Eating Healthy Without Being Wealthy - Cucumber Yogurt Salad Dressing

Similar to Mediterranean Cucumber Salad, but spicier, this dressing is a delicious and inexpensive healthy alternative to commercial dressings.  Low in both fat and calories, it’s great on salads, tomatoes, steamed vegetables, or baked potatoes.

 Ingredients

• 2 medium cucumbers - peeled and seeds removed (organic not necessary)
• 1 cup low fat organic yogurt
• 2 cloves crushed garlic
• 1/4 cup fresh chopped parsley
• 1/4 tsp salt, or to taste
• dash of cayenne or other hot pepper, or to taste

Grate the cucumber.  Squeeze out some of the liquid and set aside.  Mix the yogurt with the cucumber, and add the rest of the ingredients.  If the dressing seems too thick, you can add back some of the cucumber juice.

Variations - add 1 tsp of Dijon mustard.  Substitute dill or mint for the parsley.  Can also be used as a dip.

The Skinny on Cucumbers

Historians have found evidence of cucumbers in Western Asia over 3,000 years ago.  A natural diuretic and rich in fiber, cucumbers contain vitamins and minerals that contribute to the following health benefits:

• Lower blood pressure
• improved complexion
• can be used topically to hydrate skin and soothe skin irritations

Nutritional Profile

(provided by Wholefoods)

So, this summer, be cool as a cucumber, and enjoy all those fresh picked cukes and other vegetables!

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