📝 Introduction
This cucumber salad is light, crunchy, and tangy with a hint of natural sweetness. Cucumbers are high in water and fiber while being low in calories, making them ideal for weight loss. This recipe also includes metabolism-boosting ingredients like lemon juice and apple cider vinegar, which may help reduce bloating and burn belly fat over time. It’s great as a light dinner or a side dish to a lean protein.
🛒 Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 2 large cucumbers (thinly sliced)
- 1/4 red onion (thinly sliced)
- 1 medium tomato (diced or sliced)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley or cilantro (chopped)
- 1/2 avocado (optional, for healthy fats)
For the Dressing:
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 1 tbsp olive oil (extra virgin)
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup (optional)
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- A pinch of chili flakes (optional, for a fat-burning kick)
👨🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
- Wash the cucumbers, tomato, and herbs.
- Thinly slice the cucumbers and red onion.
- Dice or slice the tomato.
- Chop the parsley or cilantro.
- Optional: Dice half an avocado for creaminess and healthy fats.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
- In a small bowl or jar, mix together apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, honey/maple syrup, salt, pepper, and chili flakes.
- Shake or whisk until combined.
Step 3: Toss the Salad
- In a large mixing bowl, combine all the vegetables and herbs.
- Pour the dressing over the top.
- Toss gently to combine and coat everything evenly.
Step 4: Chill and Serve
- Let the salad sit in the refrigerator for 10–15 minutes for the flavors to blend.
- Serve chilled as your main light dinner or alongside grilled fish or chicken.
🍽️ Method & Tips
- Hydration Boost: Cucumbers are over 90% water, which helps reduce water retention and bloating.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Has been linked to improved metabolism and reduced appetite.
- Lemon Juice: Naturally detoxifying and vitamin C-rich.
- Optional Additions: Add chickpeas or grilled tofu for more protein without heavy calories.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Make a batch in advance—just keep the dressing separate until serving.
✅ Why This Helps With Belly Fat
- Low-Calorie & High Volume: Fills you up without overeating.
- Anti-Bloat Ingredients: Lemon, ACV, and cucumber reduce water retention.
- Fiber-Rich: Helps with digestion and satiety.
- Natural Detox: Supports liver function and digestion, essential for weight loss.