Let’s start with a salad that’s pretending to be healthy. The cucumber and roasted pepper combo—light, fresh, and “good for you” in that way we all tell ourselves it is. But, surprise! Just when you thought it was safe to feel smug, the coffee sorbet enters. Cold, caffeinated, and far from your typical healthy treat, it’s a sugar-packed, refreshing punch that says, “Yes, you’ve earned it.” This isn’t your ordinary salad and dessert duo; it’s a bold mix of flavors that will make you rethink every “clean eating” decision you’ve ever made.
Cucumber and Roasted Pepper Salad with Coffee Sorbet
This dish features a refreshing cucumber and roasted pepper salad paired with a surprising coffee sorbet that makes you question everything.
Ingredients
For the Cucumber and Roasted Pepper Salad:
- 2 cucumbers sliced
- 2 red peppers roasted and sliced
- 1/4 cup red onion finely sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Coffee Sorbet:
- 2 cups brewed strong coffee chilled
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
For the Cucumber and Roasted Pepper Salad:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Roast the red peppers on a baking sheet for 20 minutes until charred.
- Allow the peppers to cool, peel off the skins, and slice them.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cucumbers, roasted peppers, red onion, and basil.
- Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, tossing gently.
- Season with salt and pepper, then refrigerate until serving.
For the Coffee Sorbet:
- In a saucepan, combine sugar and water over medium heat until sugar dissolves.
- Add chilled coffee, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Stir well.
- Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn for 20 minutes or until frozen.
- Serve immediately or freeze for later.
Notes
Nutritional Values (Per Serving)
Calories: 220Total Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 0.5g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 3g
Vitamins and Minerals (Per Serving)
- Vitamin A: 12%
- Vitamin C: 18%
- Calcium: 6%
- Iron: 4%
- Potassium: 8%
Additional Notes/Tips
- To make the sorbet even more indulgent, add a splash of coffee liqueur.
- For a creamier texture, substitute part of the water in the sorbet with coconut milk.
- If you’re feeling fancy, garnish the salad with some crumbled feta or goat cheese.
- The sorbet can be made ahead and kept in the freezer. Just don’t wait too long to eat it.
