Pipinna Sambola (Cucumber Salad)

This cucumber salad is a staple dish in my household. I am not sure why it is so satisfying, but I’m inclined to think it’s its simplicity. The few ingredients of this salad combine to create a cool, refreshing mix of flavors. When I used to watch my mother prepare this, I noticed that she made a special effort to very thinly slice the cucumber. This does make a difference to the taste, texture, and flavor. The cucumber nicely absorbs the lime dressing and delicately complements rice and a variety of curries (especially meat curries with robust flavors).  

While you can prep and chop the ingredients ahead of time, it is best to add the dressing just prior to serving, so the vegetables maintain their crunch. Getting the right balance of lime and salt is what makes this salad so tasty, especially since this recipe requires an ample amount of both. The generous amount of lime juice complements and equalizes the extra salt.