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Moroccan Feggous Salad with Oregano

This refreshing Moroccan salad highlights feggous, the Armenian cucumber, known for its crisp texture and mild flavor. Traditionally enjoyed in the summer months, this dish is a cooling complement to heavier meals, offering a balance of sweetness and acidity. The addition of orange juice and orange blossom water introduces a delicate floral note, enhancing the salad’s bright and aromatic profile. If Armenian cucumbers are unavailable, Lebanese or English cucumbers serve as excellent substitutes due to their tender skin and fewer seeds. Simple yet elegant, this salad is perfect for warm-weather dining and can be served as a light appetizer or a palate-cleansing side dish.

Palate Cleanser | Starter | Moroccan | Dairy-Free | Egg-Free | Gluten-Free | Halal | Kosher | Nut-Free | Shellfish-Free | Soy-Free | Vegan | Vegetarian | Vegetable Salad | Bowl | Grater | Armenian Cucumber | Orange Juice | Oregano | White Wine Vinegar | Chopping | Marinating | Mixing | No-Cook | Summer | Under 1 Hour
Time to complete

Prep

10min

Cook

0 minutes

Wait

30min

Total

40min

Ingredients (Makes 4 servings)
  • 1 lb (450 g) Armenian cucumber, slightly scraped with a knife; discard seeds if too large
  • ¼ tsp (1 g) salt
  • 1 tsp (4 g) sugar
  • 1½ tbsp (22 ml) white vinegar
  • 1 tsp (1 g) dried oregano or wild thyme
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) freshly squeezed orange juice (optional)
  • ½ tsp (2 ml) orange blossom water (optional)
Nutrition Information (per 100g)
  • Calories: 18
  • Fat: 0.1
  • Protein: 0.7
  • Carbohydrates: 4.2
  • Fiber: 0.5
Directions

Preparing the Cucumber

  • 1. Grate the Armenian cucumber either finely or coarsely, depending on preference.

Mixing the Salad

  • 2. In a bowl, combine the grated cucumber with salt, sugar, vinegar, and oregano. If using, add the orange juice and orange blossom water for extra flavor.

Chilling and Serving

  • 3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Serve in small bowls or deep plates. For a more liquid consistency, add extra orange juice before serving.

Storage

  • 4. The salad keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
Cookix's Secrets

Alternative Cooking Method

  • For a different texture, dice the cucumber instead of grating it.

Alternative Ingredients

  • Use apple cider vinegar instead of white vinegar for a fruitier tang.

Bold Flavor Enhancements

  • Add finely chopped fresh mint or cilantro for an herbal lift.

Flavor Balance

  • Adjust the sugar and vinegar to taste, depending on the sweetness of the orange juice.

Healthier Variation

  • Replace sugar with honey or omit it entirely for a more natural sweetness.

Ingredient Selection

  • Choose firm, fresh Armenian cucumbers for the best texture. If unavailable, opt for Lebanese or English cucumbers.

Seasonal Tweaks

  • Substitute orange juice with lemon juice for a sharper acidity.

Serving Suggestions

  • Pair with grilled meats or rich Moroccan tagines for a refreshing contrast.