We are all encouraged to get more vegetables into our diets. One of the easy ways to do this is with salads. Here are two different salad ideas and both feature cucumbers, one of the healthy vegetables we can eat without remorse. For those who like a crunchy salad, this Thai salad is perfect with its combination of cucumbers and peanuts. So give these salads a try as you work to improve your diet.

THAI SPICY CUCUMBER PEANUT SALAD

1 1/2 lbs cucumbers

1 1/2 tsp salt

1/2 cup rice vinegar

1/2 cup water

3 tbsp Splenda granular

1/4 tsp crushed red pepper

2 tbsp minced red onion

1 tbsp chopped dry roasted peanuts without salt

Peel cucumbers and half lengthwise, then slice into thin pieces. Add salt and toss well. Place in colander and drain for 1 hour. Spread cucumbers out on several layers of paper towels and cover with paper towels. Let stand 5 minutes, pressing down occasionally. Rinse and pat dry.

Combine vinegar, water, Splenda, and pepper in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and cook until reduced to about 1/3 cup. This should take about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and cool. Stir in onion. Combine cucumbers with mixture in a medium bowl. Toss cucumbers well to coat. Sprinkle peanuts over cucumbers.

Yield 4 servings.

CUKES AND ONIONS IN SOUR CREAM

3 large cucumbers, washed, peeled, sliced

1 large yellow onion, sliced and separated into rings

1 lb carton of sour cream

1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

fresh ground black pepper to taste

1 packet Splenda

Place the cucumber slices and onion rings in a large bowl. Toss to mix up. In a small bowl, mix vinegar, pepper, Splenda, and sour cream until well blended. Pour this mixture over the cukes and onions; toss to mix until all the veggies are coated. Cover and refrigerate.

Note: Tiny red tomatoes may be added for extra color and flavor.

Enjoy!