Black Pepper Free Ginger Cucumber Spears
Cool, crisp, and punchy with brightness, these cucumber spears are a refreshing snack or side that comes together with almost no effort. The dressing leans on freshly grated ginger and lemon juice to deliver a bold, zesty kick that proves you never needed black pepper to make something exciting. Ground turmeric adds a warm, earthy undertone and a gorgeous golden hue, while a drizzle of olive oil ties everything together into a light, cohesive coating. A short 15-minute rest at room temperature is all it takes for the spears to soak up that ginger-forward marinade — no cooking required. If you want a little heat without reaching for the pepper grinder, the optional pinch of cayenne does the job beautifully. Fresh cilantro or parsley scattered over the top adds a pop of color and herbal freshness right before serving. It's the kind of simple, vibrant dish that disappears fast at the table.
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Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
- 2 large english cucumbers
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, finely grated
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice (from about 1 lemon)
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ tsp fine sea salt
- ¼ tsp ground turmeric
- 1 pinch cayenne pepper (optional)
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro or flat-leaf parsley, roughly chopped (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Trim the ends from the cucumbers and cut each in half crosswise, then cut each half into 6–8 spears by halving lengthwise and cutting each half into thirds or quarters, depending on the cucumber's diameter.
- 2
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the grated ginger, lemon juice, olive oil, sea salt, and turmeric until combined.
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