Ah, the perfect balance of “I’m being healthy” and “I deserve a treat.” This cucumber and lemon salad is a delicate way to pretend you’re making good choices. It’s crisp, tangy, and totally convincing—until you hit the mocha mousse parfait. Rich, decadent, and unapologetically indulgent, it’s what happens when you finally give in to those dessert cravings after being “good.” Together, they create a delightful culinary contradiction that will have your taste buds confused but satisfied. Because why settle for one course when you can effortlessly juggle both?
Cucumber and Lemon Salad with Mocha Mousse Parfaits
This dish combines a refreshing cucumber and lemon salad with a creamy, rich mocha mousse parfait for the ultimate flavor clash.
Ingredients
For the Cucumber and Lemon Salad:
- 2 cucumbers thinly sliced
- 1 lemon juiced and zested
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh dill chopped (optional)
For the Mocha Mousse Parfaits:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup strong brewed coffee chilled
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ounces dark chocolate melted
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup whipped cream for garnish
Instructions
For the Cucumber and Lemon Salad:
- In a bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers with lemon juice and zest.
- Drizzle with olive oil and toss gently.
- Season with salt, pepper, and fresh dill if using.
- Chill for 10 minutes before serving.
For the Mocha Mousse Parfaits:
- In a saucepan, heat the cream and sugar over low heat until the sugar dissolves.
- Stir in the brewed coffee and cocoa powder.
- Remove from heat, add the melted dark chocolate, and whisk until smooth.
- Let the mixture cool, then fold in vanilla extract.
- Spoon into serving glasses and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Top with whipped cream before serving.
Notes
Nutritional Values (Per Serving)
Calories: 260Total Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 4g
Vitamins and Minerals (Per Serving)
- Vitamin A: 6%
- Vitamin C: 12%
- Calcium: 4%
- Iron: 8%
- Potassium: 7%
Additional Notes/Tips
- If you’re feeling indulgent, add a few crushed nuts on top of the mousse for texture.
- The salad can be made ahead of time for a quicker serving—just don’t let it sit too long.
- For an extra zing, sprinkle some crumbled feta or goat cheese on top of the salad
