If anyone knows anything about me it is my love for hummus. However, having hummus everyday (like I do) can quickly become boring for others. Even though there are so many different types of hummus you can make, like this delicious beet and garlic hummus, we all will eventually crave something without chickpeas.
I had some fresh mint leaves laying on the kitchen counter that needed to be used. I have always enjoyed the pairing of cucumbers and mint but wanted to make something other than a salad. So I thought why not a dip? I added some walnuts and spices and voila! The cucumber and mint makes this dip taste refreshing and light and the walnut add some healthy oils to the mix.
I tried to secretly place in our refrigerator but it was soon found by Hubbs who ate half of it. That's OK considering it only took me 5 minutes to make. Now if it had been something I slaved over all day, that would have been another story.
*Scroll to the very bottom to check out some health benefits of cucumbers and walnuts!
Easy Cucumber Walnut Dip
Prep time: 5 minutes
Ingredients:
- ½ Cucumber (peeled)
- 1 cup Walnuts (raw, unsalted)
- 5 fresh Mint Leaves (washed)
- 1 Garlic Clove
- ½ teaspoon dried Oregano
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- ½ teaspoon Paprika
Directions:
- Place all ingredients into a blender or food processor.
- Blend until desired consistency is reached.
- Spread on bread or eat with veggies. Store in refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Notes: 1) Depending on the size of your cucumber you may need to add a few more walnuts.
What makes it so good?
Cucumbers:
- low calorie food, no saturated fat and no cholesterol
- consumption of cucumber helps aid against indigestion and constipation
- great source of potassium, B-carotene, and lutein
- cucumber seeds have anti-inflammatory properties
- contains 95% water
- promotes healthy skin and hair
Walnuts:
- contain high levels of Omega-3 fatty acids which help lower blood pressure and cholesterol making it very beneficial for your cardiovascular system
- Research shows consuming a few walnuts a day can help reduce your risk of breast cancer (American Association of Cancer Research)
- great for vegans, especially during pregnancy, due to healthy vitamin B complex groups such as folates, thymine, riboflavin and more.
- great source of fiber
Easy Cucumber Walnut Dip
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Ingredients
- ½ Cucumber peeled
- 1 cup Walnuts raw, unsalted
- 5 fresh Mint Leaves washed
- 1 Garlic Clove
- ½ teaspoon dried Oregano
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- ½ teaspoon Paprika
Instructions
-
Place all ingredients into a blender or food processor.
-
Blend until desired consistency is reached.
-
Spread on bread or eat with veggies. Store in refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Recipe Notes
1) Depending on the size of your cucumber you may need to add a few more walnuts.
Jo from yummyvege says
I like the idea of a "different" hummus. Definitely one to try.