagiza, who is originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo. Each market he brings delicious vegetables and good conversation. He’s an amazing asset to the markets and his farming knowledge is invaluable!
Animal Farm is a working, sustainable permaculture center located 65 miles west of Houston. They are dedicated to producing high-quality certified organic vegetables and flowers. They sell at our markets, but also have a wonderful CSA program!
Verde Greens located in Houston, Texas, uses a combination of hydroponic and no-till soil cultivation methods to produce healthy, nutritious, pesticide- and herbicide-free leafy greens, herbs, and mixed vegetables for the community.
Sweetwater Farms HTX is a family-owned, urban farm located in Houston, Texas. They are 7 minutes from the loop in the middle of a food desert. It sits on 6 acres of land and is primarily used to teach inner city youth about agriculture through its partnership with TWEF. We grow some of the freshest seasonal veggies! Farm visits are reservation are only!
Synergos is a thriving healthy farm community, synergistically growing food, allowing all things to grow naturally. Located in Santa Fe, Texas, Synergos focuses on regenerative practices that support healthy soil, plants, and animals.
Share the love! Don’t forget to share photos and tag the vendors who provided the ingredients! One of the best ways to support these local, small businesses is by spreading the word and sharing your market finds with friends and family. And of course, if you stop by the Rice Village or Heights Mercantile markets striking up conversations with the vendors will always have you walking away with wonderful recipe ideas.
Ingredients
* indicates item purchased at the farmers market
*1 cucumber
*2 green onions
*1 packet rice noodles
*1 cooked chicken thigh or breast (optional)
1 clove garlic, grated
1 lemon, zested and juiced
3 Tbsp sesame oil
2 Tbsp tamari or soy sauce
*1.5 Tbsp honey
Black pepper to taste
Method
Cook the rice noodles per the packet instructions. Take care to not overcook the noodle and quickly rinse with cold water after straining to prevent the noodles from sticking together.
Prepared your cucumbers and green onions
To make the sauce, add the grated garlic, lemon juice, sesame oil, tamari (or soy sauce), honey, and a lot of black pepper to a small bowl and mix until well combined
Shred your chosen chicken meat
Combine the cucumber, green onions, noodles, and chicken in a large bowl. Add the sauce and toss in the salad
We hope to see you at the 1st & 3rd Sunday at Rice Village Farmers Market or 2nd & 4th Sunday at Heights Mercantile Farmers Market. Both markets run from 9-1 pm, with Heights located at 714 Yale St. and Rice located at 2504 Amherst St. These markets operate rain or shine! We will have over 60 vendors, live music, and immaculate vibes.
Thank you for following along and supporting local!
xxCB