Description
A refreshing Mexican cucumber salad with cucumbers, red onion, bell pepper, jalapeño, and cilantro in a tangy lime-cilantro dressing.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 large cucumbers, preferably Persian or English, thinly sliced
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
- ½ cup fresh lime juice (from about 4–5 limes)
- ¼ cup red wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey (or agave nectar for vegan option)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Optional: ¼ cup crumbled cotija cheese or feta cheese for topping
- Optional: Tajin seasoning for rimming the serving bowl (if desired)
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: Wash and thinly slice the cucumbers, red onion, and red bell pepper. Mince the jalapeño (remove seeds for less heat). Roughly chop the cilantro.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, red wine vinegar, and olive oil. Stir in honey (or agave). Add chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers, red onion, red bell pepper, jalapeño, and cilantro.
- Dress the Salad: Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss gently to coat evenly.
- Chill: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours) to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve: Before serving, toss gently. Sprinkle with cotija or feta cheese (optional). For a fun presentation, rim the serving bowl with Tajin seasoning. Serve chilled.
Notes
- Cucumber Choice: Persian or English cucumbers are preferred due to their thin skins and fewer seeds. If using regular cucumbers, consider peeling them partially or completely.
- Onion Mellowing: If red onions are too strong, soak the slices in ice water for 10-15 minutes before adding to the salad.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of jalapeño to your spice preference. Wear gloves when handling jalapeños.
- Herb Substitution: If you don’t like cilantro, substitute with flat-leaf parsley.
- Sweetness: Adjust the amount of honey (or agave) to your liking.
- Flavor Enhancement: Experiment with other spices like smoked paprika or cayenne pepper.
- Additions: Consider adding diced avocado, grilled corn, or black beans.
- Protein: Add grilled shrimp or shredded chicken for a complete meal.
- Vegan Option: Use agave nectar or maple syrup instead of honey.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes